Small Garden, Big Impact
Dublin Semi D • Side Access • Suburban Setting • Overlooked
Designer
Barry Murphy
GreenTouch Advisory
Contractor
GreenTouch
Project Size
59 M 2
Value
€65 K - €70 K
Delivery
Phased Build
Project costs vary depending on timing and market conditions.
Enviromental Context
Orientation
South Facing
Ground Conditions
Compacted, Poor Drainage
Exposure
Windy
Microclimate
Wind Tunnels
Design Approach
This garden was redesigned to improve privacy and create a more refined outdoor space within a small footprint.
✓ Layout maximised without overcrowding
✓ Dry stone wall as a key feature
✓ Materials repeated for cohesion
✓ Floating corten steel fireplace and pizza oven
✓ Pleached trees added for privacy and structure
✓ Outdoor living first, future layers planned
BEFORE AFTER
How the design evolved
Overlooking and privacy
The garden was heavily overlooked from higher neighbouring properties.
Pleached beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) were installed in raised beds to create elevated screening and a hedge like structure.
Ground conditions
High water table and compacted new build soil required significant groundwork and a drainage strategy before paving and finishes.
Hardscape over planting
Due to ground conditions, the garden was primarily paved, with planting focused in controlled areas and containers.
Dry stone feature wall
A hand cut Irish sandstone dry stone wall forms the main focal point and supports a floating corten steel fireplace used for wood-fired cooking.
Utilities for future phases
Additional drainage, power, gas and water services were installed to allow future features without disruption.
Planting strategy
All planting is selected for a south-facing, wind-tolerant and dog-friendly environment.
At the rear, pleached beech (Fagus sylvatica) is set within a raised bed to provide screening.
At the lower level, a multi-stem Amelanchier lamarckii acts as a feature tree.
A shaded area includes Dicksonia antarctica for structure and contrast.
Both in-ground and in pots, a mixture of perennials and evergreen planting provides texture, colour and year-round interest.
Pots of varying sizes were carefully selected to complement the materials, with attention to proportion, colour, texture and feel.
Future phases
Outdoor kitchen and dedicated barbecue area are planned within the layout.
A floating bench, integrated lighting and screening will complete the space.
Cladding and a covered seating area or gazebo will add further comfort and privacy.
All services are already in place to allow these elements to be introduced without disruption.