Case Study: Vicar’s Hill, Ladywell
Vicar’s Hill Ladywell Millboard decking project
Transforming a steep garden into a stunning, multi-level retreat with Millboard decking
The Brief: Creating a beautiful, durable and safe outdoor space
For the owners of a characterful home in Ladywell, south-east London, the outdoor space presented more frustration than joy. The steeply sloping garden, dotted with tired plants and uneven grass, offered little opportunity for play or relaxation. Uneven levels and poor accessibility meant the family rarely used it, so they turned to Simon Orchard Garden Design for a complete transformation.
The clients’ brief was clear: to create a garden that would become a seamless extension of their home – a space that would be both beautiful and practical, safe for children to enjoy, and durable enough to withstand everyday use for years to come.
The Vision: A garden for living
Designer Simon Orchard envisioned a garden that worked with the landscape rather than against it. His design would carve the hillside into distinct zones for play, dining and relaxation, connected by flowing lines and carefully considered sightlines.
The family wanted somewhere to gather, entertain and unwind, so the design embraced both sociable and private spaces: a raised deck at the house for morning coffee, a mid-level terrace that overlooks the garden, and a sundeck above a newly built garden studio – offering a sun-soaked hideaway for parents once playtime is over.
The Transformation
The once-neglected garden has been completely reimagined through a series of elegantly tiered levels. The steep gradient is now a design feature in its own right, giving structure, character and movement to the space.
Millboard decking plays a defining role in the transformation, providing both form and function. Four distinct decking areas connect the home and garden, each built with Millboard’s premium wood-free composite boards, chosen for their exceptional slip resistance, rich natural finish and long-lasting performance.
- At the entrance to the house, a raised platform now creates an inviting threshold that transitions effortlessly from interior to exterior.
- A mid-level deck extends out across the slope, creating a vantage point that appears to float above the garden below.
- Overlapping steps, also finished in Millboard, link the lawn to a sunken trampoline – a clever solution that turns a safety concern into a family-friendly feature.
- Above the new garden studio, a sun-drenched sundeck provides the perfect spot for relaxation, with stunning views across the terraced landscape.
Each element blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings, tied together by Simon’s considered planting scheme – a mix of textural evergreens and soft perennials that add depth, movement and colour throughout the seasons.
Built to Last: Millboard’s Plas-Pro Subframe
A garden of this complexity demands materials that can endure the elements as well as the rigours of family life. Beneath each decked area, Simon specified Millboard’s Plas-Pro subframe system, an innovative solution made from 100% recycled plastic. Unlike timber joists, Plas-Pro won’t rot, warp or split over time – even in damp or exposed conditions.
By pairing Plas-Pro with Millboard decking, the entire structure achieves a remarkable lifespan with minimal maintenance. Every component is built to last, ensuring the garden remains as inviting and structurally sound in years to come as it was on day one.
“This project needed materials that would stand the test of time. Millboard’s resin mineral composite decking and subframe were the obvious choice — they perform brilliantly, look incredible, and need very little upkeep. For a busy family, that’s invaluable.”Simon OrchardSimon Orchard is an award-winning designer known for creating outdoor spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful. His work balances precision with creativity, blending natural materials with contemporary form. For Simon, choosing Millboard decking was about both practicality and aesthetics – a material that supports his design intent while echoing the warmth and tactility of nature itself.
Performance Meets Beauty
Millboard’s unique composition combines the beauty of real wood with outstanding practicality. Each board is hand-moulded from natural oak and hand-coloured, capturing the subtle grain textures and tonal variations of timber, without any of its drawbacks.
Unlike conventional composite or hardwood decking, Millboard contains no timber content, so it won’t splinter, fade or become slippery when wet. Its surface is engineered for exceptional slip resistance, giving added peace of mind and reassurance underfoot.
In this project, those qualities were essential. With multiple levels, connecting steps and play zones, safety was as important as aesthetics. Millboard’s resilient surface delivers both – creating a cohesive design that feels organic, safe and effortlessly stylish.
Low Maintenance, High Reward
One of the client’s key priorities was to minimise ongoing maintenance. With Millboard, there’s no need for regular staining, oiling or sealing – just occasional seasonal cleaning to remove natural debris and leaves.
This low-maintenance appeal allows the family to spend their time enjoying the garden rather than tending to it. The boards retain their colour and texture beautifully over time, even in areas exposed to full sun or frequent use.
As Simon notes, “The combination of performance and aesthetics is what sets Millboard decking and cladding apart. You get that warmth and natural look people love about timber, but none of the inherent issues that come with it.”
A Garden Transformed
Today, the garden at Vicar’s Hill is almost unrecognisable from its former self. Where once there was a patchy lawn on a steep incline, there now lies a series of connected outdoor rooms, each with its own character, yet all part of one, harmonious design.
From morning yoga on the sundeck to afternoon games on the lawn and evening drinks on the terrace, the space invites the family to live life outdoors in every sense. The combination of clever design, thoughtful planting and Millboard’s high-performance materials has created a garden that’s not only beautiful but built for lasting enjoyment.
Designer Profile
Simon Orchard Garden Design
Simon Orchard is an award-winning designer known for creating outdoor spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful. His work balances precision with creativity, blending natural materials with contemporary form. For Simon, choosing Millboard decking was about both practicality and aesthetics – a material that supports his design intent while echoing the warmth and tactility of nature itself.
Project Overview
- Location: Ladywell, London
- Designer: Simon Orchard Garden Design
- Materials Used: Millboard Enhanced Grain decking ain Smoked Oak and Plas-Pro subframe system