A quiet city corner
The Slow Courtyard
A little shade. A generous seat. A courtyard that asks you to stay a while.
The brief was simple: make an overlooked corner feel like part of the home. A single tree anchors the space, while a low bench follows the curve of the planting.
The brief
The narrow footprint needed to work as a view from indoors and as a comfortable place to spend time. Too much paving would flatten it; too much planting would leave nowhere to sit.
A considered response
A gently curving path threads through fine-textured planting. Broad stone steps give the small space a slower pace. Seating is built into the edge, giving the centre back to the garden.
A palette that belongs
Pale limestone, fine gravel, a sheltered seating edge and a layered green canopy.
Room to grow
A small garden can hold a full day, if every part has a purpose.