Site Specifics
For this project, 4D Garden Design had to manage a complex landscape, as the existing garden was divided across two distinct levels. While it was mainly lawn, there was a large grass slope connecting the upper and lower areas, with a height difference of approximately 2-4 metres. With such a significant change in level, this would become one of the most important features within the new design.
As well as the garden levels, there were also established trees and plants that were no longer required or had reached the end of their natural life, along with existing paving that was no longer fit for purpose. This project extended beyond the rear garden, as it included both side gardens, the front garden and the driveway.
Client Brief
Our client first became familiar with 4D Garden Design after regularly passing one of our other projects in the neighbourhood while walking his dog. Having watched the team transform a nearby front garden and driveway, and being impressed with the results, he approached us around a year later when he was ready to begin his own project.
He chose our full garden design package with three initial design concepts. A key part of the brief was to create a large entertaining area with enough room for cooking, a bar and comfortable seating, while providing shelter, so the space could be enjoyed in different weather conditions. Low-maintenance planting was another priority, alongside improvements to the gardens around the entire property.
Design Solution
The change in garden levels was the biggest consideration for this garden design. Rather than retaining the existing grass bank, we chose to redesign this part of the garden to create a much larger and more usable lower level.
A combination of stone retaining walls and sleepers defined the different levels within the garden and created a strong structure for the new layout. The additional space below in this multi-level garden gave us room to develop the client’s main entertaining area, as requested in his brief. This outdoor entertainment space features a modern automated gazebo to provide covered space for cooking, relaxing and a bar.
With such a large lower garden, we used material changes to create distinct zones with the layout, without enclosing them. Resin-bound aggregate, herringbone clay pavers and limestone flags bring variation across the garden, while low-maintenance planting softens the extensive hard landscaping and retaining walls.
We also installed a complete garden lighting scheme and irrigation system for the beds and planting areas.
4th Dimension
The scale of the level changes within this garden meant that the construction beneath the garden was just as important as what could be seen on top. Due to the complex ground conditions, we instructed a specialist piling company to install a full piled foundation before we built the retaining walls above.
Safety was carefully integrated into the design, with stainless steel balustrades and wire rope installed along the upper level without obstructing views across the garden.
The result is a garden where the more complex structural work sits naturally alongside the finished design. From the engineered retaining system to the automated heated gazebo and mix of landscaping materials, every element was considered to make this challenging multi-level garden safe and enjoyable to use.
