Design and Build

Special Awards are discretionary and are selected by the adjudication panel from amongst the category Award Winners and can vary from year to year.

sandstone design solutions - special AWard WINNER 2018

uplands cottage

The small, north facing garden of this 400 year-old semi-detached cottage had proven to be a conundrum for the clients who wanted to maximise their living space. The contractor’s careful consultation, interpretation and engagement with the client throughout the design and build process allowed the creation of a haven that can be used all year round and at all times of day.

Considerable access difficulties were overcome allowing the removal of the existing paving, walls and raised beds of soil. This opened up the side of the garden to light and created space for the L-shaped seating area to be built. The paved area at the top of the garden was laid to take advantage of the evening sun.

By building the seating area using individually cut, recycled paving slabs to achieve random thickness and the existing sandstone, the walls now resemble a dry stone wall, tying together the old and contemporary nature of this most practical and usable space – and all while being sympathetic to the age of the enclosed surroundings and sensitive to the environmental impact.

Feature plants were carefully chosen to provide structure, and the client did much of the planting to create a relaxing Mediterranean feel throughout.