Contemporary Garden in Barnes

The owners of this house in Barnes were undergoing very sophisticated building works to their interior. They thought it was the appropriate time to bring their back garden up to the contemporary standard of the interior and better link the two areas in style.

The owners have been seduced by a striking cantilevered structure seen at The Chelsea Flower Show. Such a feature was to become the main focal point of the garden.

Clean lines, minimalism and simplicity were the keywords behind the design, as well as functionality and elegance.

Good size areas to entertain and relax were essential while providing enough space for their children to play ball sports was probably as important to them.

Before the foundation works began, the owner asked for an underground rainwater harvesting system to be installed.

The garden is divided into fit for purpose areas.

Morning gym is permitted near the garden gate. A TRX suspension trainers has been fitted to the wall, while the kids can enjoy playing basketball with a portable, freestanding net.

THE DINING AND ENTERTAINING AREA

The bespoke cantilevered pergola cladded in Accoya gives the garden a very contemporary feel. The horizontal beams are 5.5m to 7m long and incorporate some recessed LED downlights above the dining table and the bar. It provides the shade the clients required for their entertainment space.

A bespoke designed, flamed granite clad, cantilevered BBQ and bar complement the dining area.

Recessed lighting in the beams and at the base of the uprights of the pergola as well as outdoor heating allow for extended use in the evening and throughout the year and create an inviting atmosphere at night. LED strip lights fitted under the bar give depth at night.

BESPOKE SLATTED FENCE AND GARDEN SHED

Boundary with the neighbour is screened with a bespoke slatted fence, all built in Accoya, a material with outstanding durability even in adverse weather. A garden gate is cut out in the slatted fence and the bespoke shed blends beautifully in the design.

All the joinery work was built in the workshop of Grovewood Joinery in Wembley.

“RIGHT PLANT, RIGHT PLACE” IN THIS CONTEMPORARY GARDEN

•  Pleached evergreen trees create an effective screen to nearby houses and bring the height needed to balance the pergola.
• The pale colour palette of the herbaceous perennials and the evergreen shrubs soften the strong geometry of the house and the garden structures.
• Drought resistant planting along the south facing walls of the house.
• Shady plants under the cherry tree and along the North and East facing walls.
• A large artificial lawn provides a low maintenance area for the kids to play.