Barn conversion
Pulford, Chester CH4
Case Study
Transforming an underused space into a layered, planting-led garden designed for relaxation, entertaining, and year-round interest.
The Starting Point
A blank canvas with potential, but little sense of purpose
The existing garden felt disconnected and underused, with little structure and no obvious place to sit, gather, or enjoy the space. While generous in size, it offered very little in terms of comfort, atmosphere, or visual cohesion, and was rarely used beyond necessity.
The client wanted the garden to feel calm, welcoming, and more closely connected to the house, with defined areas for relaxing and entertaining, alongside planting that would bring softness, movement, and year-round interest.
The Design Approach
Balancing structure, softness, and everyday use
The design focused on creating a clear sense of flow and usability, while retaining a soft, natural atmosphere. The layout was reworked to introduce defined zones for seating, dining, and movement, with each space feeling connected rather than compartmentalised.
A restrained materials palette and layered planting scheme were used to bring cohesion to the garden and complement the architecture of the house. The result is a space that feels composed, calm, and easy to inhabit.
Before - exposed and empty
After - depth, texture, calm and refined
Key Design Decisions
A considered response to how the garden would be lived in
Reworking the layout
The space was restructured to create a clearer sequence through the garden, improving circulation and defining areas for gathering, pause, and movement.
Layered planting
A planting scheme was developed to provide year-round interest, combining structural evergreen planting with softer seasonal layers for texture and movement.
Refined materials palette
Natural materials were chosen to feel warm, understated, and in keeping with the architecture, helping the garden feel settled and cohesive.
Refined materials palette
Natural materials were chosen to feel warm, understated, and in keeping with the architecture, helping the garden feel settled and cohesive.
Designing for everyday use
Dedicated areas for sitting and dining were integrated into the plan so the garden could be used naturally and comfortably throughout the day.
From Design to Completion
Detailed with care, delivered with trusted specialists
Underpinned by a strong technical understanding of construction, the project was carefully detailed and delivered in collaboration with a trusted network of skilled contractors.
This ensured the design translated seamlessly from concept to completion, with close attention paid to proportion, materiality, and the quality of the finished build.
The Result
A garden that feels calm, usable, and fully connected to the house
The completed garden now offers a series of spaces that feel both purposeful and relaxed, with a strong sense of cohesion throughout. Planting softens the structure, seasonal change brings interest, and the layout supports day-to-day living as well as entertaining.
Above all, the garden feels easy to be in — a space designed not only to look beautiful, but to be lived in and enjoyed over time.
“The garden has completely changed how we use our space — it feels calm, considered, and beautifully put together.”
— Client Name
Considering your own garden transformation?
If you are planning a new garden or rethinking an existing space, we would be delighted to discuss your project.
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