The clients wanted an exciting play area for their three young children as well as somewhere for the adults to relax. They wanted privacy from their neighbours without removing the sunlight.

The rear of the house leads onto a decked terrace which sits a meter above the garden. To allow views of the garden from the rear of the house, and to block the view of the neighbouring houses, tall jungle-style plants were chosen for the borders. Colourful but evergreen bamboos, phormiums and grasses as well as vibrant perennials for the summer months.

The main garden is covered with play bark to give a play area and a path to the rear terrace. Plenty of room for the children's activity tower and a small lawn for football and cricket. Stepping stones lead from the path behind a planted area into an secret den.

The rear terrace is separated from the garden by trellis covered in climbing plants to give privacy and added protection from the ball sports. This area is a sun trap in the afternoons so is planted with fragrant herbs and perennials to encourage outdoor cooking.