THE BRIEF

Following a recent extension to their home, the clients wanted to transform a steep, disjointed garden into a calm, elegant space that could be enjoyed daily and shared with guests. The existing garden was uneven and poorly connected to the house, offering little sense of flow or purpose.
The aim was to create a garden that felt effortless, connected, and timeless.

THE DESIGN RESPONSE

Rather than fighting the changes in level, the design steps gently with the landscape, forming two floating porcelain terraces that appear to hover in light. Each zone — one for dining, one for lounging — follows the movement of the sun and the rhythms of daily life.

Large-format porcelain tiles mirror the internal flooring, creating a seamless transition between house and garden. Mitred edges and concealed detailing give the terraces an architectural precision, softened by layered, seasonal planting that brings texture and warmth throughout the year.

Beneath the surface, a 3,000-litre rainwater tank supports a fully automated irrigation system — an invisible investment in long-term sustainability. The mature copper beech tree was preserved by dismantling and rebuilding the boundary wall on a bespoke bridging system, protecting the roots while refining the garden’s structure.

The result is a garden that flows naturally from the architecture, balancing precision with softness — equally suited to quiet mornings and evening gatherings

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

“We knew we wanted our garden to feel like an extension of the kitchen — another living space — but with tricky levels and limited space, we couldn’t imagine it being both functional and beautiful.

Meeting Tom while he worked next door gave us confidence — his attitude, style, and the quality of his work spoke for themselves. From the outset, he grasped our vision and elevated it, delivering a lush, spacious garden we never thought possible.

Tom and his team were professional, tidy, and respectful throughout. I rarely recommend people, but Tom Wolstenholme is a true exception. Our garden is living proof of his ability.”