Creating an outdoor living space to play and enjoy in Wandsworth Common, SW11

A real design challenge to maximise this long and narrow rectangular plot in Teddington, Middlesex and make it into an area to entertain family and friends, plus storage space.

New bifold doors now lead seamlessly from the kitchen / day room out to a raised hardwood deck area with weather-proof armchairs for lounging in the warm sun. A step down to a second terrace area of exterior porcelain tiles, provides the space for alfresco entertaining and eating. The back drop of a rendered wall defines the area and the entrance to a natural looking artificial lawn. Elegant hardwood screens further help define areas and ‘hide’ the necessary garden storage and utility area.

• The family of adults and teenagers (and the dog) love this garden
  Bold areas help define the spaces
  Natural and man made materials work well together
  Retention of some existing mature planting, complemented by new architectural plants, suggest an immediately well established outdoor space
  A subtle lighting scheme extends enjoyment of the space beyond the hours of daylightAtmospheric lighting
• Wall mounted water feature
• Attention to the boundaries inevitably enhances such small space
• This garden is transformed at night with subtle lighting, and a patio heater extending the enjoyment of the space beyond hours of daylight
• The use of a geometric layout and repetition of materials help coordinate the space