The pool frame was already present from the previous owners and the client was keen to keep this, but they were open to all other design ideas. The pool is relatively small and there was an opportunity to develop a water feature to improve the aesthetics out from the house.
To the South (right) and West (bottom) was a busy road but beyond this is a rolling landscape. The challenge was to reduce the impact of the noise whilst not completely blocking views of the fields. In response to this, it was decided that all relaxing areas should be away from these boundaries and there are deep borders to allow for trees and large shrubs. The trees would be small to mid sized so as not to block the views from the house or upper levels of the garden.
To the Northern (top left) boundary, the inclination of the land continued, meaning that the property felt overlooked - hence the inclusion of a series of large trees (Carpinus betulus) for privacy and to reduce noise.
In terms of the overall flow, the lower lawn leads out from the kitchen, meaning children can play while the adults keep an eye on them whilst indoors. The eating area is on the upper terrace. Due to this being quite far from the house in terms of carrying items for meal times, it was important to make this area as self sufficient as possible, hence the inclusion of an outdoor kitchen. It was decided to locate the eating/entertainment area here as the lower terraces by the house would be in the shade in the late afternoon and evening when this space is most likely to be used. Furthermore, being a young family, having an eating area near a lawn was important for children and adults to relax in harmony.
The greenhouse is a statement feature which will be clearly visible from the house while the fire pit area is positioned to capture evening sun through the summer, as well as enabling the clients to take advantage of those views.
Overall the clients, who were not experienced gardeners, were delighted with the design and plan to start the work as soon as the house has been completed.