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Small Town Garden

DESIGNER: Andy Sturgeon

The clients wanted an outdoor room that is an extension of the conservatory, continuing some design feature (be it planting or colour) from inside to outside. A water feature appropriate for a young child was requested. Some sort of focal point at the back of the garden, lighting, an area for entertaining, a space for the children to play and a bike store were also important. Concrete, decking or railway sleepers were not required.

The solution was to reduce the rectangular feel by spiralling the paving and using small units so the eye is led into the garden and around, and it appears much bigger than it really is. By introducing changes in level this feeling is further enhanced. The boundary was blurred between inside and outside by raising the paving up almost level with the floor inside and by using pale/light paving and wall finishes. The colour of the kitchen units was picked up in some of the planting to further link the whole thing together.

'Garden Before'

The area immediately outside the doors can be used to sit and get the morning sun whilst the main seating area is in the sun and shade at different times of day. The curved wall around the seating area serves as occasional seating for entertaining, as do the steps in the paving.

'Garden After'

The rendered walls add height to the garden and along with the water feature provide a dramatic focal point. The bike store is built into the back of the walls and a child's swing is also tucked away round the back. The planting provides structure year round as well of plenty of seasonal interest.