Contemporary Garden Design with Breeze House, Thame
BRIEF
This garden design Thame presented us with the challenge of packing lots into a relatively small space! Our client wanted to transform their garden by removing the lawn and including several features including a dining and entertaining area, a Breeze House, a water feature and a Greenhouse – together with space to hang the washing which would not intrude too much on their view of the garden.
We were asked to include some of the owners’ plants that had sentimental value and look at how we could screen neighbouring buildings. One of the existing trees was very large and out of proportion with the size of the garden and another was rather lopsided, so the planting needed a complete rethink. The garden was very important to our client, and our garden design process included design options and several refinements as the project progressed.
DESIGN SOLUTION
We divided the garden into a sequence of connected spaces, carefully balancing the different functions so that each had a sense of purpose without becoming visually isolated. Graphite grey pavers and porcelain paving were used in different areas to reinforce the geometry within the garden design and add interest to the space.
Raised beds, including Corten steel panels served to divide the garden, create a sense of journey and add a feeling of enclosure to the main terrace and lounge seating area. These panels were also used to screen the area that we created to hang the washing. Corten panels, alternating with frames of Star Jasmine, were also added to the adjoining wall, providing a contemporary look and sense of rhythm.
The design succeeded in positioning the greenhouse in a way that it was not the main focal point and the owners could stroll through the garden to reach it. Although the greenhouse was quite attractive, we positioned it so that the Breeze House was the most visible element from the main terrace.
Water became an important element of the design. A water bowl spills into an upper pool, which in turn runs down to a lower pool, creating movement, reflections and gentle sound.
A bridge connects the Breeze House to the rest of the garden, strengthening the sense of journey through the space. The Breeze House itself is nestled within planting rather than standing apart as a separate garden building, helping it feel integrated into the landscape.
Additional drama was created with the lighting scheme that bought the garden to life after dark, and allowed the owners to enjoy the space late into the evening. We often incorporate lighting into our garden designs – as we did for this garden design in Chinnor, Buckinghamshire.
This garden shows how careful small-garden design can accommodate several different ways of relaxing and entertaining without sacrificing planting, atmosphere or a feeling of space.
