A Residential Garden Transforming ‘33 The Cloisters’ Stuart Parkinson
Introduction ‘Transforming 33 The Cloisters’ is a docu-
you piece of mind about what will be deliv-
The outcome results in a stress free proc-
mented report, following a REAL LIFE garden
ered, before any work commences.
ess of designing their dream garden, avoid-
landscape project, Involving my client, a
ing any unexpected costs and no upsetting
residential home owner.
The process starts with an informal chat to
surprises.
discuss the garden, the client’s needs and Most people struggle to visualise the 2D
what they want to see as the end result.
“A well designed garden is a worthwhile
plans presented to them, however this
Sketches, drawings and visualizations are
investment and can add 5% or more to the
booklet gives the reader an insight into the
produced to scale, for the client to study in
value of your property.” (Royal Institute of
process of bringing garden design and ideas
the comfort of their own home, enabling
Chartered Surveyors).
to life through 3D imaging. Imagine being
them to change things they are not happy
able to see how your designs will really look,
with through the design stages, in liaison
with the ability to walk through your design,
with the CAD visualiuser.
helping to anticipate problems and giving
“A well designed garden is a worthwhile investment and can add 5% or more to the value of your property.” (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors).
Site This East facing garden belongs to a new build house, located in the beautiful coastal town of Rhos on Sea in North Wales, less than 200 meters away from the sea. The garden is East facing and is sheltered, helped by the northern sea breeze and by a 15 meter tree, which overshadows the garden.
Unsightly
Existing View
Existing Garden
The new owners of this property Louise and Conrad have big aspirations for their new 55m2 garden, but like many first time buyers are on a tight budget. Louise and Conrad also wanted to do most of the work themselves, so they wished for a solution which required as little manual work as possible, yet still fulfil their requirements. Existing View from 1st floor Bedroom
Existing Layout
Entrace to existing garden
Outline Brief
Pine Needles
Fig 1.1
Louise and Conrad wanted a garden with a modern design without it being contemporary, with a clean feel. They wanted to incorporate a pond within the garden to be constructed using railway sleepers. They also required a flexible seating area which would enable them to sit in the sun, a small shed and green space with planting areas. They wanted to retain the fencing bordering the garden and within the existing space they were conscious of the regular shedding of pine needles from the neighbours’, pine tree and the inherited makeshift construction in-between the two adjacent outbuildings, at the rear of the garden.
Clients Sketch Plan pond
Shed
Railway Sleepers
Stepping Stones
Seating Area
Plants
Grass
5
1
3
Mood Board 1
2
2
5
6
3
3
4
Design Development Stage 1: Initial Concept Design
Based on the pencil sketch that Louise and Conrad provided and further discussions about other ideas communicated via a mood-board. From then a 3D Model representation was provided for them to view, and feedback was given.
1 May 2012 12.40
1
1
Hi Stuart, saw the plans today, really clever! We like those slate paving slabs. Conrad is happy with his railway sleeper idea, following through from the Pond into the step. Interesting to see how it could look, REALLY excited!! Will show Conrad when he gets back.
Hi Louise, Pleased you like it so far, if you have any other ideas please let me know Take Care!
Estimate Item
Slate Paving (14.5m ) 2
3
2 5
6
4
6
1
2
5
3
£80
Timber Decking (11.5m2)
£150
Pond (14.8m )
£350
Pea Gravel
£8
New Shed
£250
Circular Pavers
£15
Table & Chairs (seats 4/6)
£300
Turf
£50
Planting
£250
Screening
£50
Other Building Materials
£200
Contingency
4
£800
Paving under Shed 2
6
Cost Ex VAT
£200
Total Ex VAT £2703
Feedback Areas for Change
Would like to Keep 1
- Welsh Slate Paving - Oak railway Sleepers, but lighter wood - Will Keep the fence as it is
-
Smaller Pond Less Decking More Grass Larger Planting Area Take out the Stepping Stones
Stage 2 Sketch
Stage 3
Stage 4
Alterations to the original design include a
Alterations include; a change in finish for the oak Alterations include; a change of shed orientation
smaller pond, and more green space.
railway sleepers, a change in shed orientation
back to stage 2, with the return of a small patio
and a desire to see more green space.
area at the rear of the garden for additional seat-
Virtual Tours
ing, as in the original design.
