The Woodland Edge Garden
Designed and built for a newly constructed contemporary home, this project transformed a blank canvas into a series of beautifully connected outdoor spaces that feel like a natural extension of the house. Every element was carefully considered to balance family life, entertaining and relaxation, while strengthening the relationship between the architecture and the surrounding landscape.
The garden was designed around a number of distinct destinations, including generous dining and lounging terraces, a fire pit area, outdoor kitchen, an expansive lawn for children to play, and discreetly integrated features such as a hot tub, trampoline and swings. Strong structural planting provides year-round interest and privacy, while carefully framed views allow the garden to blend seamlessly into the woodland setting beyond.
A property also includes a rooftop terrace. Built using lightweight construction techniques, it combines porcelain paving, bespoke GRP planters and integrated seating to create a private retreat above the garden. The planting softens the contemporary architecture while providing an intimate space to relax throughout the day.
Throughout the garden, a refined palette of limestone paving, Corten steel detailing and timber creates warmth and continuity. Bespoke features, including a Corten log store, architectural screening and custom planters, were all carefully crafted to complement the clean contemporary lines of the house, while an extensive planting scheme of trees, grasses and perennials ensures the garden will continue to mature beautifully over time.
Delivering the project required close coordination with the ongoing construction of the house, alongside careful consideration of planning constraints associated with the neighbouring common. A sensitive lighting strategy was developed to comply with dark skies requirements while still creating an inviting atmosphere after sunset, and specialist construction methods were used across the roof terrace to satisfy structural loading requirements.
The completed garden successfully combines contemporary design with practical family living. Every space has a clear purpose, yet the garden flows effortlessly from one area to the next, creating a landscape that feels elegant, welcoming and perfectly connected to both the home and its woodland surroundings.
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