Address
Kingfisher House, Juniper Drive, Battersea Reach, London, SW18 1TXOur Clients lived in this wonderful house in the heart of Chelsea for a great number of years and then decided the time had come to completely refurbish the property, which was to include a new double basement. We were introduced to the Client by the London based LAB Architects, with whom we had successfully designed and built other projects.
Architect : LAB Architects
Landscape Designer : Bartholomew Landscaping
Construction and Project Management : Bartholomew Landscaping
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This project was extremely challenging as virtually no garden existed other than a mound of sloping earth within the lower light-well. Our approach was to cut back the retaining wall and introduce a bespoke steel structure to create a series of cantilevered platforms in order to provide the spaces required, such as a patio / entertaining area, upper hardwood deck on which to relax, all surrounded by elements of gentle running water, thus creating a thoroughly tranquil space.
A fireplace was also integrated into the hardwood timber facade beside the patio, which was screening the staircase leading down from the upper balcony.
Our planting designers sourced plants from specialist nurseries all over the country and found some beautiful specimen plants such as the key “Acer Palmatums” which were located within the upper hardwood deck, providing superb layering structure as well as stunning autumn colour.
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Other key evergreens, herbaceous and aquatic plants used were Azalea Hino Crimson, Nandina Domestica ‘Firepower’, Rhododendron’s, Pieris Katsura, Actaea simplex ‘James Compton, Zantedeschia aethiopica ‘Crowborough’, Anemone x hybrid ‘Honorine Jobert’, Cyperus Alternifolius, Iris Ensata, Cyperus Alternifolius and Equisetum Japonicum.
The whole scheme has been very subtly illuminated including submersible lighting within the water features that create movement and provide a stunning atmospheric mood at dusk.
A computer-controlled irrigation and water feature top-up system were also installed.
Needless to say, the client’s response was one of utter delight, in so much as that we had created not only a fully functional space, but the perfect picture window when looking from their newly installed kitchen/diner within the lower level.