Landscape Design

An oak leaf is the inspiration for the underlying framework of the proposed arboretum. A cherry and lime tree avenue would make a spine providing a direct route from the house to a pavilion. The leaf outline provides a meandering route creating a different experience to the spine avenue, with constantly changing views, aspect and interaction with the tree collection. Where the leaf outline kisses the edge of a lake, the path curves out over the water in the form of boardwalks and jetties. At path intersections, ‘nodes’ are made which can be openings or glades within the tree canopy; special places for attractive benches, specimen trees, patches of bulbs, or for sculptural works of art.

Permission was granted today to build a house on a horse riding arena cut into a hillside – another successful collaboration between the Studios and architects AR Design Studio. The elevated position for the house will exploit lovely views of wooded Surrey hills and valleys but the careful design of the structure and landscape will reduce visibility of the building from the surrounding land

A large late Victorian house, with contemporary extension by Vivid Architects, has new stepped terraces at different levels to provide level lawns where ground had been sloping and unusable. Our layout for the garden includes a sunken fire pit (being formed in the photo), locations for sculptures and a meadow transition to woodland areas.

‘Elephant House’ in Staffordshire, designed by Vivid Architects, has been granted planning permission at Appeal. The inspector found that our landscape strategy reflected characteristic features of the local landscape and stated that the carefully designed landscape scheme would increase biodiversity, compliment the innovative house and significantly enhance the immediate setting.

A replacement house with a stunning view (by AR Design Studio) has been granted planning permission. Our design for the gardens will integrate the house with the sloping site and takes full advantage of the outlook.

We’re thrilled to have been appointed to design the gardens for Quenby Hall in Leicestershire. The fine architecture is surrounded by stately trees but lacks garden interest. Our aim is to create exuberant gardens within a dignified structure of hedges and paths.

We have just received the excellent news that permission for the Theatre in the Woods has been granted. Construction work will start immediately so that the initial phase is complete for the first festival at West Horsley Place by June next year.