Lifestyle Gardens Outdoor
Nowisthe time to plan howyou canmake the
most of your outdoor space, says EmmaSmith
add tangible valuetoyourblock of flats or conversion,useableand attractive communal outdoor space is essential. However, before rushing out to dig a
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Capability Brown-inspired lake andpurchase aprettybut,believeme,verynoisy peacock, it is worthtakingsometimetoconsiderwhat your outdoorspace is forandwhowilluse it. For example, a block of retirement flats will have very different requirements toamodern block of apartments aimed at young families. Whoeverthe space is for, thereshouldbea combination of areas or zones to allowit to be used in different ways dependingonthe weather, seasonoractivity. Zoning is used for interior designtomaximisehow an area is used,and thesameconcept should be adapted forusewhen planning exterior designand landscaping. Unfortunately, theUKis not blessed
with an abundanceofclement weather, so shelteredareas
areimportant.The easiest waytocreateshelter is with asimplepagoda or roofed structure. Thesecan be as plain or elaborateasyourtaste allows butshould be bigenoughtoaccommodate agood percentage of the number of occupiers in the block. Asolid roof is notentirelynecessary as somequickgrowing climbing plants will
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UnlESSyoUarElUcky enough to have agardenflat or aroofterrace, most apartments offer little escape fromthe indoors. Therefore, to
Thereis nowatrend for‘adult’ tree houses
or entertaining space.Wells Reclamation,
www.wellsreclamation.com,based in Somerset,haveafabulousrange of garden structures to create your sheltered zone. If budget, design and space allows, there is
give adequatecover in alight
shower.Integral seating oranumberofbenches beneaththe structuremakethe area farmoreuseful.Ifat allpossible,acentral table, permanentlyfixed, will allowthe area to become an outside eating
createshelter is with a simple pagoda or roofedstructure
Theeasiestwayto
nowa trend for ‘adult’ tree houses and more elaborategardenstructures. By usingthe trees, notonlyare youfreeing up extraspace on theground, butyou add spectacularlevelsof interest at different heights. Blue Forest (
www.blueforest.com) specialise in themore top endgardenstructures. Theirnewcreation, TheEco Perch(pictured), is affordable and sustainable complyingwiththe Caravan&
MobileHomeAct.Itisaprefabricated structure whichcan be sitedonthe ground or in the treetops. It is highly insulated, double glazed and fitted out in amodern contemporary design with LEDlightingand A-rated efficientLPDor electric heating. Thereisaliving/dining area, sleeping pod and bathroom.With the correct systemin place, it couldbe‘rented’bythe tenantswhenhavinggueststostay. At a simpler level, individual or double
seating throughout your garden is important to enable the occupiers to enjoy the outside but
Issue 13, Winter Flat Living
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