Simple But Effective Transformations With Structural Garden Design
At S&D Paving, we believe that good garden design requires a strong foundation. Renovating your garden does not always mean getting carried away with the design details and decorations, as there is a much simpler approach.
Creating an attractive and long-lasting garden requires structural work to be done first. Structural garden design is the foundation for any successful outdoor space, and our team understands that it is these details that matter the most.
Using a recent project as an example, we are highlighting the value of structural garden design and what you should prioritise in your upcoming project.
What Is Structural Garden Design And Why Does It Matter?
Structural garden design is a simpler approach to landscaping and is a great way for homeowners to prioritise tasks during a renovation.
This kind of garden design focuses on the practical, structural elements of the landscape and is a great way to maximise your outdoor space. While cohesive garden design relies on a combination of decoration and functionality, structural garden design places the focus primarily on the practicality of the space, allowing you to create a solid foundation for all future work.
S&D Paving recently completed a structural garden design for our clients in Surbiton following some construction work on their property. The home has been extended, and the garden needed a makeover to match. As the home is still currently under construction, this project took place over several months and focused on renovating the structure of the garden.
Structural garden design focuses on renovating the layout and organic shape of the landscape, as opposed to adorning it with new features. It is the foundation for all other forms of garden design work, as it creates a solid base layer on which to build up from.
In the case of our Surbiton project, structural garden design was used to level out the landscape and install solid drainage to ensure any future work would be a success. With the modern renovation of the home, the garden needed some support, and this was our focus throughout the project.
Structural Garden Design Details: How It Played Out In Surbiton
To create a modern landscape that our Surbiton clients could adorn as desired, once the building work was complete, we focused on the structural elements of garden design, such as:
Porcelain Paving And Patio
To provide access and ensure functionality in the garden, we installed a wrap-around porcelain pathway using Canada GR by London Stone, which is renowned for its durability. This pathway leads from the front of the property into the back garden and onto the main patio area, which leads directly out from the new extension.
The same paving has been used on the other side of the property, covering both alleyways for cohesive appeal. The sleek, modern appearance of porcelain paving perfectly complements the new extension and ensures longevity for our clients.
Retaining Walls And Steps
This garden is on a slope, requiring both retaining walls and steps to lead into the main turf area. The same porcelain paving has been used to construct the steps, which open up to the large lawn space and surrounding planting beds.
These steps have been crafted with precision, with a 45-degree angle at the corners for a sense of flow. The retaining walls have been topped with porcelain paving and will later be clad with a silicone render to match the exterior of the property.
Level Turfing
The garden previously had an uneven slope, which has now been levelled out to a smaller angle and is being supported by the retaining walls. While hardscaping was a main focus throughout this structural garden design, we have also replaced the lawn with a new level turf.
With the new level, the lawn space now has an even gradient leading to the back of the garden, and our clients have plenty of space for future adornments such as plants and garden furniture.
Drainage Design And Flow
At S&D Paving, we provide a comprehensive installation service, which means all of your needs are considered. While this structural garden design aims to enhance the visual appeal of the home, it is also a practical renovation complete with drainage.
Drainage is vital in all outdoor spaces, but especially around new extensions, which is why it has been installed along the bottom of the garden, at the entrance of the property. Drainage has also been accommodated around the side paving, with a 100mm gap being left to accommodate air flow and a damp course.
Setting The Foundation For Future Garden Design
The combination of paving, turfing and structural garden design has created a solid foundation for our clients in Surbiton. The garden is now a stable blank canvas that can be adorned and renovated to suit their needs once the construction work is complete.
With structural garden design, any major concerns regarding your landscape have been addressed and rectified. For this garden in Surbiton, the landscape is no longer unevenly sloped and features the necessary drainage accommodations. Once the home is finished, the garden can become a stunning environment full of plants, decor and furniture that can be used all year round.
Our combination of premium paving materials and industry-approved installation has created a long-lasting foundation for our clients. Structural garden design is a simpler approach to landscaping but a highly effective way to maximise the potential of your outdoor space.
While garden design can also include colour and variation, structural garden design is a great way to take a step back and assess what you’re working with. Our clients have plans for planting beds and decoration in the near future, and the blank canvas of their new landscape means anything is possible.
This is a simple, modern landscape that focuses on balance and longevity so our clients have plenty of space for creativity in the future.
Bring Out The Best In Your Landscape With S&D Paving
S&D Paving are a leading landscaping and paving company based in Epsom, Surrey. We offer award-winning services to transform your outdoor space and create an environment you’ll love.
This structural garden design project in Surbiton is just one example of the ways we can create the garden of your dreams. Our team is fully certified and experienced, offering outstanding services across landscaping, construction, and installation. Our paving is industry-approved, and we work with premium suppliers to ensure long-lasting results.
From small courtyard gardens to sprawling estates, our team can handle all requirements. We can help you bring out the best in your garden and ensure you have a space to be proud of.
Conclusion
Garden design comes in many forms, and this recent project in Surbiton is a great example of a simpler process. This project focuses on structural garden design, creating a solid foundation for future work and renovations.
The landscape had been unevenly sloped and did not complement the new home extension, but with our services, it is a beautiful blank canvas ready for future planting and adornment.
Contact Us Today
Are you looking to renovate your garden? Contact the team today to learn more about our services or to request a quote.
FAQs
What is structural garden design?
Structural garden design is focused on the practical, structural elements of the landscape such as the uneven surfaces, retaining walls and paving installation. It is a way of creating a solid foundation for future design and renovation.
Why are retaining walls important in garden design?
Retaining walls help manage slopes or uneven gardens by holding the soil in place to create a flat, level area that can be used and adorned as desired. Retaining walls also prevent soil erosion and support drainage.
Do I need drainage installed in my garden?
Ensuring your garden has proper drainage is vital as it prevents flooding and water runoff issues. This is required in all outdoor spaces, but especially important in sloped or uneven landscapes.
