Grey & White Garden

This large, sloping rear garden was a complete blank canvas apart from an old summerhouse and a combination of dilapidated timber decking and concrete slabs. The clients wanted to create a contemporary space featuring a new, enlarged deck area for partying and entertaining, along with a second sun terrace to capture the best of the afternoon sun further down the garden. The old timber summerhouse was removed to make way for a more contemporary pod for hanging out. A minimalist palette of greys and whites was required for new hard landscaping and garden features in order to give the garden a holiday-type vibe and provide cohesion with the client's existing garden furniture.

As the garden sloped from left to right and from top to bottom steps and raised beds were designed to take advantage of the changes in ground levels creating easier-to-use level areas. The garden was divided into functional zones with a stepping stone path providing a practical transition from the party deck to the lower sun terrace. A high quality, grey composite deck board was chosen for its on-brief colour, and its slip resistant- and low-maintenance qualities. For paved areas and steps, a dark grey porcelain tile continued the monochrome design palette. A contemporary white pergola with a louvered roof completed the look.

Planting into raised timber sleeper beds and standalone borders helped to break up the large expanse of lawn while the dominance of the boundary fencing was reduced by planting a combination of mixed shrubs and evergreen hedging. Views out to the paddock beyond were left open and the mature oak trees were retained and underplanted with informal ground-covering plants. The new contemporary pod has its own mini terrace providing a third space for the family to sit and enjoy the garden.