This photo shows the start of the project with a steep slope of uneven, patchy grass covered with bricks and sloping to the sides.
Not very inviting for outdoor living.
Work begins and after getting our digger down the tight side access the top layer is taken off and levelled.
All the rubbish is taken by barrow to the front and removed by skip.
New treated sleepers are sunk into the ground and then built up to create a retaining wall for the middle section of the garden.
Bitumen paint was applied to the inside for extra protection.
After rotavating and raking level, the turf was laid which contains rye grass to withstand children playing.
After regular watering for 2 weeks it was rolled to help root growth.
Soil on the middle level was pushed back to the sleepers after gravel was buried for drainage.
A pond was excavated sloping down to a depth of 1 metre.
The sides of the pond were built with sleepers and tied in to the top section of the garden.
The base was covered with a layer of building sand for a smooth finish.
Having covered the pond with underlay, the liner was inserted and then filled with water.
A hardcore base was laid for the new paving area and compacted.
More sleepers were cut to lay on top of the pond as copings.
Natural stone paving was then laid on a mortar bed for the new patio area.
Work begins on the wood deck design area starting with a sub frame of 6 x 2 treated timber which was screwed and bolted together.
Newel posts were also attached for the hand rail.
Steps were built for access to the middle and lower sections of the garden.
Bracings cut and screwed to the sub frame for additional strength.
A balcony was fitted overhanging the pond which had a waterfall fitted under it and then clad with decking boards.
Centre line was then set for the main wood deck design area.
Decking boards were cut at 45 degrees to create this herringbone effect.
Come rain or shine at Terra Firma we always try to make the best of what the weather throws at us.
This shows the balcony looking down over the pond with newel posts bolted on ready to take the handrails.
The overhanging deck boards were then cut to length.
This shows the finished wood deck design area including handrails and feature glass panel section on the balcony.
A secret removable board is also on this picture for a clothes dryer.
For the finishing touches we also added this stainless steel self contained water feature.
Electrics were pre installed by a competent qualified electrician.
A close up of the feature glass panel section looking back up to the house.
Lighting has also now been installed under the balcony.
This shows the new bottom turf area for the children to play on and a screen fence has now been fitted to separate the three different areas of the garden.
This two tier decking areas were finished with something for everyone.
Children's play area, relaxing area and entertaining deck area.
Now a totally usable garden to enjoy.
No design software was used as this project was largely designed by the customer with some practical guidance from Adrian Gillott.
This photo shows the start of the project with a steep slope of uneven, patchy grass covered with bricks and sloping to the sides.
