PROJECT

Hampstead Garden Suburb

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

Rhiannedd Brooke Garden Design in collaboration with Marlo London Interior Design

CLAY PAVER

SeptimA Olive

Photo's: Adam Carter

This garden project was completed for a home in the heart of Hampstead Garden Suburb, North London — an area celebrated for its unique architectural heritage and leafy character. Designed in the early 20th century by Raymond Unwin and Sir Edwin Lutyens, the suburb was envisioned as a model community where people of all backgrounds could live harmoniously, surrounded by greenery and beautiful homes.

The main aim of the project was to create a garden that blended contemporary family living with the traditional aesthetic values of the area. All work needed to comply with the strict guidelines of the Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust, which places great emphasis on the balance between soft landscaping and hard surfaces — especially in front gardens, where the green, open character of the suburb must be preserved.

One key consideration was to incorporate off-street parking without compromising the garden feel. The solution came in the form of the SeptimA Olive clay pavers, laid in a soft herringbone pattern that echoed the Arts and Crafts movement. These were paired with generous planting beds and a permeable gravel driveway to reduce water runoff and enhance biodiversity.

A standout feature is the small circular path around a young magnolia tree, designed to evolve into a beautiful focal point as the tree matures — offering both privacy and seasonal interest.

The design language established in the front garden continued through to the back. Outside the kitchen and living room, a block of herringbone clay pavers was set into the limestone terrace to create visual rhythm and soften the transition to the garden.

Steps, edged with a soldier course of clay pavers and fitted with discreet lighting, lead down to the lawn and main garden area. Here, an oval-shaped clay paver path guides you through lush planting towards a dining terrace tucked into the sunniest corner.

Due to boggy ground conditions, using clay pavers underfoot ensured that the space remained accessible year-round. The natural olive tones of the Septima pavers blend beautifully with the historic house and surrounding greenery, offering both practicality and visual harmony.

The clients were delighted with the transformation and how seamlessly the garden integrated with their home and lifestyle:

“We have achieved something distinctive with the circles, yet classic with the materials, and it looks like it has been there for years — even though it only took a few weeks to build and plant.”

This project is a great example of how thoughtful garden design can respect architectural heritage while responding to the demands of modern living — creating outdoor spaces that are both timeless and functional.