Positioned on an elevated position at the junction of two residential streets my clients new build home had little front appeal. it was a long thin site with little reason to venture into the spaces to either side of the house. The steep slope straight outside the front door felt uncomfortable and precarious. To add to all this, it was overlooked on three sides.

 

The brief was for a softly planted space with an entrance to their new home that had a welcoming wow factor and show my client’s personality and confidence. They were keen to embrace the site’s overlooked position with a sense of pride, allowing the community to enjoy its beauty as they pass by.

 

Central to my design was creating a generous entrance with broad steps and imposing pillars from the pavement up to the front door. Paths lead to either side, one curving through relaxed planting offering a sense of journey through the garden to the garage beyond. The other path is framed by a rose covered arch beckoning you on to discover the once ignored space beyond. The hedged boundary has been retained to frame, define the garden. The hard landscaping has been blurred and softened by exuberant planting that offers structure, movement and colour. Trees have been incorporated to offer an element of privacy, height and to encourage wildlife into the space.

 

 From a sad looking building site, this home now has the grand entrance it deserves. The space feels accessible with a sense of journey weaving the design together.