MANCHESTER
The Brief
This may be one of the smaller gardens we have designed, the ambition for quality was uncompromising all the same.
Situated on a podium level in a contemporary residential development in Ancoats, Manchester, this internal enclosed roof garden shows how thoughtful design and exceptional craftsmanship can transform even the most compact outdoor spaces.
The brief was to create a high-quality outdoor space using premium materials that would deliver an enduring quality while remaining low maintenance.
The Design
In a garden of this scale, attention to detail is everything.
A carefully selected palette of high-end materials brings a sense of permanence and quality to the space. Italian porcelain paving was chosen for its durability, refined appearance and low-maintenance qualities, forming the foundation of the scheme.
Bespoke corten steel planters and edging introduce warm tones throughout the garden, complemented by a custom corten steel feature panel featuring an oak tree motif. The floating deck, curved seating and cladding are all constructed using premium Millboard products, designed and manufactured in the UK.
Lighting by Hudson Lighting, also designed and manufactured in the UK, softly illuminates the space after dark, enhancing the atmosphere and strengthening the connection between the different elements of the garden.
Antique mirrors inset within the green walls create a subtle trompe l’oeil effect, reflecting light and planting to give the illusion of greater depth and making the garden feel larger than its footprint suggests.
The Garden
With space at a premium, the planting design makes full use of the vertical surfaces. Living green walls transform the enclosure into a tapestry of colour and texture, maximising the available planting area.
A rare Nepalese birch, sourced through specialist plant hunters in Wales, provides a distinctive focal point. Its striking orange-red bark echoes the rich tones of the corten steel planters and edging to add to more character to the garden.
Although compact in size, the combination of green walls, bespoke detailing and premium materials gives this roof garden a strong sense of identity.
The Testimonial
"Working with David at DK Garden Design has been one of the best investments we've made in our home.
Our roof garden in Ancoats started as a relatively uninspiring space, but David saw its potential immediately. Through a combination of creative design, expert planting and carefully selected features, he transformed it into a stunning outdoor room that seamlessly connects our indoor and outdoor living spaces.
What sets David apart is his ability to combine vision with practicality. He listened carefully to how we wanted to use the space, challenged our thinking when needed, and introduced ideas we would never have considered ourselves. The result is a garden full of character, texture and year-round interest that feels far larger and more connected to nature than its footprint would suggest.
David's knowledge of plants is exceptional, and his attention to detail throughout the design process was second to none. From the initial concepts through to the final planting, he was professional, passionate and genuinely committed to creating something special.
We regularly receive compliments from visitors, and the garden has become our favourite place to relax, entertain and escape the bustle of city-centre living.
If you're looking for a designer who combines creativity, expertise and a genuine passion for transforming outdoor spaces, I would wholeheartedly recommend David and DK Garden Design.
Thank you, David, for creating a garden that exceeds our expectations and brings us joy every day." — Patrick Hemmaway
If you're looking to transform a compact urban space, we'd love to discuss how we can help bring your project to life. Contact us today now to discuss more.