Courtyard Garden on Two Levels with Adaptable Parking Space
- Nick
- Oct 14
- 3 min read
"From the first meeting with Nick and I felt they’d understood what I needed as a garden. It was clear they were determined it would look good from various angles. The communication all the way through the process was first class.
Everyone who visits and sees the garden for the first time just go “wow what a transformation”. The care taking in getting the planting just right really shows through a year on… my thanks guys" - Steve, TW1
Our clients had inherited a large oak carport situated at the rear of their small garden. This structure was not only dominating the outdoor space but also obstructing much of the natural light, making the area feel enclosed and less inviting.
Given that parking a car within the garden would only be necessary on rare occasions, we were able to remove the existing carport, along with a significant amount of artificial grass. This allowed us to completely transform the space and open up new possibilities for the garden's design and use.
To create a more functional and inviting garden, we divided the outdoor space into two distinct zones. The first area is a paved terrace that features space for a BBQ and relaxed seating, providing an ideal spot for socialising and entertaining guests.
The second area, located on a lower level, serves as the main dining area. This arrangement, as shown in the image above, taken during the garden’s first spring, ensures each part of the garden has its own purpose while maximising usability.
To introduce structure and visual interest, we installed large, bespoke Corten steel planters to help define the space. Additionally, a decked ‘bridge’ was constructed to seamlessly link the two areas, allowing for easy movement between the terrace and the dining zone.
To maximise the amount of planting and soften the contemporary ‘industrial feel’ of the Corten steel planters, we planted ferns and other shade loving plants at their base.
The beautiful limestone pavers, as shown above, play a vital role in reflecting light around the garden. This quality is particularly valuable during the darker winter months, helping the space feel brighter and more open.
Along the right-hand boundary, the substantial wooden electric gate was retained. This still provides both security and flexibility, as the gate allows for car access should it ever be required. To maintain this versatility, the dining furniture in the garden is crafted from very lightweight aluminium, making it easy to relocate to the top terrace whenever additional space for parking is needed.
Storage is always an issue, especially in a small garden, and here we adapted an existing recess within the brickwork to create a storage unit hidden behind contemporary batten fencing.
The images above highlight several key design elements incorporated into the design. On the left, the planters are densely filled with a selection of perennials, chosen to provide both colour and form throughout the seasons.
Centrally positioned at the rear, the Corten steel screens act as a striking focal point for the dining area. These screens are especially eye-catching at night, when they are backlit and cast wonderful shadows around the space.
The final image on the right demonstrates how the chosen materials and planting design work together within the space.
If you have a difficult outdoor space that needs a rethink, why not get in touch for a chat?