Larger Projects

Single storey house in East Hendred, Oxfordshire.

Having recently downsized and moved into their new single storey house, the clients found that even though the garden was approximately 100 square metres in size, the paved area was too small to entertain and there was entirely too much grass for their liking. The brief in fact explicitly called for there to be 'not one blade of grass that needed cutting'!

The couple have a grandson for whom they had brought with them a two-storey playhouse (complete with slide and swings) that he loved. For their own pleasure there was to be a hot tub which would need protection from the elements and something more interesting to look out on than just the playhouse and shed.

The playhouse when fully constructed neatly spanned the space between the 3 x 3 metre shed and the southern boundary fence. Covering the ground in the play area with playbark was a no-brainer. It would mean peace of mind for now and if he outgrows the swings, easy to repurpose the area for other pastimes. The size of the patio area in front of the double doors was to be increased 100% and a decking area of similar proportions installed to serve as a bare-foot friendly base for the hot tub. An open-sided lean-to gazebo would provide protection and gravel would neatly fill the space between the extended patio and shed.

Sleepers clearly marked out the different areas and gave the area some structure. After consultation it was agreed to plant out the space in front of the decking with ornamental grasses and to fill the area to the side with a water feature, a cobbled path and sympathetic planting. The water feature would provide a focal point whether sitting in the tub, on the patio or approaching the garden from the side of the house.

The addition of a bridge to provide some extra interest and a means of crossing the gravel without kicking stones everywhere proved extremely effective and great fun for little feet to sprint over. The water feature, a partially hollowed out limestone sphere that weighs around 150kg was surprisingly easy to get into position on its resevoir. Acers and ferns complimented the cool stone and would thrive during the summer months under the cover of a mature apple tree the other side of the fence.