Zoe Kilbride Garden Design
Extension Garden - Great Chesterford
This project began with a brief to develop a concept design and planting scheme as part of a major renovation. The original house, with its warm yellow brick, had recently been extended using sleek black timber cladding—so the materials palette needed to bring these two very different styles together in a way that felt natural and cohesive.
We worked closely with JKL Construction throughout the build to ensure the landscaping complemented the architectural vision. Their attention to detail helped bring every element of the design to life seamlessly.
For the materials, we chose a soft, warm sandstone for the rear patio and paired it with grey clay pavers for the front drive and paths. These tones worked beautifully with both the house and the surrounding garden, creating a sense of flow from front to back.
In the rear garden, the existing planting already had a relaxed, easy rhythm. To gently bridge the formality of the architecture with the more informal feel of the garden, we focused on soft transitions between hard landscaping and planting. The result is a calm, inviting space that feels grounded and well connected to its setting.
“Designing this garden was all about creating a peaceful escape in a small space. I wanted it to feel calm and welcoming, with planting that really softened the clean lines of the layout. The garden room was a bold feature, but by using black cladding and surrounding it with greenery, it became part of the landscape rather than dominating it. It’s a lovely example of how even the smallest spaces can feel generous and full of atmosphere.”
— Zoe Kilbride, Garden Designer