Urban
Overview
This urban courtyard garden design in Deal, Kent was created to update and refine a rustic coastal garden while retaining its original texture and character. Designed for a cottage close to the sea, the garden balances industrial materials with soft planting to create a space that feels both robust and welcoming.
The result is a practical, sustainable courtyard that supports everyday living and coastal life.
The Brief
The clients wanted a garden design that would respect the existing garden’s charm while improving usability and cohesion.
Key requirements included:
Retaining a rustic, textured aesthetic
Using robust, industrial materials suited to a coastal environment
A bespoke garden building integrated into the design
Casual outdoor dining space
An outdoor shower for use after sea swimming
Sustainability and a strong connection to the cottage were central to the brief.
The Solution
A circular approach to materials was taken wherever possible. L-shaped seating benches and an outdoor kitchen were created using gabions filled with bricks salvaged from the existing garden. This prevented materials from going to landfill while preserving a tangible link to the site’s history.
Large Corten steel planters line the black-stained boundary fences, providing structure and contrast. These planters are filled with a lush mix of leafy and rust-toned planting, softening the hardscape and reinforcing the garden’s industrial coastal character.
Features
Large-format porcelain paving was selected for durability and ease of maintenance. An outdoor shower constructed from exposed copper piping adds both function and visual interest, while surface-mounted copper conduit for outdoor wiring reinforces the honest, industrial aesthetic.
A bespoke garden building for guest accommodation, designed by Fuchsia Green, is finished in charred timber. Its form and materiality complement the courtyard and maintain a strong visual connection to the cottage.
The Result
The completed Deal courtyard garden design is a confident blend of sustainability, craftsmanship, and coastal character. Through thoughtful reuse of materials, robust detailing, and layered planting, the garden delivers a flexible outdoor space that feels deeply connected to its setting and history.
