This courtyard garden in Acton presented a particular construction challenge: a compact site, limited working space and a design composed around a series of precise angles.
The garden is divided into three interconnected hexagonal zones, with the geometry carried through the paving and raised planters. Rather than trying to disguise the restricted footprint, the design uses these strong geometric relationships to organise the space and give each part of the courtyard its own character.
The project originated from a client connection made through the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, with an interest in creating a garden that responded to ideas around carbon and reflected the family’s scientific background.
Construction
Working within such a constrained courtyard made accuracy particularly important.
The hexagonal layout meant that paving, planters, bespoke metal components and timber elements all had to meet through a series of carefully resolved angles. Setting out and sequencing therefore became an important part of delivering the design successfully.
The completed garden demonstrates how a relatively small urban space can still accommodate substantial planting, strong materials and a distinctly architectural landscape structure.
Materials
Oak sourced from sustainably managed coppice woodland in Kent was milled specifically for the project.
The timber received a multi-stage finish involving charring, oiling, warming, further oiling and brushing. Each cut also required treatment to maintain the effectiveness of the finish.
Bespoke metal components were produced by Stark & Greensmith, while natural stone supplied by Arbour Landscape Solutions provides a contrasting mineral surface alongside the dark timber and metalwork.
Horticulture
Planting softens the strong geometry of the courtyard
