John Gilbert

This town garden involved substantial excavation in order to make the basement lightwell large enough for secluded outdoor use – breakfast or mid-morning coffee at a cafe-style table, for example.

Further al fresco dining is possible on the next level which is itself about 75cm lower than the main body of the garden. An additional design challenge was to reconcile the access from the rear door of the house with this changed level.

As a result of this landscaping more light was allowed in through the newly upgraded patio doors. The paving is of Indian sandstone and the bricks are London stocks, carefully chosen to match the house. The planting was carried out by the client who is a keen gardener.

This urban garden was designed specifically for relaxing and gently entertaining friends. The sandstone circle and the paths which approach it mean that the garden is accessible and inviting all year round. The high density of planting, however, prevents the hard surfaces dominating the main view of the space which is from a first- floor room. The planting itself is designed to provide colour and foliage interest throughout the year. The table and chairs are made of teak and there is a second, bistro-style set of metal table and chairs tucked away in the far corner.