Courtyard Conversion

This design is created for a middle-aged couple with two teenage children, living in a Victorian terrace with a north-west facing garden approximately 5m x 5.6m. The clients use the garden regularly throughout the day and week—from coffee breaks while working from home to relaxed evenings and social weekends. The vision is to transform the existing space into a true outdoor room with seamless flow from the house into the garden via anthracite grey aluminium doors.

With the existing tiled floor and white-rendered retaining walls remaining, the design builds on a clean, contemporary palette. A versatile seating area for four is planned, with additional capacity by bringing out indoor chairs for guests. Privacy and screening from neighbours is essential, particularly to soften the high brick wall on the left and the timber fencing to the right and rear.

Planting will focus on structure and year-round interest while keeping maintenance minimal. A discreet watering system will be installed to support this, connected to the outside tap. Lighting will be entirely solar or battery-powered due to the lack of outdoor sockets. The result will be a calm, functional space that offers comfort, flexibility, and a strong visual connection to the home.