RAVELSTON, EDINBURGH

DESIGN
As the site is square shaped (where there is a natural tendency for the eye to be drawn towards the centre) and because of the need to contain views within the site, the design concept was to create a strong pattern comprising a bold central feature around which the other elements of the design would revolve...

...A Central Pool complete with curtain waterfall was the perfect answer to the clients request for dramatic use of water.
Tremendous 3D interest was added by raising the height of the waterfall in contrast to the pool which was excavated quite deeply to provide the correct resonant sound of water as it hit the pool below.

Projecting off the entrance path and upper pool is a deck sufficient size for a seating/outdoor entertainment area.
It is located in the sunniest part of the garden and orientated 45 degrees to the house, partly to provide maximum isolation to the afternoon sun and also to direct the eye away from the houses on the other side of the road. It is elevated in line with the waterfall and overhangs the pool for dramatic effect...

Screening to the road is improved by attaching a simple tongue and groove vertical board fence to the existing bars via a specially made hollow stanchion which simply slips over the bars.

The screen fence is deliberately made simple so as not to complete with the feature ornamental trellis on the west side of the site...

...An elaborate hooped trellis, a modern update reminiscent of Victorian Lacework, straddles the western boundary.
Of light construction, it is designed to allow precious light into the adjacent living room and allows winds to pass
through without causing too much lateral pressure...

Entrance to the site and house is now clearly marked by a path passing through an ornamental gate
lit up from above at night. The trellis will eventually be festooned with climbing plants,
except of course the space above the gate, which will provide a tantalizing glimpse into the garden.

...Broken roof slates interspersed with rocks and ground cover underlain by a geotextile weed-proof membrane provide an attractive maintenance free alternative to grass.

Paving stones set in the slates from the deck to the entrance path complete access around the pool.