Set at the back of a narrowing property in the heart of Hackney, this walled garden presented a number of challenges.

The end-of-terrace home had originally been an access drive to a rear car park, leaving a space that was difficult to access, offset from the house, and entirely covered by a thick concrete slab. Combined with tall white walls and a south-facing aspect, the garden became uncomfortably hot in summer and felt more like a yard than a usable outdoor space.

Despite these limitations, the site had great potential to become a green, welcoming garden. Much of the original concrete was retained, with existing porcelain slabs lifted and reused within the scheme. Raised beds were introduced to balance the height of the surrounding walls, with the internal concrete broken to allow drainage below. In some areas, the slab was removed entirely to allow for tiered, in-ground planting that draws you from the house into the garden.

Inspired by the clients’ holidays in Ibiza, the brief was to create a space that felt sociable yet family-friendly. A generous outdoor kitchen with a bar was combined with built-in lounge seating, creating a relaxed but practical setting for everyday use and entertaining. A bespoke metal pergola was installed over the dining area to define the space and provide much-needed shade. Evergreen climbers were planted along the walls, and carefully placed trees add height, shelter and atmosphere. The planting scheme is predominantly evergreen, with seasonal highlights to bring colour and seasonality to the garden.

The result is a relaxed, versatile outdoor space that works equally well for entertaining and for quiet family time.