Project Description
Contemporary Garden Redesign with Water Features in Walthamstow
The Brief
The client, based in Walthamstow, had previously installed a garden office and commissioned landscaping works at the same time. However, the completed garden felt uninspired, lacked planting, and offered no real cohesion between the house and the new office. The boundaries were also visually unappealing, despite being structurally sound.
Following a consultation with ED Gardens, it was agreed that the most effective approach would be to remove the existing decking and lawn entirely and start afresh, creating a garden with structure, atmosphere, and strong visual identity.
The Design Inspiration
The design draws inspiration from modern European garden styling, focusing on strong geometry, clean lines, and natural materials. The use of water as a calming element was introduced to bring movement and serenity to the space, while a restricted, textured planting palette ensures an elegant, contemporary finish. Warm timber tones, porcelain textures, and architectural forms underpin the concept.
The Design Solution
Patios & Surface Materials
A new porcelain plank patio will sit directly outside the house, laid in a diagonal stretcher pattern to create a sense of width and dynamic flow. The porcelain continues at the rear of the garden, forming a second patio ideal for outdoor dining. Here, the solid oak cubes double as functional seating and sculptural accents.
Central Lawn & Water Feature
A rectangular artificial lawn sits at the centre of the design, aligned with the orientation of the paving to create strong visual lines.
To the left of the lawn, a line of three 50cm solid oak cubes, each fitted with a stainless steel water blade, introduces movement and tranquillity. Water will cascade into a sleek stainless steel rill running the length of the lawn, forming a striking focal point.
Decking & Access to the Garden Office
A strip of Yellow Balau hardwood decking will run diagonally along the right side of the garden, guiding visitors towards the office. This contrasting diagonal line adds interest and balances the geometry of the space.
Boundary Upgrades & Planting
The existing fences will be clad with western red cedar slatted panels, creating a warm and sophisticated backdrop.
Planting focuses on form and texture, featuring contrasting grasses, buxus, and a pair of Platanus × hispanica flat-top trees. Climbers soften vertical lines, adding depth and seasonal variety.
Before & After Images
Before images highlight the lack of planting, the flatness of the existing layout, and the visually harsh boundaries.
The after images reveal a refined and contemporary garden featuring warm timber tones, a central water feature, structured planting, and cohesive material choices that elevate the entire outdoor space.
Sketch & Concept Development
This project began with a series of hand-drawn concept sketches that explored layout, positioning, and movement through the space.
The final concept refined these ideas into a cohesive, structured design balancing hard landscaping with architectural planting. These sketches helped the client clearly visualise the transformation before work began.
