Brief
After the final set of works on this large family home near Wandsworth Common were complete, it was time to address the garden. An outdoor entertaining space and large family garden were part of the brief. Our clients wanted to have a large beautiful lawn as well as dedicated play areas for the children – including having a trampoline and a tree house in the garden. But it was important that the play area did not dominate as our client wanted the garden to be sophisticated too. And the large Eucalyptus also had to stay.
Solution
With these elements in mind, we made the large lawn the central feature of the garden and framed it with a combination of beautiful contemporary trellising and raised planted beds.
To incorporate the play area, but also retain the view of a calm expanse of lawn from the house, we planted a screen of bamboo at the rear of the garden behind which the trampoline and tree house were installed. Instead of using real lawn, we laid artificial turf under the trampoline. This means there is no muddying and scuffing, as would be the case if it were real lawn, when the children play near the trampoline.
To provide a space for entertaining, we built a paved area close to the house and laid it with porcelain tiles to match the interior floor. We constructed a pergola out of a hardwood that matched the trellising. The built-in barbecue and fireplace provide perfect entertaining kudos – especially in the cooler weather with a roaring fire creating cosy ambience and more importantly, warming the area.
Other elements such as the floating deck beneath the Eucalyptus tree, well placed plants and remote control lighting all contribute to a calm, sophisticated view from the kitchen.
Outcome
The garden has been transformed into a piece of tranquil in this south London area. It has perfectly combined modern family living with uncluttered calm that is also perfectly designed to entertain.
GAllery
