Surrounded by stone walls, sunny, hot & triangular, this architectural courtyard garden in Dorset on the English south coast is a sculptural haven. Designed for our clients’ country home, we created minimalist detail with thick sandstone slabs and contrasting geometries, elevated by Mediterranean plants & modern outdoor art.
Project Name: Dorset Courtyard Garden
Studio Name: Mylandscapes LTD
20 steps lead down to the subterranean courtyard, then proceeding in via full thickness sandstone treads which float above one another. A stately Cycad greets the entrance, canopied by a Butia palm tree in a curved masonry frame, softened by grasses and featuring ethnic sculpture.
Lavender, Agave and succulents thrive in this suntrap courtyard, where a tall Cordyline merges the courtyard into the upper floors of the house, with a Sotol below it. 3 seating areas are positioned by the Cycad, near the recessed bay walls which feature wall art and as a bench near the Cordyline.
2 types of smooth sandstones were used: brown and grey, linking to the existing masonry vernacular, contrasted by 2 light maroon colours on the rendered walls. Raised beds and ground borders intermesh to create dry habitats for the exotic floras, augmented by peter coloured ceramic pots.
