Buckhurst Hill — garden design and build project by Refined Landscapes BALI National Landscape Award

Award-Winning Garden Design & Build Buckhurst Hill

Buckhurst Hill, Essex 2024 3,982 sq ft Contemporary Family Home

Project Story

Award-winning construction and sculptural form come together at Buckhurst Hill. Curved paddlestone walls, a flowing lawn, raised boardwalk, hot tub, media wall and garden room create a layered entertainment garden, with naturalistic planting softening the architecture and unifying the space.

The Finished Garden
Buckhurst Hill — boardwalk evening
Buckhurst Hill — terrace evening
Buckhurst Hill — curved walls firepit
Buckhurst Hill — team
Buckhurst Hill — curved bench
Buckhurst Hill — boardwalk daytime
Buckhurst Hill — hanging chair
Buckhurst Hill — stone wall detail
The opening page of the Pro Landscaper feature on the Buckhurst Hill garden
Films

Walk through the award-winning Buckhurst Hill garden

Each film gives a closer look at the garden, the construction detail and the thinking behind the completed space.

The challenge, our solution and our approach

The Challenge

"The property's existing garden, with rectangular terrace, central lawn, and mature boundary trees, was challenged by non-square boundaries and structures." (Landscape News)

Our Solution

The new design softens the linear geometry with curved paddle stone walls, organic planted borders, and a flowing lawn shape. The terrace is set further into the garden to create a more immersive experience, while a raised decking boardwalk leads through the space to the gym at the rear. The jacuzzi and media wall are enclosed on two sides by taxus hedging, forming a distinct garden room. The result is a layered, engaging outdoor space that blends practical amenities with naturalistic charm.

In Detail

Our Approach

Winning a BALI National Landscape Award reflects the level of craft and ambition that went into this 3,982 sq ft garden in Buckhurst Hill, Essex. The property’s non-square boundaries and existing rectangular layout presented a geometric challenge that the design resolves through sculptural curved dry-stone walls, organic lawn shapes, and a flowing spatial sequence that draws you through the garden rather than presenting it all at once.

The entertainment programme is substantial. A sunken hot tub enclosed by clipped taxus hedging, an outdoor media wall, raised composite decking, and a fully appointed garden room create a layered series of experiences. Curved paddle stone walls provide the defining architectural gesture, their organic forms softening the linearity of the site while lending a sense of movement and depth to every view. Naturalistic planting is used in generous drifts to unite the built elements and ground the design in its setting.

This project demonstrates what is possible when design ambition, material quality, and construction skill come together. If you are considering a garden project in Buckhurst Hill or across Essex, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can help.

Buckhurst Hill — boardwalk daytime

The services behind this garden: Garden Construction · Garden Design · Outdoor Living · Planting Design · Wellness Gardens

BALI National Landscape Award

National Award Winner, £100k to £250k

Before & After

The Transformation

Terrace & Entertaining Area

Buckhurst Hill — Terrace & Entertaining Area before
Buckhurst Hill — Terrace & Entertaining Area after

Garden & Boardwalk

Buckhurst Hill — Garden & Boardwalk before
Buckhurst Hill — Garden & Boardwalk after
Isaac, Jacob, Joe and the entire Refined Landscape team were fantastic from beginning to end. They were incredibly trustworthy and respectful throughout the build, keeping me informed about progress and ensuring a tidy and clean site. The finished garden exceeded my expectations and reflected the same level of investment as I, the client, in achieving the highest quality finish. Their success at the BALI National Landscape Award is a testament to their skills and hard work. I wholeheartedly recommend them for anyone seeking a high-quality garden landscape design and finish.

Adam Lewis Google review

Google review

The Build

From groundworks to the final finishing touches.

  1. Site Clearance & Groundworks

    Complete site clearance and preparation. Installation of drainage systems and ground leveling for the multi-level terrace design.

    2 weeks

  2. Curved Stone Wall Construction

    Expert construction of the signature curved dry-stone walls using stacked natural stone. These sculptural elements define the garden's unique character.

    4 weeks

  3. Hardscaping & Decking

    Installation of sawn sandstone paving and composite decking to create generous entertaining terraces. Integration of the garden room structure.

    3 weeks

  4. Features & Planting

    Installation of hot tub, outdoor TV, and hanging swing chair. Soft naturalistic planting to complement the architectural stonework.

    3 weeks

Project Details

Stonework

  • Curved dry-stone walls with stacked natural stone
  • Corten steel planter edging
  • Sawn sandstone paving
  • Natural stone steps and borders

Decking & Surfaces

  • Premium composite decking in grey tones
  • Integrated LED deck lighting
  • Non-slip textured finish
  • Hidden fixing system

Entertainment Features

  • Integrated hot tub with surround decking
  • Weather-resistant outdoor TV installation
  • Hanging swing chair with overhead frame
  • Contemporary garden room

Planting

  • Ornamental grasses for movement and texture
  • Architectural evergreen specimens
  • Soft perennial borders
  • Container planting for seasonal interest
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