The avid art collector client had relocated to a large subterranean home in Wandsworth Town, Southwest London, yet the outdoor space was tiny with only 25 sqm to work with. An existing fish pond, sculptures, wine room, rain chains and a boundary brick wall provided elements we wanted to keep and develop.
Project Name: Wandsworth Sculpture Courtyard
Studio Name: Mylandscapes LTD
We increased the brick wall in height, spanning the entire courtyard, creating recessed bays to display wall sculpture, with sandstone coping and recessed ceiling downlights. We commissioned the artist Sally Ellwood to create textural sgraffito render inside the bays, echoing the fresco finishes of the modern interior.
Hardwood decking provides a patio for a fire feature and seating, contrasted by smooth buff sandstone paving around the pond. A bespoke powder-coated tapered planter features a Palm tree, with a floating detail, circular aperture, lighting and stacked slate stones mulch.
A wire vine from New Zealand (Muehlenbeckia) cascades in a planter above the pond pump, concealing the apparatus. Heuchera (Coral Bells) is planted in troughs on the balcony above, framing the courtyard view, veiling it with dainty foliage and blooms.
A David Klein bust is featured in the first wall bay, contrasted by a tall, slender copper figure set in the water. Both these natural, neutral elements are elevated by the zingy orange of the patio seaters.
Indoor-outdoor views are enjoyed on 3 sides, via the living room sliding doors, the wine room to the left, while on the right, vistas are gained at lower eye-level in the basement study. Lighting, irrigation add the necessary facilities, while sculpture displays in this small elegant architectural courtyard change often as our client continues to explore contemporary art.
