House on a Hill

This garden presented an extremely steep slope, previously navigated by a deteriorating set of sleeper steps leading to a flat upper area. The client’s brief was to create a functional upper level with a garden office and a large patio to take full advantage of the spectacular views over Guildford and the Cathedral.

We designed a sweeping Bredon gravel pathway rising from the lower patio to the upper terrace, retained by sleeper walls set within steel RSJs. This was a substantial and technically demanding build and Ollie the team leader did a first class job. Over 400 sleepers were used and more than 100 tonnes of hardcore brought in to form the pathways and patios.

The upper and lower terraces were finished in sandstone and porcelain paving and included raised sleeper planting beds, with steps carefully positioned to manage the changes in level. Thoughtfully designed planting softens the sleeper structures, providing interest and structure that will mature beautifully over time.

The result is a striking example of landscape engineering, transforming a challenging slope into a highly usable, visually impressive garden.