Millhayes, Frome
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The Place:
A new build Passivhaus with 2.5 acres in the countryside near Frome
The Brief:
To reimagine a series of paddocks, seamlessly connecting a stunning new eco-home to its natural surroundings. The goal was to welcome the outdoors in with ecologically sensitive planting and design. While the garden should be visually captivating, it must also serve practical purposes, offering functional spaces for growing food and promoting biodiversity. The design also needed to include thoughtful play areas for children, focusing on nature-based activities that engage with the landscape, rather than relying on plastic play structures.
The Design:
We transformed the blank canvas of paddocks into an immersive landscape that invites exploration and connection with nature. From the living area, floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a brick terrace, perfect for barbecuing and dining with friends.
A winding, meditative path leads through an expansive ornamental grass bed, encouraging quiet reflection. Along the way, a curved bench offers a peaceful spot to pause before turning up toward the orchards. Continuing up the gentle slope, you reach a newly planted woodland, where a secluded fire pit offers a cozy retreat to watch the sunset over the landscape.
Following the woodland path along the perimeter brings you to an impressive labyrinth made from local stone. Designed for both children and adults, it offers a space for playful exploration or mindful walking. Beyond the labyrinth, the path leads to an amphitheatre — a levelled lawn with extra large gabion basket seating, perfect for children’s performances or parties for adults in the evenings!
The children's adventure play zone is thoughtfully integrated into the landscape, featuring bespoke natural play equipment that encourages active, imaginative play. Designed to grow with them, features like nest swings, stepping stones, and balance beams are enjoyable for both children and adults.
At the garden's lowest point, we created a water garden, carefully designed with swales to capture and store floodwater. This area is lush with bog plants and features an overhanging deck, ideal for yoga or unwinding with a drink after a busy day.
The view from the master bath was another key element. With a luxurious bathtub positioned by a large window, we framed the scene with sculptural Betula ‘Silver Shadow’ trees, gravel mulch, and railway sleepers that draw the eye, creating a calming yet structured outlook.
In the expansive front garden, we established a productive kitchen garden with raised beds, soft fruit trees, and a conservatory. This allows the family to grow their own food and enjoy the harvest together, fostering a sense of connection to the land and each other.
ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION:
A new build Passivhaus with 2.5 acres in the countryside near Frome
The Brief:
To reimagine a series of paddocks, seamlessly connecting a stunning new eco-home to its natural surroundings. The goal was to welcome the outdoors in with ecologically sensitive planting and design. While the garden should be visually captivating, it must also serve practical purposes, offering functional spaces for growing food and promoting biodiversity. The design also needed to include thoughtful play areas for children, focusing on nature-based activities that engage with the landscape, rather than relying on plastic play structures.
The Design:
We transformed the blank canvas of paddocks into an immersive landscape that invites exploration and connection with nature. From the living area, floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a brick terrace, perfect for barbecuing and dining with friends.
A winding, meditative path leads through an expansive ornamental grass bed, encouraging quiet reflection. Along the way, a curved bench offers a peaceful spot to pause before turning up toward the orchards. Continuing up the gentle slope, you reach a newly planted woodland, where a secluded fire pit offers a cozy retreat to watch the sunset over the landscape.
Following the woodland path along the perimeter brings you to an impressive labyrinth made from local stone. Designed for both children and adults, it offers a space for playful exploration or mindful walking. Beyond the labyrinth, the path leads to an amphitheatre — a levelled lawn with extra large gabion basket seating, perfect for children’s performances or parties for adults in the evenings!
The children's adventure play zone is thoughtfully integrated into the landscape, featuring bespoke natural play equipment that encourages active, imaginative play. Designed to grow with them, features like nest swings, stepping stones, and balance beams are enjoyable for both children and adults.
At the garden's lowest point, we created a water garden, carefully designed with swales to capture and store floodwater. This area is lush with bog plants and features an overhanging deck, ideal for yoga or unwinding with a drink after a busy day.
The view from the master bath was another key element. With a luxurious bathtub positioned by a large window, we framed the scene with sculptural Betula ‘Silver Shadow’ trees, gravel mulch, and railway sleepers that draw the eye, creating a calming yet structured outlook.
In the expansive front garden, we established a productive kitchen garden with raised beds, soft fruit trees, and a conservatory. This allows the family to grow their own food and enjoy the harvest together, fostering a sense of connection to the land and each other.
ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION:
- New woodland establishment of 0.5 acres
- Wildflower meadow 1 acre
- Swale for flood water management with bog planting
- Orchard enhancement
- New hedgerow establishment
| PROJECT |
Millhayes, Frome |
| DURATION |
2021 |
| STATUS | On going |