Contemporary Garden Build
Location: Beckenham, Kent
Design: M Withall Landscapes
Scope: Garden Design and Build
Materials: Marshalls Symphony Matte Porcelain, Western Red Cedar, Stainless Steel
The client wanted a distinctive and highly functional garden that could be enjoyed throughout the day and into the evening. Privacy, atmosphere and low maintenance were key requirements, alongside a bold, modern aesthetic that would set the space apart.
Water and lighting were to play a central role in the experience, with planting used to soften the structure and introduce year-round interest.
The layout was developed in-house to create two generous porcelain terraces, allowing for flexible outdoor living and clear zoning within the garden. Marshalls Symphony Matte porcelain was selected for its refined appearance, durability and consistency of tone, forming a clean architectural foundation across both spaces.
Bespoke horizontal slatted screening in Western Red Cedar was introduced to provide privacy while adding warmth and rhythm to the vertical planes of the garden. The natural timber contrasts with the crisp porcelain surfaces, ensuring balance between contemporary and organic materials.
Water forms the focal point of the scheme. A linear rill runs through the garden, crossed by a minimalist metal bridge, before feeding into a stainless steel water blade set within the cedar backdrop. The movement and sound of water introduce a calm, immersive quality, while reinforcing the strong axial layout.
Raised planting beds were constructed to give depth and structure to the tropical planting scheme. Carefully selected species provide bold foliage, seasonal variation and year-round presence, softening the hard landscaping without diluting the architectural intent.
To introduce an artistic layer within the space, vibrant red acrylic feature panels were incorporated. These elements create moments of contrast and visual energy, particularly when illuminated after dark.
A smart Philips Hue lighting system was installed throughout the garden, allowing the client to tailor colour, intensity and mood to suit different occasions. An automated irrigation system ensures the planting remains healthy and lush with minimal intervention.
– Dual Marshalls Symphony Matte porcelain terraces
– Bespoke Western Red Cedar horizontal slatted screening
– Linear water rill with contemporary metal bridge
– Stainless steel water blade feature
– Tropical planting scheme with raised beds
– Feature red acrylic design elements
– Smart Philips Hue garden lighting system
– Automated irrigation system
Terraces: Marshalls Symphony Matte Porcelain
Screening: Western Red Cedar
Water Features: Stainless steel blade with linear rill
Feature Elements: Coloured acrylic panels
Lighting: Philips Hue smart lighting system
Irrigation: Automated system throughout planting areas
The completed garden is a striking and immersive contemporary space that can be adapted to suit both quiet relaxation and social occasions. Clean architectural lines are softened by layered planting, while the integration of water and intelligent lighting allows the atmosphere to shift effortlessly from day to evening.
The result is a highly individual outdoor environment — visually bold, technically advanced and designed for year-round enjoyment.
If you are considering a bespoke contemporary garden and would value a design that integrates materials, lighting, water and planting into a cohesive whole, we would be delighted to discuss your project.
We wanted to have a refresh of our contemporary garden and were keen that the new materials were sympathetic to the existing design but also created a “new” space for us to enjoy. From the first meeting, it was clear that Michael understood the brief and he was creative in his ideas – all of which made the garden/design better. All the team worked hard & were a pleasure to have on-site. We are really pleased with the result and would have no hesitation in recommending MW Landscapes. Thank you team.
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