Amersham

Anchoring the house

PROJECT OVERVIEW

This project in Amersham began at a very early stage, with the original 1930s property still in place before being replaced by a striking contemporary home.

The finished house features a bold architectural palette of intricate brickwork, extensive glazing and Shou Sugi Ban cladding.

The garden needed to complement this modern design while helping the property feel settled within its landscape.

PROJECT DESIGN BRIEF

Design alongside a new-build contemporary home
Create a garden that softens and anchors the architecture
Blend modern materials with a more traditional garden feel
Include a family lawn and practical outdoor spaces
Incorporate a greenhouse and vegetable growing area
Provide structured planting and perennial borders
Develop a cohesive front and rear garden scheme
Ensure the property feels established within its setting

Modern house with brick facade and driveway entrance.

The Challenge

The main challenge was balancing contrast. The house has a strong, contemporary presence with dark materials and sharp detailing, which risked feeling stark within the surrounding landscape.

The garden needed to soften this impact while still respecting the architecture. Creating a natural transition from formal front garden to a more relaxed rear space was also key.

OUR DESIGN APPROACH

The design was built around the idea of anchoring the house into its surroundings.

We used materials and forms that directly reference the building at the front, before gradually transitioning into a softer, more natural landscape towards the rear.

This allowed the scheme to feel cohesive while offering a more relaxed garden experience.

Modern garden with brick building and lawn

KEY FEATURES

Front Garden Design and Structure

The front garden takes direct inspiration from the architecture of the house, using strong lines and a formal layout to complement its contemporary appearance.

Materials and Detailing

Graphite paving bricks with black volcanic sand joints closely reflect the tones of the Shou Sugi Ban cladding. Corten steel raised beds introduce warmth and contrast, sitting comfortably alongside the brickwork.

Architectural Planting and Form

The positioning of the Corten planters mirrors the vertical proportions of the house, including the tall, narrow window openings. This creates a clear visual link between the building and the landscape.

Transition to the Rear Garden

As you move through the space, the formality of the front garden gives way to a more relaxed setting. A woodland meadow area creates a softer transition, accessed through a simple black fence.

Rear Garden Layout

The rear garden is arranged around two main seating areas, offering flexibility and different perspectives throughout the day. Materials from the front continue here to maintain consistency.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Subtle zoning is created using large, angular planters and changes in surface materials. These elements help define areas without interrupting the overall flow of the garden.

Planting and Soft Landscaping

Tall grasses introduce movement and a more natural feel, balancing the harder landscaping elements. A more traditional planting scheme features around the borders, including roses, lavender and perennials.

Kitchen Garden and Greenhouse

The vegetable plot is integrated into the design using the same material palette, ensuring it feels part of the overall scheme. It is partially screened by a classic border, softening its presence while keeping it accessible.

Screening and Establishment

Instant hedging has been used to frame the garden and provide screening from neighbouring properties. This also helps the landscape feel established from the outset, grounding the new build within its setting.

The Outcome

The finished garden successfully balances contemporary design with traditional garden elements, creating a space that feels both striking and welcoming.

By carefully managing materials, structure and planting, the scheme anchors the house within its landscape and provides a setting that will mature and soften over time.