Island Road Front Garden

In this project we were challenged by two existing plumb trees obscuring the front entrance. Due to the covenants of the property we were not allowed to remove one of the trees to allow for a rectilinear pathway leading diagonally to the stairs. So we decided to enhance our hindrance and make it a focal point. The path on the left side is the most commonly used one and the one on the right side is the other option is a narrower sweep between the trees. The stairs were redesigned pulling them out from the front entrance to meet additional steps laid over custom built metal stringers to create a less blockier feel The old stone pillar that was at the front door we felt was out of place - there was no stone like it anywhere else to be seen. We instead designed a custom metal post that is actually four posts - to form a see through cube. We wanted a more open airy effect rather than a bold obstruction. We also designed the lighting for the garden. On the front landing we could not find a light feature that suited our needs so we designed our own and had it custom made. Overall we felt this front entrance could not have benefited from new garden alone - a new structure needed to be created with hardscaping that would enhance the garden.

Photos by Yuri Choufour