🌿 TL;DR
What was once an uneven, tired garden is now a stunning outdoor entertaining space featuring 61m² of porcelain paving, bespoke sleeper retaining walls, integrated drainage and feature steps. A project that demonstrates how good design, careful planning and quality workmanship can completely transform a garden.
Before and after transformation
When homeowners imagine a new patio, they often focus on the paving itself.
In reality, the success of a project like this is determined long before the first porcelain slab is laid.
Levels, drainage, retaining walls, access, garden proportions, sight lines and future usability all need to be considered together if the finished garden is going to look right and perform properly for years to come.
This recent project demonstrates exactly that.
What started as an ageing and uneven garden with failing sleeper retaining walls has been transformed into a large contemporary outdoor living space featuring over 60m² of porcelain paving, bespoke timber retaining walls, integrated steps and improved drainage throughout.
The result is a garden that feels larger, cleaner, more balanced and significantly more usable for the homeowners.
The challenge
The garden was uneven, outdated and lacked structure. Retaining walls were failing and the layout wasn’t working with the space.
The garden wasn’t square, which would have resulted in awkward cuts and a poor finish.
We redesigned the layout, squared the patio to the house and adjusted the planting area to create a clean balanced and professional result.
Building confidence
Every project tells a story, and this one had already had a difficult start before we became involved.
The homeowners had been let down by more than one landscaper and were understandably looking for a company they could trust to see the project through. Larger landscaping schemes require careful planning, clear communication and attention to detail from the very beginning, and we were pleased to provide that reassurance.
The design approach
A successful landscaping project should look effortless when complete.
Achieving that simplicity often requires significant planning behind the scenes.
For this project we carefully considered:
✓ Overall garden proportions
✓ Patio alignment with the house
✓ Drainage requirements
✓ Retaining wall construction
✓ Future planting opportunities
✓ Access between levels
✓ Long-term durability
✓ Material choices and colour balance
The new layout centred around a large porcelain entertaining area directly outside the property, with a substantial sleeper retaining structure creating a clear separation between the patio and upper garden.
A central staircase provides a natural route through the garden whilst creating an impressive focal point when viewed from the house.
Construction process
This project involved considerably more than simply replacing paving.
The works began with the removal of the existing patio, retaining structures and redundant materials across the garden.
Using excavators and specialist equipment, the site was regraded to establish the correct levels throughout the space.
New sleeper retaining walls were then constructed and backfilled to safely retain the higher garden levels behind. Particular care was taken to ensure the structure remained both visually attractive and structurally robust.
An 8.5 metre stainless steel ACO drainage system was installed adjacent to the property to ensure effective surface water management and protect the building.
Once the foundations and sub-base preparation were complete, the porcelain paving could be installed.
Every slab was laid on a full mortar bed with priming slurry applied to the underside of each tile, ensuring long-term adhesion and reducing the risk of future movement.
The paving was then grouted, cleaned and sealed before the final detailing works were completed.
The result
The transformation is dramatic.
The new patio provides a huge amount of usable outdoor space whilst feeling clean, contemporary and welcoming.
The retaining walls create structure and definition.
The drainage system protects the property.
The steps provide an attractive route through the garden.
Most importantly, the homeowners now have a garden designed around how they actually want to use the space.
With the recent spell of warm weather, they have already started enjoying their new outdoor living area.
For us, that’s always the true measure of success.
A garden should not simply look good.
It should be used.
Although this phase of the transformation is now complete, the project continues. We’ll be returning in the coming weeks to turf the upper garden and install feature lighting, before progressing with the front garden and driveway later this autumn. Taking the project in carefully planned phases allows the garden to evolve while ensuring every element is completed to the same high standard.
Thinking about a garden transformation?
Many of our larger landscaping projects are planned and designed several months before construction begins.
Summer is often when homeowners realise what they would like to change, whilst autumn and winter are the ideal times to plan and secure dates for the following season.
If you’re considering a patio, retaining wall, planting scheme or complete garden redesign, we’d be delighted to discuss your ideas.
Contact us today to arrange a consultation.
📞 01752 312 111
📧 office@waterlillieclark.co.uk
🌐 waterlillieclark.co.uk/contact