We have been asked to design the external spaces for an events venue in Suffolk.  Situated beside the beautiful remains of an important medieval priory, existing farm buildings are to be transformed into a prestigious location for weddings and special occasions.  We were asked to present concept designs for two courtyards, along with an appraisal of the forecourt, parking area, and interface with the Priory remains. 

The layout is redolent of monastery gardens. The notion of a cloistered, Hortus Conclusus has been re-interpreted to create two bold, contemporary-feeling spaces.  Elements are scaled up for impact, drama and camera appeal.  Within each space, more secluded areas have been introduced.  The courtyard and terrace are linked thematically by four groupings of large, topiary beehives.  These accentuate axes and vistas, both from the inside, and outside.  The layout is designed to provide a palette of seasonal planting schemes to act as event/photography backdrops. Clean visual lines create a variety of perspectives for photography.  

The courtyard is accessed from the two main indoor spaces.  Path widths vary according to purpose and importance.  A main axis, from the restored barn to the pleached ‘gatehouse’ bisects the reinterpreted Hortus Conclusus and its central, ceremonial/celebration space.  Guests are immersed in planting.  The Rose Garden replicates the form of the Hortus on a more intimate scale.  The courtyard is enclosed by a double allée of box-pleached trees.  Four clusters of small, flowering trees introduced softness, dappled shade, and seasonal interest.  Planting schemes will be guided by the ethos of low-maintenance, resilience and high-impact.

The topiary theme is continued on the west-facing terrace.  Built up to command views over the landscape, the terrace here is partially enclosed -thus framing the vistas- by a dramatic pavilion and pergola designed to echo the forms of the Priory Gatehouse.  An extensive parterre of ornamental grasses could be worked up into a labyrinth for children.  

As noted, topiary beehives create a unifying, unique theme.  The pleached allée adds dramatic structure.