Landscape Brief

One of the main aims of the clients with the project was to create a safe and relaxing garden for them to enjoy! The existing concrete paving provided a suitable surface for driving on however did not give them any private space and was starting to look tired. As with all split level houses, the changes in level had resulted in steep slopes and potential fall risk. The landscape design aimed to firstly create a garden safe for them and the kids to enjoy, and secondly creating a private garden space for them to enjoy! The design uses a number of paving bands to direct and separate traffic through the gardens. The lower level now contains an enclosed separate garden which allows kids to play within a safe space!

The construction of the gardens began with the removal of the existing concrete paving to start from a blank canvas. The project uses a combination of  silver granite throughout the paving, steps and kerbs. The mixture of silver granite and glass balustrade combine to create a high quality contemporary finish. All the materials used within the design were chosen to compliment the colours of the house.

The project also included a lighting scheme using bollards, spike and ground lights. The bollards are positioned to spread light at ground level over the planting and direct visitors to the front door. The ground and spike lights have been used to highlight planting and entrance features. The lighting scheme helps to transform the space at evening and creates a subtle guide through the driveway and garden space.

Project Elements

The complex project was taken from design through to completion by Brackley involving the following:

  • A 3D landscape model to detail the works to be completed and level changes within the project.
  • Excavation and remodelling the land form to create a level lawn area and sloped planting beds.
  • Drainage of all soft and hard landscaped areas
  • Laying of silver granite paving and driveway kerbs
  • Extensive lighting design including bollards, up-lighters and spike lights
  • Preparing, draining and seeding lawns
  • A complete tree and shrub planting scheme to all areas around the garden
  • Entrance piers and paving band
  • Boundary fencing and hedging
  • Original Site

    The site on first visit with existing concrete block paving to both levels

  • The Existing Entrance

    The front door entrance and unfinished retaining wall

  • Lower Level

    Concrete paving to the lower level provided a driveway and patio area with no private space

  • Landscape Design

    A 3D design was completed to create visitor spaces and a private garden area!

  • Construction of Entrance

    Fitting the silver granite plinth & caps to the new entrance piers!

  • Retaining Walls

    Retaining wall edge increased, silver granite caps fitted & now awaiting new steel railings!

  • Lower Level

    Creating the new private garden at the lower level outside the patio doors, with individual lawn and patio spaces!

  • Progress

    The gardens are really starting to come together with the basic outlines complete!

  • Planting Progress

    Within the private garden space, the turf lawn and hedging start to reveal the finished look!

  • Complete Entrance

    A view back to the entrance piers and gates!

  • Project Complete!

    A view of the complete private garden space at the lower split level, with surrounding driveway to the garage!

  • No Risks!

    Dangerous steps and fall risks removed and replaced with planting beds!

  • New Lawns

    A view of the new open lawns and boundary fencing, with bollard lighting to provide lighting at night!

  • New Railings

    New bespoke steel railings to all edges with a potential risk of falling!

  • Lighting!

    The bollard and house lighting provide such a transformation at night!

  • 6 months on!

    A revisit to the gardens to check on planting and lawn progress!