A 1970s chalet-style bungalow in the Chilterns, offered an opportunity to reimagine a tired garden for a returning client seeking a more naturalistic, accessible space that would suit both the landscape and life’s next chapter.

The front garden, reconfigured to support greater privacy and everyday function, features a rerouted driveway, a lawn replaced with a naturalistic grass and perennial matrix, and guest parking over permeable grasscrete paving. New trees and custom iroko gates create a sense of retreat from the lane. Sustainability was integral to the design. Rainwater from the roof is channelled into a steel rill, passing through a wildlife pond and into a small wetland before reaching a soakaway. This sequence not only manages water on-site but introduces beauty: the pond’s surface reflects onto the porch ceiling, an unexpected, poetic moment at the threshold of home.

At the rear, a level terrace now connects directly to the house, while an integrated ramp provides a smooth transition to the lower garden. Despite its shallow depth, the space feels expansive, shaped by a series of distinct seating spots, including a bespoke oak bench set on a raised brick planter. A calm reflection pool catches sunlight and introduces movement and light into the heart of the garden.