Chesswood
Click on a photo to enlarge. Scroll down to have a read of the process involved!
Our most challenging project yet in terms of skill, technical aspects and volume of work involved; it was all the more challenging as we started this project going into winter… A lesson learnt there!
There was a huge concrete jungle under the existing paving which was hard work and extra time in the dig-out phase. This also meant there was a lot more waste to come out. The groundworks phase includes measuring out and spraying the areas, getting our finished heights set up and establishing the fall of the hardstanding areas using the laser and pegs. We always use string lines to ensure accuracy.
The first thing to be installed was the concrete footing for the wall, the blockwork for said wall, the steps and also the bench. At this stage the sleepers that would provide the base for the structure of the decking to be built upon were concreted in, as well as the posts for the batten screens. We built the framework for the decking (which we covered in deck tape of course), put geo-membrane down, brought in the scalping sub-base and compacted it with the wacker plate.
Next, we moved on to laying the lower patio (serenity grey porcelain), installing the balau decking (notice the mitre cut detail in the corners) and installing the cedar batten fencing by the bench and the opposite side gate area. We made a start on the upper patio and built the framework for the bench.
Returfing the lawn wasn’t in the original plan, but we had to excavate a big chunk of the corner (by the bench) because it was too high and wouldn’t marry up nicely to the decking. Rather than re-seed or patch in some lawn, the clients decided to have it all returfed as it was quite uneven and would finish the project off nicely.
Another addition was made here, in the form of extra batten screens and 4-metre high black-stemmed bamboo to hide the neighbour’s unsightly fence. It wasn’t originally a problem, so it wasn’t included at the start. However, seeing the project progress, our clients felt it would be a bit of an eyesore if left. Unkeen on the idea of fence paint, Simon and Liz liked our alternative suggestion. It was more expensive but it’s in keeping with the rest of the garden and is now something of a feature.
While the guys levelled the soil, turfed, built the new screens and planted the bamboo with root barrier, Adam got on with creating the copings for the wall, bench and steps. A lengthy process that included cutting the stone to size, bull nosing to get those lovely rounded edges, polishing to get a smooth finish and then installing a drip line which acts as a barrier against rainwater reaching the wall and causing damage. Extra touches like this really make a project.
A final alteration was made. Originally along the hedge line, we had agreed that metal edging would be used to retain the soil but when it came to it, we felt that it wouldn’t look quite right. When we proposed to use small gabion cages filled with Scottish cobbles instead, our clients immediately agreed. This feature looks the part, as though it was always supposed to go there.
The copings were laid, cedar battens were used to create the seating area, the upper patio was finished off, the corten risers were installed, and the rustic slate wall cladding too.
Lastly came the grouting, laying decorative gravel and the final clean-down. Lighting was installed by Jelvis.
It was a joy to return a few months later in early spring, not only to catch up with these wonderful clients but to supply and install a gorgeous selection of plants from North Hill Nursery. Simon and Liz were a pleasure to work with throughout; we loved their enthusiasm and excitement at every stage of the project and how well they looked after the whole team.