A contemporary private garden in south London, designed to create privacy, enclosure and a sense of discovery within an open and awkwardly shaped urban space overlooked by neighbouring properties.
The brief was to transform the garden into a series of distinct outdoor rooms, creating spaces for dining, cooking, relaxing and entertaining while making the garden feel larger and more intriguing. Pergolas, arches and carefully positioned trees provide structure and screening, with tall, layered planting establishing a sense of separation between the different areas without compromising the overall flow of the landscape.
A raised, dog-leg timber walkway forms a central organising element, guiding movement through the garden and dividing the space into smaller, interconnected areas. Tall grasses and perennial planting soften its edges, creating a changing sequence of views as visitors move through the garden. Structural evergreen plants provide year-round form and privacy, while climbing roses, wisteria, woodland perennials and fruit trees introduce seasonal interest, texture and colour.
Existing structures were reimagined to give the garden a more personal character. An old shed was converted into a garden bar, complete with a viewing window that provides a focal point from the house. Elsewhere, a summerhouse was transformed into a library and workspace for the author client, extending the use of the garden beyond the warmer months and creating a quiet retreat for reading and writing.
Fireplaces and water features provide further focal points, drawing people into different parts of the garden and creating distinct atmospheres. The sound of moving water helps soften the noise of the surrounding city, reinforcing the sense of calm and seclusion within this compact urban setting.
A palette dominated by reclaimed bricks help connect the garden to the surrounding historic Kennington area.
The project combines considered spatial planning, architectural elements and layered planting to make the most of a challenging site. By introducing multiple destinations, framed views and a varied sequence of spaces, the garden feels more expansive than its footprint suggests, balancing practical outdoor living with moments of intimacy and retreat.
Landscape contractor: Town & Country Gardens
Lighting: Christian Hersey
Upholstery: Tyser & Allen
Interior design direction: Stephanie Barba Mendoza
Mural: Chris Randall
