A medium sized rear garden (approx. 20m x 12m), this new house is located in an urban area. The detached house is overlooked to the rear and side by similar houses. The rear of the house is south facing, getting sun across the back from early morning to late evening.
 

The clients want a private space with specific functions: a deck extending from the dining area of the house, accessible via a sliding doors, to be used for 'lounging'; a barbeque and dining area in evening sun; raised beds for vegetables and herbs, high enough to avoid too much bending; some clean lawn, and circulation paths to link the kitchen/utility door, shed/bins, deck and access to artists studios in the garage to the left. The clients also requested the presence of still/running water close to the deck, and the option of awning or other means of shade should the southern sun prove too hot. They wanted a simple, clean space, minimum fuss and maintenance, with the option of adding extra planting at a later stage.

The clients are managing the installation themselves, and had already selected paving for use around the house, which was a key element in the layout.

In a way the proposed design divides the garden in 3 - morning/afternoon/evening, with crossing paths providing access and circulation. The large deck area extends via a raised boardwalk to meet a paved dining area facing west, the part that gets the latest sun. In order to give extra screening from rear neighbours I suggested a coloured rendered wall - a strong graphic element. The large deck (big enough to allow 2 loungers) is bordered by a long raised vegetable bed made of chunky green oak. The planting here will shield the deck from bedrooms to the rear.

A small patio was created outside the kitchen/utility door, good for morning coffee and backed by a second raised bed, for herbs. The remaining square suggests a large tranquil pool, level with the deck, and with a water fountain flowing from the raised bed. A louvred pergola is suggested to provide shade over the deck and seationg area behind the studios. The circumference of the garden is planted with Silverbirch and Rowan.