A Cumbrian Garden with a View
A contemporary Cumbrian garden with a view was created around a private residence that was a finalist in the Grand Designs House of the Year Awards, shown on Channel 4.
It was a tricky site, with outside areas on three different levels. The client was building a contemporary house to make the most of the terrific view of the Cumbrian fells in the distance, with the living areas on the upper level. The main objective of our design brief was to keep the view clear from the lower level windows.
The different areas were to work in harmony with the adjacent buildings surrounding the property, as well as reflecting the style and materials of the modern architecture of the new house.
To a great extent, the three changes of level dictated the design brief as each area is a very different shape as is the way in which they interact with the house. We had to consider a different treatment to each area whilst being aware they had to work together as a whole.
This garden was shortlisted for the Garden Design of The Year at the Northern Design Awards 2018.
The Upper Level
This small, rather awkwardly shaped area is accessed directly form the upper level of the house, from behind the kitchen. It is tucked away, yet overlooked by an apartment block so privacy is an issue. Pleached trees are planted at the boundary to improve privacy without stealing too much light.
You get a hint of the wider views up here and as it is the most readily accessed garden from the house, we provided space for impromptu dining. Raised beds define the seating area, and can be used for growing herbs and vegetables. A substantial shed is built into the corner of the boundary wall, built from the same rubble stone so it looks like it has always been there.
Stone Walls Create Structure
A wide access route to the front door leads from the gates and doubles as additional parking when needed. The main garden needed to be outward looking, taking most of the design cues from the adjacent buildings and architecture. The contemporary space has a simple layout, with clean straight lines reflecting the style of the house. Structure has been created with a series of rubble stone walls of differing heights, some of which can be used as casual seating. A stone arbor acts as the main focal point, with the roof line mirroring the angles of the gable end beyond.
A stepped water feature adds drama and a change in level as you travel to the rear of the house.