Terracing and landscaping in Long Ashton
This was a large scale project working from an existing design.
A typically sloping Long Ashton garden was to be terraced and landscaped to create a beautiful contemporary space. Considerable work was to go into adjusting the levels and constructing a range of different styles of retaining walls.
One of the stand out features in this design was a prominent set of steps leading up from the new patio to the transformed upper garden area.
A typically sloping Long Ashton garden was to be terraced and landscaped to create a beautiful contemporary space. Considerable work was to go into adjusting the levels and constructing a range of different styles of retaining walls.
One of the stand out features in this design was a prominent set of steps leading up from the new patio to the transformed upper garden area.
Stage 1. Groundworks and terracing
One day into the project we had removed any sign of the existing garden structure and were preparing to define the new terraces via the use of heavy machinery.
One of the more significant challenges was to ensure existing materials, such as topsoil, were retained for later use whilst maintaining access and keeping the site clean and tidy.
One day into the project we had removed any sign of the existing garden structure and were preparing to define the new terraces via the use of heavy machinery.
One of the more significant challenges was to ensure existing materials, such as topsoil, were retained for later use whilst maintaining access and keeping the site clean and tidy.
The upper garden level was to be extended out slightly to create a larger lawn area from which to enjoy the view from this elevated Long Ashton property.
A new level terrace was also created to accomodate an extended patio area level with the house itself.
A new level terrace was also created to accomodate an extended patio area level with the house itself.
Stage 2. Retaining walls
For the main lower retaining wall rendered concrete blocks were used in a curve that would tie in with the new central steps. An additional front boundary wall would also be constructed using rendered blocks to allow us to level out the newly extended patio area.
Oak sleepers would be used for the remaining walls, either installed vertically in a deep bed of concrete or on edge and supported with concealed fence posts.
For the main lower retaining wall rendered concrete blocks were used in a curve that would tie in with the new central steps. An additional front boundary wall would also be constructed using rendered blocks to allow us to level out the newly extended patio area.
Oak sleepers would be used for the remaining walls, either installed vertically in a deep bed of concrete or on edge and supported with concealed fence posts.
Stage 3. Steps
The 'piece de resistance' for this project was always going to be the large set of central steps that would link patio and lawn.
Extensive concrete footings were employed to ensure that this prominent feature would stand the test of time and continue to impress for decades to come.
The 'piece de resistance' for this project was always going to be the large set of central steps that would link patio and lawn.
Extensive concrete footings were employed to ensure that this prominent feature would stand the test of time and continue to impress for decades to come.
Substantial curving rendered block walls would form the boundary of the steps for the first half finshing at the end of a small landing area.
From here oversized oak sleepers would continue the curving path up to the raised lawn area.
Working in conjunction with a local electrician lights were installed low down up the boundary walls to help make this feature of the garden stand out further.
From here oversized oak sleepers would continue the curving path up to the raised lawn area.
Working in conjunction with a local electrician lights were installed low down up the boundary walls to help make this feature of the garden stand out further.
Stage 4. Paving
The clients selected 'Fossil Mint' in Indian sandstone from a range of samples that we showed them. Aproximately 70 square metres of paving was required for the significantly extended patio area.
Rumbled block pavers were chosen in a shade to match the paving and installed around the border of the curved patio to tidy up the cut edge.
The clients selected 'Fossil Mint' in Indian sandstone from a range of samples that we showed them. Aproximately 70 square metres of paving was required for the significantly extended patio area.
Rumbled block pavers were chosen in a shade to match the paving and installed around the border of the curved patio to tidy up the cut edge.
Stage 5. Finishing off
Quality Rolawn turf was installed over the upper terrace leaving planting beds with uplighters to show off the planting scheme designed by Hilary Barber, a local designer that we regularly work with.
A gate, small wooden walkway and additional set of side steps would complete the project.
Quality Rolawn turf was installed over the upper terrace leaving planting beds with uplighters to show off the planting scheme designed by Hilary Barber, a local designer that we regularly work with.
A gate, small wooden walkway and additional set of side steps would complete the project.
The finished product!!
An immensely satifying project to be involved with, this garden was challenging but rewarding with all parties extremely happy with the result.
We are still waiting on photos to include lighting and the full planting design and we will update this page to show the garden in it's full glory soon.
An immensely satifying project to be involved with, this garden was challenging but rewarding with all parties extremely happy with the result.
We are still waiting on photos to include lighting and the full planting design and we will update this page to show the garden in it's full glory soon.
"Dave and his team did an excellent job. Working from an existing design they undertook a total overhaul of our garden, and interpreted the plans perfectly. They were careful to check details with us at every stage, as well as suggesting very helpful changes to our design. The whole team were conscientious, and clearly take pride in their work. We are delighted with the end product, and the quality of the finish, and would highly recommend Dave and his team."
- Clare and Ian - Long Ashton.
- Clare and Ian - Long Ashton.