Sea front garden, south dublin
This villa with sweeping views across Dublin Bay is undergoing extensive renovations by its new owners, including landscaping the front and back gardens, which are currently neglected.
The front garden is substantial, and rises up from the road to meet the house. Privacy and screening need to be improved, without impeding the view of the sea.
The design breaks up the slope into three tiers, each with a distinct feel. The paved lowest tier is at street level, does not have views of the sea, and is a bridge between public and private space. Steps lead to the second level, which has timber decking and a bench positioned for sea views, and cannot be viewed from the road or the house. This terrace is designed to be restful and secluded, with large pots as focal points to frame the view. The paved top terrace opens up directly from the house, and is designed for entertaining.
The terraces are tied together by a series of raised beds and retaining walls, which screen the garden and soften the changes in levels. The planting will be contemporary with a maritime feel to reflect the setting.
The back garden is the polar opposite to the front, a secluded, quiet and private space, which will be the heart of family life. The modern extension creates an asymmetrical space, which is echoed in the garden design to help blend house and garden together into a cohesive whole.