The solution was a series of fitted benches built of hardwood, integrated with a bicycle shed and a corner water feature; one of the benches even doubles up as a mobile wine cooler on casters so that if they are entertaining large number of people, this bench could be moved aside to create a larger central space. Rather than classic paving, we designed a polished poured concrete floor with the aggregate revealed to create an interesting textured sparkling floor.

The planting is pretty but has been kept to a minimum with Box balls (Buxus sempervirens) and Lavandula angustifolia combined with Stipa tenuissima in the sunny bed and acid green Heuchera 'Lime Rickey', Stipa arundinacea and perennials such as Astrantia major 'Hapsden Blood' in the North facing bed. All beds are backed up by fragrant climbers such as Jasminum officinale.

For this beautiful outdoor room lighting was essential, so in addition to up-lighting in the planting beds and the water feature, a blue streak of light under glass was set in to the polished concrete floor, following the shape of the timber seating area.

Photos 1 and 4 @ Marianne Majerus Garden Images http://www.mariannemajerus.com