The Brief – A Space with Purpose
Nestled on the outskirts of Sheffield, Millennium Place is a garden that exemplifies transformation. The clients, long-time admirers of our work, sought our expertise to reimagine their outdoor space. Their vision was clear: they wanted a garden that was both functional and visually striking. A place where they could relax and enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons. To achieve this, they required a garden building, incorporating a storage and decking area for seating, along with structured planting that would be contained within planters, changing with the seasons.
pictures taken one year after project completion.
Design & Planting – Crafting The Vision
Rather than working against the slope, we embraced it, designing a series of layers that lead up to an elevated timber-framed structure that isn’t quite a building or deck, rather a unique blend of the two. This serves as the heart of the garden, providing a seating area with a log burner and an integrated storage shed. Positioned at the highest point, the deck allows the clients to take in sweeping views of their garden and beyond, while from the house, creating a natural focal point that enhances the sense of depth and perspective.
To add structure and interest, we incorporated bespoke mild steel planters, which develop a beautiful, weathered patina over time. These rust-hued borders contrast elegantly with the silver grey cobble setts, forming a striking foundation for the vibrant planting scheme. The garden’s spring and early summer palette is anchored in soft purples and greens, achieved through a carefully curated selection of plants – three multi-stem Amelanchier trees serve as the backbone of the planting design, offering year-round interest with their delicate spring blossoms, summer foliage, and autumnal berries. Beneath them, layers of Rudbeckia, Lavender, Alliums, Hakonechloa macra, Salvia, Hellebores, Nandina, and clipped Taxus balls provide a dynamic interplay of texture and seasonal variation.
Considerations & Constraints – Challenges
The most significant challenge was working with the natural gradient of the site. Excavation was not a viable option due to the excessive waste it would generate and the associated costs. Instead, we sculpted the land to create a terraced effect, using the slope to our advantage. This approach required careful management of soil movement, especially with limited access to the garden for heavy machinery. Minimising soil compaction was crucial to maintaining the integrity of the planting beds, which meant much of the work had to be carried out by hand.
Additionally, the curved steel borders posed a technical challenge. Unlike standard rectangular beds, shaping and installing curved steel required precision and expertise to achieve fluid, organic lines that integrated seamlessly with the rest of the design.
Success – Transformation Achieved
Now complete, Millennium Place is a stunning example of a well-balanced, functional, and aesthetically rich garden. The tiered layout provides an engaging journey through the space, leading visitors towards the elevated seating area where they can fully appreciate the garden’s depth and seasonal beauty. The combination of rustic steel, elegant stonework, and vibrant planting has created a garden that feels both contemporary and timeless.
For our team, this project reinforced the importance of adaptability – working with the land rather than against it, and crafting solutions that not only address challenges but enhance the overall design. As the seasons pass, the garden continues to evolve, its colours shifting, its textures deepening, and its character growing richer with time. For the clients, it is more than just an outdoor space; it is a sanctuary – one that invites them to pause, relax, and enjoy the ever-changing beauty of nature.