A project with entertaining and recreational activities at its heart, this garden at just over 2.5 acres is set on chalk soil and gently slopes 4m across the plot. Understanding the strong relationship between architecture and landscape the design includes alterations to the existing facade and introduces a new conservatory and balcony taking benefits of the views across the countryside. With a series of stepped terraces the design zones the spaces into dining, intimate sitting areas, sunken hot tub deck (redesign of existing) and larger entertaining ‘party’ areas with bespoke sitting and an integrated fireplace as a focal point.

Planting utilises structural clipped hedges in contrast with natural perennial planting, providing interest all year round. A natural swimming pond with wrap around decking and open air changing/showering facilities increase opportunities for people to engage with site and surrounding nature.

The main design elements focus on:

Connection: Connecting people to people and nature together in a contemporary and modernist style across the house and garden to create a cohesive and confident identity.

Function: Following the principle of form follows function, a simple multi-level sequence of spaces that link the house with function specific outdoor spaces that in turn connect and flow into the extended garden and wider landscape.

Structure, Geometry & Materiality: Structure being utilised through clipped hedges, hard landscaping and pergolas, contrasted with loose and natural planting. Special attention to clean horizontal and vertical lines combined with elegant curves that add asymmetry and softness to the design, celebrating the truth of selected materials; limestone, clay pavers, concrete and larch that are allowed to age naturally and gain patina over time.

Diversity: Multiple opportunities for various activities for different numbers of people each providing different atmospheres, to include private and cocooning areas for relaxing in small groups to open areas fit for socialising and entertaining larger numbers with site specific views.

Biodiversity: Consideration to increasing biodiversity through plant guilds and meadow grass: picked to be in balance within the categories of attractors, fixers, mulchers, accumulators, suppressors and repellants, all of which providing a more resilient planting scheme that will lower the overall maintenance required.