Alex’s garden had a substantial change in level, with the upper section effectively an unused area. The opportunity was to turn this difficult part of the garden into somewhere the family would actually want to spend time.
This wasn’t simply a case of laying a new patio.
The sloping site required significant structural and retaining work to create a safe, practical level area. Existing stone walls and steps also formed part of the character of the garden, so the new work needed to sit comfortably alongside them rather than making everything feel newly built.
We created a large level terrace using warm, mixed-tone natural stone paving, giving the family enough space for a substantial dining table, seating and entertaining.
Heavy-duty timber retaining was constructed around the upper level to hold back the surrounding ground and create the structure needed for the new terrace.
Rather than removing the existing stonework, we retained it wherever possible. The original stone walls and steps now provide a strong contrast with the new paving and help retain some of the garden’s established character.
Drainage was incorporated across the terrace to manage surface water on what is naturally a challenging sloping site.
The next stage is to soften the structural landscaping with planting around the perimeter of the terrace.
The planting image shown is an AI-generated visualisation of how the space could look once future planting is established; it is not a photograph of completed planting.
The intention is for layered planting to soften the retaining structure, frame the terrace and make the upper level feel enclosed and inviting without losing the open views.
- Major groundworks and level changes
- Structural retaining works
- Large natural stone terrace
- Existing stonework retained
- Integrated drainage
- Dedicated dining and socialising area
- Future planting scheme planned
- Previously unusable upper garden transformed into usable living space
The Result
What was previously a difficult, largely unusable sloping section of garden has become a substantial outdoor living area. It’s now a defined destination within the garden – somewhere designed for family meals, drinks with friends or simply sitting outside and enjoying the space. The project is also a good example of how thoughtful structural landscaping can unlock parts of a garden that initially appear difficult to use.
