Level Up

A contemporary garden design in Plaxtol, Kent, transforming a steep, sun-baked slope into layered outdoor spaces that complement a 1970s house.

Plaxtol Garden Design – A Contemporary Garden for a Brutalist-Inspired Home

This garden design project in Plaxtol, Kent surrounds an intriguing 1970s house defined by asymmetrical rooflines, a split-level interior, and a strong brutalist architectural heritage. The house had real presence, but the garden presented a formidable set of challenges that required a bold and thoughtful response.

A steep drop from the house into the garden, a south-west facing slope exposed to intense sun, and heavy Wealden clay soil combined to make this a complex site. The primary design challenge was to create a strong visual and physical connection between house and garden, an inviting pull that encouraged movement into the landscape rather than retreating indoors.

Our solution focused on dramatic level changes, beginning at house level and stepping down through the site in a series of intimate, interconnected spaces. Each level flows seamlessly into the next, making the descent feel natural and purposeful rather than steep or abrupt.

Generous perennial and ornamental grass borders were introduced to frame these spaces, providing structure, movement, and long seasonal interest. The scale of the planting was carefully calibrated to balance the strong elevations of the house, softening its geometry while reinforcing its architectural intent.

A combination of composite Millboard decking and porcelain paving adds richness and variation to the ground plane, subtly guiding the eye and movement toward the lower lawn. To improve comfort and usability, a louvred canopy by Renson was installed, offering adjustable shade and allowing the garden to be enjoyed throughout the day.

Finished with carefully chosen outdoor furniture and lifestyle accessories, the garden now feels contemporary, welcoming, and fully integrated with the house, a confident landscape that meets the architecture on equal terms.