ABOUT THE PROJECT

  • Dimensions:  8m2
  • Build time: 2 weeks

Our client had recently extended their house and it now includes two courtyards open to the elements but fully contained within the property. Impressive full-length windows allow for natural light and dramatic views of the internal gardens from several angles within the living space.

Courtyard one was designed to represent the external facade of a Japanese residence with a Shoji door and window looking out from the ‘house’ into the courtyard garden.  We created a small timber deck made from traditional Shou Sugi Ban ‘charred’ wood.  The narrow roof section was finished using rustic cedar shakes. Three self-watering planters containing a green-leaf Japanese Acer, an evergreen Pittosporum Tom thumb and Bloombux rhododendron are positioned next to a bespoke black granite water feature. Silver-grey Zen gravel finishes off the garden.

Courtyard two ties in visually with the first courtyard by featuring a narrow ‘wall panel’ with a circular Shoji window under cedar shakes. A Tenshi stone grouping, evergreen planting and a specimen Ilex Crenata ‘cloud’ tree completes this very small garden. The floor is covered with silver-grey Zen gravel and low-spreading ground cover plants.