CONTEMPORARY RIVERSIDE GARDEN, DEBEN ESTUARY
The site of a former cement factory this property sits in a stunning location on the banks of the River Deben. The plot consists of three properties, a main dwelling plus two popular holiday cottages let all year round. The owners had planning permission to demolish the largest dwelling and build a contemporary house in its place overlooking the incredible views across the estuary, whilst the two smaller cottages remained the same albeit with a fresh coat of paint.
The main house has a very contemporary feel being constructed of pale London brick, distinctive zinc sheet roofing and vertical cladding together with stained Siberian larch timber. The clients were keen that the new garden would compliment the new architectural style, be accessible for all residents, feel private and immersive as well welcoming to wildlife.
With three properties on a relatively small plot there was very little garden space. Our challenge was to create a contemporary coastal garden with a sense of journey, one that enticed guests to explore the space, yet feel private and comfortable sitting in the multiple seating areas and ultimately enjoying the views out to the water.
Our design inspiration was a winding pathway that flows between the buildings and out towards the estuary, just like a well trodden footpath that weaves through sandbanks before reaching the sea. At the end of the garden is the sea/flood wall with gates allowing access to the footpath that runs along the front of the property and an estuary terrace.
We specified a slim limestone paver from Quorn Paving for the pathways to reflect the light grey brickwork and chose to lay them in the same direction, requiring the landscapers to expertly cut the sweeping curves out, to give the wonderful ebb and flow that makes the pathway so charming. The front step is made from All Green’s Gabriela Flamed limestone with its unique veining of grey and honey coloured tones that perfectly suited the warmer tones in the brickwork as well as the zinc. With the other small terraces using larger format limestone paving to match the limestone pavers.
Much of the front garden needed to be allocated to the practicalities of parking for three cars, plus bin and garden storage for three properties. To soften this and bring a the sense of water to the front of the property we included a small pond with a gentle natural fountain that animates the space with sound, movement and wildlife.
Credit: Rebecca Lewis at Poshyarns Photography
The planting has been designed to sit comfortably with the estuary views, using soft coastal colours and textures with gently swaying grasses echoing the movement of the water. Simple daisy shape flowers are repeated through the planting, creating a rhythm that moves you through the garden whilst offering plentiful nectar rich, landing pads for pollinators.
The verticality of the grasses, calamagrostis, panicum, miscanthus and pennisetum, frame the views and hold you within the garden. Each grass taking their turn to shine across the seasons, their seed heads catching the light and wind, creating an ever changing view. Touches of grey tones with stachys, achillea and silene maritima tie the zinc cladding in to the garden palette and soften its metal edges. Space is found for roses, nothing too blousy, but simple native forms like the Dunwich rose, found growing up the coast, and Rugosa Hansa to bring touches of colour and perfume.
The garden reflects the changing seasons and these photos captured in late September demonstrate there is still plenty to enjoy. Both our clients and their guests love the new garden, it has breathed life into the small space and offers a sense of privacy for everyone whilst still maximising the fabulous views.
PROJECT JOURNEY:
