The Project
Marlene Lento Design Studio was tasked with transforming a large, sloped garden belonging to a beautiful, contemporary house in Otford, near Sevenoaks Kent. The client sought to evolve the space into a world-class Acer garden with an entertainment area offering panoramic views of the residence below.
Project Location
Otford, near Sevenoaks, Kent
Designer
Marlene Lento
Moulded from timbers that are selected from oak boards for a textured look and feel, the Enhanced Grain collection's contemporary design accurately recreates the subtle nuances of natural wood. Each of the shades are slip-resistant and showcase their organic patinas beautifully.
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Project Scope
The garden, a blank canvas, initially a vast grass slope, underwent a meticulous transformation. Marlene's team created a landscape marrying contemporary elements with a nod to Japanese garden aesthetics, reflecting the client's vision.
Implementation
The project began with the creation of a picturesque backdrop, featuring mature Yew hedging and Cedar venetian screening. Central to the design were two cascading circular Millboard Enhanced Grain mineral resin composite decks in Antique Oak, seamlessly integrated into the hillside. Log rolls framed the decks, paying homage to Japanese garden design principles.
Design Elements
A carefully curated selection of Japanese Acers and larger specimen Niwaki trees, including an ancient Olive tree, provided instant impact. The decks were furnished with luxurious, fully upholstered outdoor sofas and bespoke cushions, centred around a mesmerising fire bowl. Dramatic decorative lighting and a large cantilever patio heater transformed the space into an idyllic nighttime entertainment spot. The lower deck also effortlessly transitions into an outdoor dancefloor, setting the stage for memorable celebrations.
Challenges and Solutions
To achieve the desired mature aesthetic, large specimen trees, including the ancient Olive tree and a Niwaki pine, were airlifted into the garden via helicopter. Working in collaboration with Architectural Plants, meticulous planning ensured the safe and precise placement of these trees, from securing permissions to coordinating logistics.
"Millboard has been an indispensable asset in bringing my vision to life across multiple projects, and this Acer Garden design is no exception. Its remarkable realism, durability, and versatility have consistently exceeded my expectations. From decking to built-in seating, Millboard seamlessly integrates into the landscape, enhancing both the aesthetics and functionality. I've come to rely on its quality and performance, and it has never failed to deliver. Working with Millboard has been a pleasure, and I look forward to incorporating it into many more future designs."
Marlene Lento
Marlene Lento Design Studio
Conclusion
Marlene Lento Design Studio's meticulous attention to detail, seamless integration of natural and contemporary elements, and use of high-quality materials such as Millboard, resulted in the creation of a spectacular Acer garden and entertainment area that exceeded the client's expectations.
Photos courtesy of Marlene Lento Design Studio, creating stunning garden landscapes in Kent & East Sussex. Explore more at marlenelento.com.
