Before

After

^ A set of concrete steps with a haphazard boundary wall. I didn’t know this at the time, but the steps continue into the neighbour’s garden with the wall dividing the steps down the middle.

^ I hid the steps by retreading the upper set and hiding the lower set under the return. This provided an undisturbed area in the patio where I located the dining table and chairs

^ A mishmash of materials and surfaces (not to mention levels) created a cluttered and messy entrance to the pool area.

^ I reduced the range of materials and created curved steps to guide visitors easily and safely towards the pool area from the upper garden.

^ A new conservatory with lots of windows overlooking an unattractive and neglected space. Directly opposite the conservatory (on the left of this photograph) is a 5m high conifer hedge.

^ I angled the patio areas at 45 degrees to create a strong diagonal pattern linking the house to the artists studio, calming the effect of the conifer hedge. A row of Olea europea (Olive) trees set in square hedge blocks (Cotoneaster horizontalis) creates a pleasing rhythm through the space.

^ This narrow, shady area has been neglected and the summerhouse has very little to look out on to.

^ A serpentine path (sleepers and gravel) meanders towards the summerhouse making it a strong focal point and destination. The borders either side have been thickly planted.