This project involved transforming an outdated and uneven urban garden into a clean, contemporary outdoor living space with a strong architectural focus. The existing garden lacked structure and had several impractical level changes that made the space feel disconnected. The homeowners wanted a modern, low-maintenance garden that flowed elegantly from their newly renovated interior and created clear, usable zones for relaxation, socialising and day-to-day enjoyment.
The redesign centred around rationalising the levels, introducing premium materials and enhancing the sense of space through thoughtful planting and structural elements. Although compact, the garden already had excellent bones, including mature boundary trees and generous natural light.
The original outdoor space suffered from worn surfaces, tired planting and an awkward split between the upper and lower levels. The materials lacked cohesion. The homeowners wanted a garden that delivered a contemporary finish but also felt warm, inviting and aligned with the modern aesthetic of their home’s interior.
Key challenges included:
We began by re-engineering the split-level layout to create a smooth, modern transition from the house into the garden. The upper level was rebuilt using high-quality composite decking in a warm timber tone, immediately creating a welcoming terrace that complements the interior flooring. Wide, contemporary steps connect down to a sunken porcelain patio, forming an intimate and sheltered lower space ideal for outdoor seating or dining.
The porcelain chosen has a dramatic, stone-inspired finish that gives the lower terrace a luxurious feel while remaining practical and easy to maintain. We framed both levels with crisp, charcoal-coloured retaining walls to introduce strong architectural lines and hold the overall structure firmly in place.
To add greenery and texture, we installed raised planters around the upper terrace and along the boundaries. These are filled with evergreen architectural planting that offers depth, movement and year-round coverage. Large specimens, including a mature multi-stem shrub, were incorporated into raised positions to create height variation and visual impact.
A bespoke timber privacy screen wraps the perimeter, providing warmth and softening the hardscape while ensuring the space feels secluded. A contemporary pergola and green backdrop feature add vertical dimension and create a striking focal point at the far end of the garden.
Together, these elements transform the once tired garden into a modern outdoor room with a cohesive identity.
The finished garden is a polished, contemporary environment that feels significantly larger and far more usable than before. The combination of composite decking, premium porcelain paving and strong architectural planting creates a balanced and refined aesthetic.
Project Highlights:
The result is a considered and beautifully executed urban garden that brings together modern design, robust materials and elegant planting. It now offers the homeowners a welcoming outdoor retreat that looks impressive from every angle, especially when viewed through the large sliding doors of the house.
Your dream garden is only a conversation away. Whether you’re looking for a complete redesign or a single feature to elevate your outdoor space, Adam Harris and his team are here to help.
