This project was a blank canvas - the house was only a year or so old and there is a good sized, fairly square back garden. The owners were building a modern glass extension onto the back of the house, with large sliding doors which open up the space even more.

They wanted to use the space for a variety of things - a place to relax, somewhere to dine out & entertain, and at least half the garden left as lawn for child's play. They were also keen to extend the feeling of the inside space and link it to the outside. The interior design includes dark polished flooring and a sleek pale coloured gloss kitchen, and the owners described the 'boutique hotel' style as a huge influence in their design approach.

Lastly they wanted to include quite a few mature trees to create a screen and a bit more privacy from the overloking house, as well as bring some instant maturity to the garden.

So the design includes two black basalt terraces - the first leads directly from the new extension and is an informal place to unwind after work or quietly read. A step off this terrace leads via a pale gravel path and a low rendered block planter to the second larger terrace. This is a more sociable space with enough room for 8 people to dine and is backed by a white rendered wall (which can be used for additional seating) and structural planting adds interest and depth beyond that.