Case Study: Transforming a Split-Level Garden into a Seamless Family Haven in Chipperfield

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Location: Chipperfield, Hertfordshire
Project Name: Trackside
Brief: Complete garden transformation from unusable split-level space to single-level family entertainment area

The client required a functional outdoor space. Four existing levels created barriers to use. The garden needed to accommodate cooking, entertaining, children’s play, and pet access. All without steps or level changes.

THE CHALLENGE

The existing garden presented multiple obstacles.

Four distinct levels divided the space. A sunken swim spa occupied the patio area. An unused hot tub required removal. A large building and laurel hedge blocked potential. The split levels prevented seamless movement between house and garden.

Families with young children and pets need continuous access. Steps create hazards. Multiple levels fragment usable space. The existing layout failed to deliver functionality.

THE APPROACH: BLANK CANVAS METHODOLOGY

We cleared everything.

The existing patio came out first. Both the swim spa and hot tub were removed and the cavity filled. The outbuilding was demolished. The laurel hedge was extracted completely. This created the blank canvas required for proper garden design Hertfordshire projects demand.

Ground Preparation

• Filled 40-ton spa cavity with compacted material
• Moved 40 tons of topsoil to the site
• Calculated precise levels from the house threshold
• Installed soak away drainage system
• Laid waste and water infrastructure for the outdoor kitchen

The preparation phase determines success. Proper drainage prevents future issues. Level calculations ensure water runoff without standing pools. Infrastructure placement allows expansion.

CREATING ONE SEAMLESS LEVEL

From the first step out of the house, the entire garden sits on one plane.

No steps between patio and lawn. No raised sections requiring navigation. No barriers to movement. This design principle transforms usability for families and creates the fluid outdoor space modern landscaping Hertfordshire homeowners require.

PAVING AND DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS

Materials: 1200x600mm London Stone porcelain pavers
Drainage: Steel brick slot acco drainage system

The porcelain provides durability and low maintenance. Large-format pavers reduce joint lines. The clean aesthetic matches contemporary architecture. Steel slot drainage handles surface water without visible grates interrupting the design.

We laid the paving while simultaneously preparing other areas. Footings for the shed base were concreted. The fire pit area footings went in at the same time. This approach maximises efficiency and maintains project momentum.

THE FIRE PIT ZONE

The fire pit area was positioned to align with the main patio bond pattern.

Raised walls define the space. Slate cladding provides texture and heat resistance. Redwood sleeper beds create planting opportunities around the seating area. Trellis adds vertical interest and privacy screening.

The raised design prevents children and pets from accessing the fire directly. The slate cladding reflects heat outward for comfort. The positioning allows views from both patio and kitchen areas.

OUTDOOR KITCHEN INSTALLATION

The bespoke kitchen delivers restaurant-grade functionality.

Included Features:

• Professional burner system
• Integrated refrigeration
• Functional sink with hot and cold water
• Bar seating for casual dining
• Weather-resistant cabinetry

The kitchen was outsourced to specialist fabricators per client specifications. We installed the necessary utilities during ground preparation. The placement allows the cook to engage with guests on the patio and monitor children in the play area.

BOUNDARIES AND FENCING

Redwood Venetian fencing defines the perimeter.

Composite gravel boards at ground level prevent rot. Discreet metal posts provide strength without visual bulk. The horizontal slat design maintains privacy while allowing air circulation.

The redwood will weather to silver-grey without treatment. Composite gravel boards eliminate the weakest point in traditional fencing. Metal posts last decades longer than timber alternatives.

PLAY AREA AND FAMILY FEATURES

Children’s needs were central to the design.

A large climbing frame with an integrated zip line occupies the rear section. The zip line runs parallel to the fence line, maximising distance. The equipment sits on the lawn area, providing impact absorption.

A redwood compost bin handles garden waste. A large shed provides storage for toys, equipment, and garden tools. Both structures use matching redwood for visual continuity.

LAWN AND EDGING

Steel edging creates clean lines between paving and lawn.

300 square metres of turf was laid across the levelled topsoil. The steel edging prevents grass creep into paved areas. It maintains the crisp aesthetic the design requires.

The dog has continuous access to grass without navigating steps. Children can run from play equipment to the patio without barriers. The single-level design delivers the functionality the client required.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Paving: 1200x600mm London Stone porcelain, total area undisclosed
Drainage: Steel brick slot acco system with connected soak away
Utilities: Waste and water infrastructure to the kitchen location
Topsoil: 40 tons moved and levelled
Turf: 300 square metres
Fencing: Redwood Venetian with composite gravel boards
Fire Pit: Raised with slate cladding and redwood sleeper beds
Edging: Steel borders for lawn definition

PROJECT OUTCOMES

The transformation delivered every requirement.

One level replaces four. The patio accommodates large gatherings. The kitchen functions for serious cooking. The fire pit provides evening entertainment. Children have a dedicated play space. The dog has lawn access. Storage is adequate for family needs.

The seamless level allows furniture placement anywhere across the patio. Tables and seating can be reconfigured for different group sizes. Movement between zones occurs naturally without consideration of steps or level changes.

This project demonstrates proper garden design principles in Hertfordshire. Start with the client’s needs. Remove obstacles to those needs. Create infrastructure that supports function. Select materials for longevity. Execute to professional standards.

For homeowners in Hertfordshire considering garden transformations, Project Trackside shows what’s possible with proper planning and execution. Split-level gardens can become single-plane entertainment spaces. Unusable areas can become family hubs.

View more of our landscaping case studies to see additional transformations across Hertfordshire.

READY TO TRANSFORM YOUR GARDEN?

Ready to turn your outdoor space into a seamless sanctuary? Get in touch with the team at Living Landscapes today, and let’s start planning your dream garden.