Today's post will be the first of a series that will feature contemporary and modern landscape projects that merit much attention. These posts will appear weekly or bi-monthly. To start off the thread, HLDF will feature a number of works by Earth Designs, a London based landscape architecture company created and managed by Katrina Wells. Their creations offer a unique approach when it comes to use of space since they commonly turn a backyard into an outdoor room, an extension of the house, rather than just a pretty garden. This method is both functional and aesthetic and showcases a backyard's true potential.
The spaces that Earth Designs work with are in urban settings and we all know what the challenges are when it comes to gardens in the city. Lack of privacy, small spaces and often poor soils are just a few of the problems to deal with. They tackle these obstacles head on and deliver beautiful and functional results that never fail to impress.
________________________________Featured project___________________________________
Client's needs and before pictures:
"The clients have lived in the house for a number of years and have two young children and two very active Jack Russell dogs. The property was extended a few years ago. Emma is a keen vegetable gardener and has a plot in an allotment very close to their property. The children rarely use the garden, so the clients are happy to make its principal purpose entertaining friends. The clients would like a contemporary garden design that complements the interior of the house. However, the garden should be practical enough to cope with the demands of an energetic family. The only feature of the current garden to be retained is the shed in the bottom right corner."
Solution:
"The garden was split into 3 distinct areas. The first section, directly outside the back door, features a fixed bench seating area comprising decked bench seats backed by rendered block planters containing low lavender hedge. A large decked table and a trestle-type bench (which can be stowed away under the fixed bench when not in use) give ample space for outdoor dining. When formal dining is not required the table and trestle bench can be combined with the fixed benches (the table is height adjustable) to form a huge double bed lounger for all the family to relax upon.
The floor in this section was laid with Indian sandstone paving in a stretcher pattern. Acrylic planters containing architectural copper grasses line the left boundary. A Yellow Balau hardwood decking path cuts through the paving and leads to the second section of the garden.
The second section consists of two large planting beds bisected by the decking paths. The beds were planted prairie-style, interspersed with a selection of Perspex and stainless steel mesh screens of varying heights and sizes to create drama and structure to this area. The central triangle of the space is framed with two stainless steel cubes 50cm square. Each bed was edged to create definition and retain a pea shingle mulch. The central segment of area was mulched with Scottish cobbles.
The final section of the garden was designed for comfort and relaxation. It features a large outdoor rattan suite, a giant stainless steel planter containing a tall silver birch tree and two series of 3 colourful acrylic planters, all set against a backdrop of a stainless steel mesh screen straddling the width of the garden. This screen, interwoven with fragrant climbing jasmine, masks the shed and utility area at the bottom of the garden."
Result:
You can easily follow what Earth Designs is up to with their blog that features up to date information about projects they are currently working on as well as other interesting news, advice and information. Check it out here!