The extension was built almost entirely from bricks reclaimed from the removal of an internal chimney stack which was causing damp problems. Pre-stressed concrete lintels sit above the bespoke oak bifold windows and door, which frame the views out to the garden.

We wanted to continue the architectural themes of reclaiming site won materials in a contemporary and slightly rustic aesthetic. The terracotta tiles were reclaimed from site. These were paired with limestone flags which had come from another project where the client preferred removing the old tiles to replace with new porcelain.

The on-site soil was a deep sandy silt loam. We identified this in the initial consultation so were able to use the majority of the soil dug for the extension foundations to create the level change within the garden. The existing perimeter brick walls retained the level change on the sides and we used mild steel edging to create contoured level change within the garden.

Sustainably sourced, British Douglas Fur was used to create the rear fence where we were able to create a contemporary twist on an old style of fence. Boards of different widths and thickness are randomly put together to create a subtlety detail fence which acts as a beautiful backdrop for the landscape.

The planting is a combination of naturalistic and exotic. A mixture of evergreen herbs and shrubs and deciduous multi-stem trees provide the backbone and structure. The herbaceous perrenials and grasses provide the naturalistic elements. Interspersed into this are a mixture of unusual plant and potted cacti to provide a touch of the exotic.

Boulders, rubble-stacks and various construction waste materials were organised in the garden to provide habitat for insects.