The front garden of this period Edwardian property in Acton, west London, was a large expanse of concrete hard standing, and overgrown planting. The aim of the garden design was to create a garden that combined space for off-street parking for one car, architectural soft landscaping as well as a spot in which to sit and enjoy the garden. The style of the new garden had to be sympathetic to the house and it was important that the end result was more contemporary front garden than everyday driveway. Additional screening to the neigbouring boundary wall was a key requirement, as was the need to keep an existing cherry tree.
In order to comply with drainage regulations for front driveways, a decorative shingle was used on a permeable base. Other hard landscaping materials were chosen to complement the materials of the house, namely bricks, black limestone pavers and granite setts in mixed colours. A stepping stone footpath leads to the front door and gives a garden feel to the parking bay when not in use. Contemporary cedar trellising was installed for screening, while a granite bench provides a sociable place to sit and enjoy the afternoon sun.