A mid-century sense of place

Our clients, mid-century design aficionados, had fought hard to secure a rare modernist home with a large garden in South London. Their vision was to have a landscape that seamlessly connects with the architecture, while inviting wildlife and boosting biodiversity—another passion of theirs.

Rather than imposing strict levels, we chose to embrace the garden’s natural wavy contours, working with the land’s rhythm. Closer to the house, we introduced subtle terracing for structure, ensuring a smooth transition from the indoors to the outdoors.

The materials near the house are very much dictated by the materials used inside the house or on its facade. We sourced clay pavers identical to those used in the home’s original flooring, creating an effortless flow between inside and out. A reflective pond, positioned near the house, enhances the sense of space—mirroring the sky, shifting light, and fiery sunsets, while also providing an irresistible habitat for wildlife.

Nature responded almost instantly. Amphibians, dragonflies, and pollinators quickly moved in. Now, the garden is alive with birds, five different species of bees, and an ever-changing display of biodiversity—a true sanctuary that evolves through the seasons.