THE CARTHAGENA PROJECT

Design Decisions

Zoning and orientation. Analysing the levels across the site alongside the movement of the sun allowed us to create a series of zones, each responding to different conditions and uses — an area positioned for the evening sun and long-distance views, another for midday sun loungers, the productive garden positioned where it would get the light it needed, and the wine bar and its new balcony forming a further destination.

Levels and topography. Rather than attempting to level the entire garden, we worked with the land's natural fall, introducing steps and changes in level where appropriate. This created a series of more usable garden rooms, while also building a sense of progression as visitors move between spaces.

Views and framing. Given the scale of the garden and surrounding landscape, we wanted long views out rather than an enclosed feel. Walling and carefully positioned tree planting were used to frame these views, giving each part of the garden its own identity while keeping visual connections across the site.

Circulation and exploration. Planting was deliberately used to pull people from one zone to the next, encouraging movement and discovery rather than letting the main patio become the default. Features were used as visual destinations too, including a bespoke sculptural piece incorporating part of a Wrexham FC Kop barrier from the Racecourse - a personal touch rooted in the local area. Multiple benches throughout the garden offer quieter spots to pause, away from larger groups when entertaining, and let the landscape be experienced from different viewpoints. The intention throughout was for the garden to feel like a journey, with spaces gradually revealed as you move through it.

Planting. The planting needed to reflect the character of an English country garden while standing up to the realities of the site. Much of the garden sits on heavy clay soil, so plant selection, including a significant proportion of drought-tolerant species, was chosen with this in mind. Given the North Wales location and tough winter conditions, hardiness was equally important, resulting in a palette that balances romantic, country-garden softness with a robust, site-responsive plant selection.

Materiality. The material palette was kept deliberately natural and understated, in keeping with the rustic character of the farmhouse and its rural setting. Neutral-toned paving, warm buff flint gravel, weathering Corten steel and natural timber were brought together into a cohesive, earthy palette, restrained enough to let the planting, views and existing landscape remain the dominant visual elements.

Lighting. Lighting was used to extend the garden's use beyond daylight hours, maintaining connections between zones and allowing the clients to enjoy the landscape into the evening and through the darker winter months. Rather than uniform illumination, lighting was considered as part of the overall experience, highlighting routes, planting, features and key destinations.