Aylesbury Vale
A garden with a view
This exciting project sits upon a hillside with panoramic views across the Chilterns. The architect designed property sits upon a prime plot but this presented a number of challenges. The front garden had limited access due to a number or mature trees and the rear garden had a steep slope and exposed to the elements.
The brief for the front was to develop a space that enabled easy in/out access and provides adequate car parking. However, we also needed to create a front garden with the client keen to work with the aesthetic of the house.
The design for the front kept one tree as a central turning circle and this inspired the overall shape. Corten steel, Vande Moortel bricks and stone walling were all used to sit harmoniously with the house. The aim was to create a style that blended old and new as the house does so well.
To the rear, the initial challenges focussed on the topography of the site. 3D work proved invaluable and enabled us to better inform the client but also make better judgements at the design stage.
To the rear, the upper terrace was to be better protected from the wind and allow for a clear view from the house to the hill beyond. At the lower level, another seating area was to be provided which offered privacy and shelter.
Closer to the house, we used Corten steps and created a cedar screen to baffle the wind around a lower terrace. Cedar shingles were used to tie to the landscaping to the property.
Planting was selected to deal with the elements and Summer drought. Wildflower meadow was laid to blurr the line between the main garden and fields beyond.
This informed the decision to use gabions to create terracing which allowed for an area of level lawn. Much of the focus was on the ‘view’ and how best to capture it. A small secluded seating space catches the evening sun and view around it.
Examples of our 3d work can be seen in the 2 images below.
