Three main requirements informed the restrained design for this contemporary family garden. The first was consideration of the view through the new glass walled extension and transition from the orderly and elegant, architect designed space within. The second was plenty of unhindered play space and the third was interesting planting areas for the owner – a keen horticulturalist.

The geometry is aligned with the studio to the rear of the garden and celebrates a row of magnificent existing mature box standards as the focal point. These are framed in a wooden pergola, painted to match the windows. A simple wooden swing, partially hidden in the corner is both enchanting and fun.

The staggered lawn adds movement and is set into crisp cut York stone paving and a York stone ‘parquet’ path, which dog legs to the family studio to the rear.

Photographs by Matthew Gilbert.