Firepit Garden
Project 1: Firepit Garden
The Brief
Our clients wanted to reimagine a plain, square garden—enclosed by brick walls and fencing—into a sleek, contemporary outdoor space that would be both stylish and low maintenance. The design needed to offer flexibility: a welcoming environment for entertaining visiting family and grandchildren, while also serving as a peaceful retreat for the couple to relax and enjoy throughout the seasons.
Key requirements included durable, easy-to-clean modern materials, minimal upkeep, and clever use of light and space. The layout had to maximise sun exposure during the day, while also making the most of a naturally shaded corner. Equally important was creating an atmosphere that could be enjoyed well into the evening and night, blending practicality with comfort and elegance.
The Garden
From three distinct design concepts, the clients chose the Fire Pit Garden—a bold and contemporary layout defined by strong structure, comfort, and year-round usability. The garden was thoughtfully divided into four distinct zones, unified by a porcelain-clad feature wall and framed by a perimeter planting bed for softness and greenery.
Closest to the house, a raised composite deck provides seamless, floor-level access to the garden. Directly opposite, a spacious porcelain patio offers an ideal setting for outdoor dining, complete with room for a table, chairs, and BBQ.
Connecting the two areas, a bridge of artificial lawn leads to a sunken fire pit zone—undoubtedly the heart of the garden. At its centre sits a striking Corten steel fire pit, offering both warmth and a dramatic visual anchor. Sculptural Corten steel panels adorned with fern motifs are inset into chunky feature walls, providing glimpses of lush planting behind and adding texture and depth.
A floating composite bench elegantly hugs the boundary wall, appearing to hover above the porcelain paving. Generously sized, it seats up to six guests and offers tranquil views of the central tree bed and adjacent patio.
The entire space is brought to life in the evenings with a full smart lighting system, powered by the Philips HUE Outdoor range. Lighting can be controlled by voice or app, with a wide variety of moods to suit any occasion—from serene evenings to lively gatherings.
Low-maintenance planting was key: statement Amelanchier trees are positioned around the patio and fire pit zones, while a stunning Japanese Acer anchors an island border opposite. Select perennial planting provides texture and seasonal interest, creating natural divisions between lawn spaces and softening the rear boundary with shrubs and trees.
