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The property at Dryburgh Crescent, Ham, originally had an uneven and muddy garden with no usable levels. The client wanted to completely reimagine the space, creating two distinct tiers: a raised dining area at the top and a lower area to accommodate a newly built man cave. Turning this vision into reality required significant excavation and the use of specialist resin systems.
The work began with the removal of around 180 tonnes of material. Due to the restricted access, a 15-foot scaffolding ramp was erected so that a small dumper truck could move material out efficiently. Once the ground was cleared, new steps were constructed both alongside the house and through the centre of the garden to connect the two levels.
For the base, 803 stone (MOT sub-base) was laid and compacted to provide stability. On top of this, a nil fines permeable concrete was applied, using approximately 28 tonnes of a mix made with 10mm chippings and cement without sand. This concrete was further strengthened with structural and anti-crack fibres, ensuring durability and resistance to movement over time.
The resin surface was then installed at a depth of 15 to 20mm. A black decorative edge was added for definition, and the standout feature was a bespoke stencilled Plymouth Argyle badge. The badge was created using an 8’ x 4’ ply stencil, cut into sections and laid in stages from the outside inward. Each section had to be completed individually, with separate days allocated to different parts of the design. This method ensured the surface remained flat and seamless while delivering an intricate, high-quality finish.
To complete the look, the rear walls of the garden were silicone rendered, giving a fresh and modern appearance. The overall system was designed to be fully permeable, with both the nil fines concrete and resin allowing water to filter through naturally, removing the need for additional drainage solutions.
The outcome was a complete transformation. The once unusable garden was turned into a striking two-tiered space with clear functionality, combining a smart dining area, direct access to the man cave, and a decorative resin surface that paid homage to the client’s local football team. The use of reinforced fibres in the concrete and the permeable system ensured the installation was not only visually impressive but built to last.