Modern Naturalistic Garden
A garden design in East London.
When we first met the clients, their house had been fully refurbished. Large floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors connected the kitchen directly to the unusual shaped garden plot. The exterior had been rendered in soft terracotta, which echoed the tones of the original Victorian brickwork and created a warm backdrop.
A large side return formed the main area of the garden. This space felt dominated by the neighbouring wall, while the lower section felt open and overlooked. A second doorway from an upper lounge looked down the garden towards mature trees beyond. However, the view was interrupted by an unattractive neighbouring outbuilding.
The property sits close to Wanstead Flats, part of the Epping Forest Site of Special Scientific Interest. Wild fields and woodland sit a short walk away, which helped guide the design direction.
The brief was to create a soft, natural garden that brought planting close to the house. The clients also wanted movement through the space. Screening and shade were important to cool the house in summer and reduce overlooking. With two young children, the garden also needed space for play. A swing and a path for riding a scooter were key requests.
We selected corten steel, natural timber, and stone to connect the garden with the house and nearby landscape.
Decking creates a level access from the house into the garden. Its curved shape gives the feel of a winding path and allows large planting beds to sit around the house.
This leads to a generous seating area created using British grown Douglas fir timbers. The structure provides seating and space to lie down. Overhead corten steel beams frame the view and support a children’s swing.
Large rocks sit within the garden as focal points, informal seating, and climbing stones for play. Decking levels the ground and creates a smooth path for scooters.
A large boulder water feature sits in the centre of the garden, surrounded by planting. It produces gentle sound and forms a visual feature from both the house and the seating area.
Design ideas
• Use steel in the garden to retain soil and create raised borders to lift planting and provide interest.
• Use multistem trees for a naturalistic feel and to create privacy and shade.
• Consider your palette and use complementary colours that connect with your home to provide a connection between your interior and exterior spaces.
Other Projects in East London
Telegraph Place, Docklands, E14
This transformation of a docklands courtyard garden into a cool, contemporary space for year-round relaxation and entertaining. Our design introduces smooth hardwood decking, creating two terraces that extend over a lily pond and around an ornamental cherry tree. The linear layout is softened by vibrant grasses and modern perennials, while mature shrubs and trees provide privacy and intrigue.
Avon Way, South Woodford, E18
For a young family in South Woodford, East London, we designed a modern woodland garden on a uniquely shaped triangular plot centered around a mature Oak tree. The brief included creating a relaxed space for the family, incorporating a play area for the children, storage space, a small herb garden, and a lounge seating area.
Leytonstone, East London, E11
This family garden is strategically positioned opposite a natural woodland area. The design seamlessly integrates various functionalities with a strong and simplistic style. A Yorkstone terrace envelops the modern extension, providing ample space for dining and entertaining.