Bishop's Avenue

Location: London N2

Client: ISG

Cost: £700k

Duration: 12 months

Landscape Architect: Farrer Huxley

This complex scheme saw the installation of hard landscaping at a refurbished residence at The Bishops Avenue, London. The building contractor installed a new basement gym and spa running the length of the back garden. Blakedown constructed a large portion of the project, including complex drainage and light-weight materials for the roof loadings.

Further information:

The rear garden featured terraced planting beds constructed from blockwork which was then either clad in natural stone or rendered and painted with a natural Sandstone coping. The bespoke paving pattern was created using natural Sandstone planks. There were also several staircases created leading to the high-level garden and to the entrance at the rear of the property.

High level garden areas involved a raised turfed area and were created using natural Sandstone edgings. This was done over a slab which governed levels. This meant lateral drain runs could be installed, channelling water to the main surface water drain. In this area, a bespoke hardwood pergola was constructed which partly fixed to the stone edge to prevent penetration of the basement roof slab.

The rear garden also has bespoke hardwood vent covers, new perimeter fencing, a resin bonded footpath and paving around the guest house. Blakedown completed the topsoiling across the site along with an automatic irrigation system and copings to the skylight water feature.

In the front garden, Blakedown constructed a new driveway edged in natural stone and a resin bound surface. New drainage was also installed along with planting beds and gates.

All materials for the rear garden construction had to be moved down the side of the house via a 1.1m-wide path. From a logistical perspective, the essence of the scheme required the construction techniques to be similar to those of a roof garden ensuring loadings, drainage and penetrations were carefully considered.