Design Excellence Award - Overall Scheme Over £100k

Recognising the Registered Designers who satisfy the design brief of the client, the scope of the contract and where possible exceeding the client's expectations. Judging visits took place for this category.

LYNNE MARCUS MBALI

PRINCIPAL AWard WINNER 2020

PRIVATE RESIDENCE IN PETWORTH, WEST SUSSEX

The owners wanted a garden that united the 17th century cottage with the stable block annexe and barn conversion, incorporated disparate hidden spaces, gave them a level games lawn, rationalised irrational levels, and enabled them to easily access the swimming pool. They also wanted a design based on linear geometry, to re-use existing Yorkstone where possible, feature largely low maintenance planting, and reveal a hidden view of the South Downs.

The main axis from the house has now been twisted and a glorious view of the South Downs revealed. The garden descends in gentle stages to the pool whilst paths and steps unite buildings and all the garden spaces to create a circuitous journey with easy access throughout. Existing Yorkstone has been re-laid, supplemented with charcoal bricks to mark the directional change and as inset detail. Stone walling was redirected and extended to level up paths, terraces and the lawn. Low planting to the rear of the house avoids impinging on the view and the planting scheme throughout is thoughtful and encourages biodiversity. A simple metal rill wrapped in aromatic thymus and teucrium reflects the changing sky and quietly shows the way to the Downs.