GARDEN DESIGN
SEAMLESS INSIDE-OUT LIVING:
A CONTEMPORARY COURTYARD TRANSFORMED WITH SCHELLEVIS, DESIGNED BY ROBERT HUGHES STUDIO
The clients sought to extend and transform their period property in Altrincham with a bold, contemporary aesthetic. The project involved a significant remodelling of the rear elevation, including an extension to the main house and the creation of an annex at the rear of the garage. Their vision was for a garden that seamlessly extends the interior spaces, creating a luxurious, modern environment inspired by contemporary designs seen in West Coast USA, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Scandinavia. A key challenge was designing a central courtyard that functions as both an outdoor living area and a visual continuation of the interiors.
The Chosen Design Tsiantar Architects delivered a subtle, contemporary design that respects the original architecture while embracing modern luxury. The interior spaces of both the main house and annex are contemporary, allowing the garden to serve as an extension of this aesthetic. The central courtyard acts as a fluid inside-out space: a large Pratic bioclimatic pergola from Skye Outdoor Living shelters a central outdoor living room with Tribu sofas, while a raised hardwood deck incorporates a sunken hot tub and a striking living wall. Complementing these features are a cantilevered cream Schellevis floating bench and a backlit disc of liquid metal, both supported by a hidden steel frame. At the rear of the annex, a minimalist outdoor kitchen sits beneath a cantilevered steel and timber pergola that echoes the design of the central structure.
Schellevis Materials Choosing the right surface material was key to achieving the desired oversized, chunky, contemporary look. Schellevis large-format slabs were the perfect solution. With thicknesses up to 120mm and lengths up to 2.4m, they create a robust, tactile surface without the need for costly porcelain fabrication or complex, weather-dependent concrete works. The availability of a cream-colored variant— unusual for a product that is normally grey— was another significant advantage, complementing the warm, modern palette. Durability and low maintenance were equally important: Schellevis slabs weather beautifully over time, developing subtle character with moss or patina, something porcelain cannot replicate.
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