SANDBACH

The Brief

This was one of the most exciting and unusual landscape design projects we’ve ever undertaken: an aquarium garden set in the open countryside of Sandbach, surrounded by the rolling pastoral fields of East Cheshire.

 

The client’s brief revolved around the inclusion of a fully functioning outdoor aquarium, a feature that may well be the first of its kind in the UK for a domestic garden.

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They wanted a space that felt seamlessly integrated with the surrounding countryside while framing the aquarium as the star of the show. The challenge was to celebrate this extraordinary feature while creating a cohesive, liveable landscape around it.

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The Design

From the outset, the aquarium shaped every design decision. Its scale, presence and clarity demanded a garden that could both complement and enhance its impact.

 

That's why we designed a layout that positions the aquarium as the focal point, allowing visitors to encounter and experience it from multiple angles as they move through the space.​ The design balances structure with softness. Clean lines and curated materials are paired with planting that ties the garden to the rural setting beyond the hedge.

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As one of the clients jokingly remarked, if they ever sell the property, they’ll be selling an aquarium with a free house attached!

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The Garden

Beyond the wow factor of the aquarium itself, the garden sits beautifully within its pastoral surroundings.

 

Open fields and grazing cows form a living backdrop, creating a picturesque, almost cinematic connection between the garden and the wider landscape. It’s a place where contemporary design meets the charm of rural Cheshire—I mean, how much more “moo” can a garden be?​​

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If you’re dreaming of a one-of-a-kind garden, we’d love to help turn your ideas into reality. Get in touch today to get started!