Case Study: Garden Redesign & Patio Installation – Whitley

This garden transformation in Whitley involved a complete overhaul of an awkward and uneven outdoor space. The brief was to remove existing planters and create a functional, stylish garden with practical access and a clean, high-end finish.

Scope of Works

The project involved:

  • Excavating and removing existing planters to prepare the area for structural work
  • Installing new foundations and building a brick boundary wall for structure and definition
  • Laying a natural sandstone patio with buff London brick steps, adding texture and contrast
  • Creating timber sleeper steps, finished with gold flint chippings around the edges for a crisp, refined look
  • Installing matching sandstone stepping stones to tie the space together

Project Challenges

This project presented a unique challenge — an existing manhole was located directly in the center of the proposed patio area. This meant that we had to carefully calculate the final height of the patio to ensure access to the manhole was maintained, without compromising the overall layout.

To overcome this, we designed and installed the patio with a precise 1:60 fall away from the house, ensuring effective drainage and preventing any water buildup, while still maintaining the aesthetic flow of the space.

Materials Used

  • Natural Sandstone Slabs (for patio and stepping stones)
  • Buff London Bricks (for steps)
  • Timber Sleepers
  • Gold Flint Chippings
  • Standard Concrete Foundation Base
  • Permeable Sub-base Layers (to aid drainage)

Results

  • A visually cohesive, low-maintenance garden space
  • Functional access with solid foundations and drainage-friendly design
  • Smart integration of materials and textures for a modern, natural look
  • Client delighted with the finish and usability of the space

Client Feedback

“Really impressed with how the team dealt with the manhole issue — looks great and drains perfectly. The attention to detail on the edges and finish made all the difference.”

Conclusion

This Whitley garden project highlights our ability to solve complex site issues with smart design and precise execution. From structural brickwork to natural materials and perfect drainage planning, we turned a difficult space into a practical, beautiful outdoor area built to last.