Thanks Stuart, that would be great. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can! 2 May 2012 17.41
Hi Stuart, Conrad saw the plans today, Looks good, but could you make the pond smaller and remove the planter and the decking and chairs. We would also like more grass and we would like a planting area next to the fence thanks! Hi Louise, I’ve made the changes and I’ve uploaded the updated version of the design for you to look at.
2 May 2012 13.16 Let me know what you think? I can also post you a link to the virtual tour on Facebook so you can share the design with your family and friends, if that would be helpful?
Hi Stuart, have just had a look through the new plans, and I think we would like to see more grass. Also could you bring the path right through. Conrad would also like to see what the shed would look like turned around. A lot happier with the size and design of the pond, and we would like to have a mini waterfall which flows down from the top bay to the second bay. 2 May 2012 19.03
Hi Louise, no problem! I’ll make those changes and email you a new link.
6 May 2012 14.01
Hi Stuart, could you bring the pond forward by 1m. Also Ive seen a shed that I like, here is the link: http:// www.acesheds.co.uk/products/Summer+Houses/Ric hmond+Corner+Summerh ouse/1165714684?gclid= CLuU3Jbh8K8CFQ0KtAo d-Ba7XQ Thanks! 6 May 2012 14.07
Hi Louise, yes no problem! I’ll change the pond and incorporate the shed into the design and will let you know when you can view the new design. Take Care!
Stage 4: Areas for Change Sketch 2.Introduce Corner Shed
Garden Entrance
1.Increase Seating Area
3.Increase height of Zoner
2 1
3
ard
rw e Fo v o 4.M ter e 1m
Final Design 1800X1800
1.Extra Seating
Corner Shed
1
2.Modified
3.Reduced
Pond
Paving Area
1
2
Plan View
3
Please note: Planting is suggestive
9 May 2012 17.00
Hi Louise, I’ve uploaded the latest design for you and I’ve also incorporated some extra seating, let me know what you think?
Final Design
9 May 2012 19.10
What do you think about the screening to cover the area between the two outbuildings? Thought you could grow some climbers up the trellis to soften the look of this area?
Yeah, it seems like a good solution! It also means that we don’t have to cover the space with a shed, and it gives us lots more room for seating. Thanks! 9 May 2012 19.21
Louise, I will send you the dimensions of this final design and wish you all the best for creating your little Oasis! Please do also keep me informed of the final outcome, best wishes
Bedroom View
Hi Stuart, Wow! It’s really come together! The extra seating is a really good idea, it will be nice to sit next to the pond and watch the fish! The corner shed does actually give us more space for seating too, so we are really pleased with that. Thanks again!
A View A
View B
B
Garden Entrance Final Design
Dimensions - Final Design Estimate Item
Slate Paving (30m ) 2
Cost Ex VAT £1590
Paving under Shed (1.5m2)
£80
Bench
£45
Pond (14.8m2)
£300
Pea Gravel
£8
Table & Chairs (seats 4)
£150
Turf
£50
New Shed
£650
Planting Screen
Other Building Materials Contingency
£250 £50
£200 £200
Total Ex VAT £3573 Louise and Conrad now have a garden design they delighted with, and excited about. Louise and Conrad said;
“Although our budget has increased , we are a lot
happier with the overall layout. We have decided to be patient, and do it in stages, This will give us the time to save a bit more .”
It has taken a lot of the stress away and made designing our garden really fun!
Can’t wait to build it now!! Louise & Conrad
e:mail: stuartparkinson@me.com
our ideas, and developing our vision .
3D Visuals by Stuart Parkinson Published By Stuart Parkinson & Andrea Mercer
Thanks Stuart, Your help visualising