The clients had gutted and modernised their 1970's house and were left with a very small courtyard garden which had to fulfil a number of roles. Foremost being a workable outdoor kitchen as the clients are keen cooks and hosts, preferring to cook outside, even for Christmas lunch! There needed to be space to seat for six as well as an area for yoga practice. The South-facing garden also needed some shade so a retractable sail was installed which provides relief in summer. Porcelain was chosen to provide a sleek finish to match the interior of the house. Lush planting was shoe-horned into the smallest of spaces, even under the built-in kitchen and bespoke iroko bench. Corten planters were commissioned to provide greenery at a higher level and these planters also act as support for the built-in iroko bench. A subtle lighting scheme means this space is useable into the evening and also provides a beautiful view from both the house and the garden office. A smart planting scheme was devised for the front garden which gives this property the wow factor and much sought-after curb appeal.