Garden Design - Mile End, London E3
The main focal point of the space will be a large, rectangular, sunken conversation pit. This pit will feature decked flooring and steps/seating, while the risers will be clad with white paving to create a durable and attractive area in which to dine, recline and entertain
The rest of the space will be laid with elegant white paving, with flush flower beds running around the edge of the area containing the conversation pit. These beds will feature a planting palette of principally evergreen Mediterranean architectural specimens, with the odd splash of red flowers to lend a small amount of colour to the space. Incorporated amongst the beds will be a set of three bespoke stainless steel planters, measuring 1000mm x 1000mm x 300mm apiece. The planters will feature tall and skinny black bamboo to act as a soft, natural screen between the shared path and the client's garden. An added benefit of the steel planters will be to reflect a greater amount of sunlight into the middle of the space
The sparkling, reflective quality of the steel planters will also be in evidence in a bespoke water feature at the end of the space. This feature will comprise a sheer vertical sheet of stainless steel down which water will run to a trough below. Stylish and calming, this custom made piece will add a subtle touch of drama to the space
The area to the right of the conversation pit will house an 'outdoor kitchen ' to accommodate the client's love of cooking Australian style. The 'Hot Spot 4' stainless steel BBQ is constructed from 20 gauge stainless steel using seamless welding techniques. The cooker includes an infra-red rotisserie burner for spit roasts and has 2 drawers under the grill for utility storage
The white paved area outside the back door will also feature three 750mm x 500mm x 500mm stainless steel planters containing majestic tree ferns. Beside these planters, a small café style table and chairs will allow the user to enjoy a morning coffee, offering a slightly more formal alternative to the conversation pit. Storage will be created under the stairs to the left, enabling the client to store away all their garden accessories without compromising the limited space within the garden proper. Reed screening will be used to mask the unsightly boundaries around the space
The lighting scheme will feature beautiful and inspirational internally lit glass cubes. These cubes will be placed at the four corners or the conversation pit and will be true show stoppers, giving a soft glow during night-time use and acting as sculptural features in the day. LED decking lights will accentuate the architectural feel of the space and provide subtle light in the main area of the space. A lantern on the back of the house will provide a gentle glow to the area directly outside the back door without affecting subtle lighting within the main space. Low voltage spots placed in front of each steel planter and the water feature will serve to draw one's attention to them when the sun goes down
Other sundries in the space will include an elegant solid base stainless steel patio heater fuelled by Calor gas. Beautiful assorted scatter cushions in solid red and red stripes will complement the planting palette, as will two matching mattress cushions to enable reclining in the conversation pit. An attractive set of wrought iron Italianate range folding chair will combine great style with long-term functionality