The owners of this small London garden were planning to install a new office pod at the rear of the space when we were invited to create a cohesive design for the whole garden.

The brief was to create a seamless, year-round connection between the house and the new workspace, incorporate an outdoor cooking area, and provide a flexible family space, including a fire pit with additional seating for gatherings near the office. As a significant portion of the garden was to be dedicated to the office, it was agreed that a lawn was unnecessary; instead, the planting would be abundant, evoking a soft, meadow-like atmosphere..

A natural Siberian larch deck leads directly from the house, linking to a narrow boardwalk that extends over and through the planting. The boards were laid on edge to echo the vertical rhythm of the pod’s cladding, while also doubling as low seating in the barbecue area. Steps were carefully aligned with the office to create a seamless transition, and a bespoke bench with a slatted seat and open storage beneath was designed to neatly house firewood.

Above the main dining terrace, a custom-designed larch pergola is integrated into the deck and planter, casting dappled shade and creating shifting patterns of light throughout the day.

The planting is floriferous and contemporary in character. Shrubs and evergreen structure are used sparingly, with perennials and grasses taking precedence to introduce movement, texture and softness. At the centre of the garden, a beautiful multi-stem silver birch provides screening, a strong focal point and dappled shade.

Shelving above the barbecue offers the perfect spot for summer herbs, while integrated seating within the main deck conceals hidden storage, keeping gardening paraphernalia and children’s toys neatly tucked away.