The Canopy Garden
NOTTINGHAM
About The Project
What began as a request for shade quickly evolved into a complete reimagining of the garden. The existing layout no longer reflected how the clients wanted to spend time outdoors, presenting an opportunity to create a contemporary landscape that was both beautiful and highly functional.
By introducing a carefully considered sequence of outdoor spaces, the garden now offers places to relax, entertain and enjoy throughout the seasons. The result is a seamless extension of the home that balances clean architectural lines with warmth, comfort and everyday usability.
Client Brief
The clients approached us seeking a permanent shading solution that would make their garden more comfortable during the warmer months. As conversations developed, it became clear that the existing layout failed to make the most of the available space and didn't support the way they wanted to live outdoors.
The brief evolved into creating a garden that would provide sheltered dining, flexible entertaining areas and stronger connections between the house and garden, while introducing a contemporary aesthetic that remained sympathetic to the character of the property.
Project Type
Residential
Location
Nottingham
Style
Classic Contemporary
Garden Size
Approx. 300 m²
Design Year
2026
Status
Under Construction
The Existing Garden
The existing garden had become dated, underused, and no longer suited the way the clients wanted to live. Two fixed canopies attached to the house failed to provide effective shade due to the garden's orientation, while strong winds and driving rain made the space uncomfortable for much of the year.
Uneven block paving and an inherited planting scheme from the previous owners had also left the garden requiring significant maintenance. With beautiful open views beyond the post and rail boundary, the brief was to transform the space into a contemporary garden that embraced its setting while providing a practical, comfortable and low-maintenance environment for everyday living and entertaining.
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The Design Response
The design response focused on creating a garden that could be enjoyed throughout the year, providing shelter, comfort and a stronger connection between the home and the wider landscape.
A contemporary aluminium pergola was introduced to create a defined outdoor living space, incorporating integrated heaters and pull-down screens to provide protection from changing weather conditions. This transformed the previously underused area into a comfortable space for dining and entertaining throughout the seasons.
The extended patio created room for a dedicated outdoor kitchen and BBQ area, while large contemporary steps established a strong transition between the terrace and the main lawn. Planting was carefully integrated around the seating areas to soften the architecture, frame views and bring colour, texture and seasonal interest into the spaces where the clients spend the most time.
A sculptural stone sphere was introduced as a focal point within the planting, surrounded by a naturalistic palette of purple-hued planting to create a calm and cohesive connection between the built elements and the garden.
Before & After
From a weather-exposed and high-maintenance garden, to a refined, low-maintenance outdoor space built for relaxing, entertaining and enjoying the surrounding views.
BEFORE
DESIGN
Materials & Detail
A timeless palette of natural limestone paving was introduced, laid in a contemporary stretcher bond pattern to create a refined and structured finish. Warm tones from clay pavers were used to define pathways and break up the larger paved areas, adding texture, character and visual interest.
The material palette carefully balances traditional and contemporary influences, creating a garden that feels elegant, enduring and connected to the character of the property.
Allium globemaster
Hakonechloa
macra
Echnacea
purpurea
Betula utilis
Veronicastrum viginicum
Planting Palette
A considered planting palette combining architectural structure, seasonal colour and natural movement. Strong evergreen and multi-stem elements provide a year-round framework, complemented by soft grasses and flowering perennials that introduce texture, rhythm and seasonal interest.
Together, the planting creates a layered and refined scheme that balances contemporary structure with a naturalistic feel.
A note from the homeowners
"It was very exciting to see our “new” garden beginning to take shape. The more I look at it the more I like it!"
- Private Residential Client
