RURAL ESTATE
CONSERVATION PROJECT
EAST SUSSX
REFLECTIVE TERRACE
The design for this rural conservation project is inspired by the golden ratio, with its perfect spiral symmetry found in nature. Looking back up from the meadow towards the house the mirror pool reflects the clouds from the sky above. Two Paperbark Maple trees, Acer griseum, frame views from the house, offer light shade on hot afternoons and further soften the house into the landscape. Broad flights of steps encourage you to slow down and appreciate the day. The upper steps are in limestone whilst the lower steps are gravel retained by a Corten Steel riser, the colour of the landscape.
ENTERTAINING TERRACE
As you emerge from the kitchen, directly in front a large table invites you to sit and linger in the sun. Two multi-stemmed Amelanchier dapple the limestone terrace with shade. The terrace hums with bees and the planting starts to release its scent in the warming sun. To the left, wafts of something delicious cooking in the outdoor kitchen fill the air. Ahead, limestone plank pavers lead the way across gravel, then lawn to the steps heading up to the meadow and kitchen garden beyond.
TERRACE FLOW
This view from the lawn on the entertaining terrace looking back at the house, shows how the terraces flow from one to the next. From the kitchen the garden embraces a shaded table on the entertainment terrace, a generous sweep of gravel follows the spiral from the golden ratio and leads around to the seating area on the Reflection terrace. Mounds of planting are interspersed with perennials and grasses, creating a naturalistic feel to the whole area.
GOLDEN RATIO
This drawing shows how an idea is worked into the landscape using the golden ratio over the survey as it spirals out from its centre at the heart of the new house, starting with tighter, more floriferous planting, outwards into the landscape beyond where it flows in harmony with the contours of the land.