Seamless Integration and Future-Proof Design
In March 2024, the Yew Tree Landscapes team was called to create a patio extension and breathe new life into the existing patio in Alton, Hampshire. The work involved dismantling old raised beds, laying storm grey sandstone, and ensuring a seamless integration with existing structures such as walls and paving. Despite the unpredictable British weather causing some delays, the project concluded with impressive results.
In this case study, we delve into the project's specifics, breaking down the goal, scope of work, and process undertaken.
Patio Extension in Alton. Case Study Outline:
1. Patio Extension Project Goal.
The primary goal of the patio extension project in Alton was to enhance the garden's usability and beauty by extending the existing patio while ensuring it served as a foundation for a future garden building. The homeowners wanted a functional outdoor space without compromising style, aiming for a seamless blend with the existing garden features, such as the stone wall and patio. To achieve this, we focused on several key objectives:
Aesthetic Harmony
As the homeowners desired a seamless integration between the new extension and the existing structures, we ensured the materials used for the patio, particularly the storm grey sandstone and Barford walling, matched the garden's aesthetic.
Durability
The materials and finishes were selected to withstand harsh weather conditions, especially the wet and windy British winters, ensuring the patio would remain structurally sound and visually appealing for years to come.
Functionality
Beyond aesthetics, the extended patio needed to be functional, serving as a base for a future garden building. To future-proof the space, armoured cables were laid to allow for easy installation of lighting and electrical features without disturbing the patio surface later on.
Structural Integrity
The old patio also required improvement, and as part of the project, the existing pointing was repointed with durable materials to match the new extension, enhancing the overall strength and longevity of the outdoor space.
2. Scope of Work.
The scope of this patio extension project was pretty comprehensive, addressing both the removal of old structures and the construction of new features. Given the age of the original patio and the homeowner’s desire for an extended space, the project had to balance demolition, installation, and matching existing elements. The major areas included:
Dismantling Old Raised Beds
The existing garden had raised beds that were no longer required. These were carefully dismantled, and the area was prepared for the new patio extension.
Ground Preparation
Preparing the ground for the patio involved clearing away debris, levelling the soil, and ensuring the area was suitable for laying the new sandstone.
Laying of Storm Grey Sandstone
The new patio was laid using storm grey sandstone, chosen for its aesthetic appeal and durability. Easy joint pointing ensured the paving stones were secure and water-resistant, which is crucial in an area prone to rain.
Barford Walling
The existing stone wall was matched using Barford walling, ensuring design continuity across the garden.
Armoured Cable Installation
Armoured cable was laid along the side of the patio in preparation for a future garden building, showing foresight in planning for future upgrades.
Repointing of Existing Patio
The existing patio’s pointing had begun to degrade over time. We ground out the old pointing and replaced it with fresh pointing on the new patio.
Dealing with Weather Delays
Unfortunately, bad weather slightly delayed the completion. Despite this, we finished the project to a high standard within a reasonable time frame.
3. Patio Extension Process.
3.1. Initial Consultation and Design Phase.
The project began with an in-depth consultation between the homeowners and the Yew Tree Landscapes team. The homeowners expressed a clear vision for extending the patio while maintaining a cohesive look with the existing garden. The design incorporated their preferences for stone types and long-term functionality, including the installation of cables for future garden features.
3.2. Site Preparation.
The initial phase of construction involved dismantling the old raised beds, which required careful excavation to avoid disturbing the existing garden structure. Once removed, the ground was meticulously levelled to ensure the patio would be even and free from drainage issues.
3.3. Storm Grey Sandstone Laying.
Once the groundwork was complete, the sandstone slabs were carefully laid. Storm grey sandstone was chosen not only for its visual appeal but also for its durability and resistance to the elements. Sandstone is a popular choice for patios because it offers a high level of durability while retaining a natural and elegant look. We used "easy joint" to point between slabs.
3.4. Matching Barford Walling.
An essential part of the project was to ensure that the new patio extension didn’t clash with existing structures. To this end, Barford Walling seamlessly integrated the latest design with the existing wall. This enhanced the patio’s aesthetic and ensured structural cohesion and longevity.
3.5. Armoured Cable Installation.
As the homeowners had already planned to add a garden building, our team laid armoured cable alongside the patio. This would later facilitate the installation of lighting, power, or other utilities to the garden building without disturbing the new patio surface.
3.6. Repointing of Existing Patio.
The existing patio had served the homeowners for many years, but its pointing had deteriorated. The team ground out the old pointing and repointed the patio using materials that matched the new extension. This simple but effective step significantly improved the overall appearance and durability of the patio, ensuring that the entire area looked uniform and well-maintained.
3.7. Weather Challenges.
The project was not without its challenges. Inclement weather, particularly heavy rain and cold, delayed the patio's completion. However, the team worked around these issues by scheduling work during dry spells and ensuring that the materials were adequately protected from the elements. Despite these setbacks, the patio was completed in April, just in time for spring.
4. Patio Extension in Alton. Summary.
The patio extension project in Alton, Hampshire, achieved all its objectives and more despite the unpredictable weather. The project successfully extended the outdoor living space, matched the existing features of the garden, used Barford walling and storm grey sandstone for a cohesive design, future-proofed the space with the installation of armoured cables, prepared for the addition of a garden building, and improved the overall structural integrity by repointing both the new and old patio with easy joint.
Did you get inspired by this patio transformation?
If this stunning patio extension in Alton, Hampshire, has sparked ideas for your own garden, why not take the next step? Our expert patio installation team is here to help you design a beautiful and functional space.
Get in touch with us today for a no-obligation, free quote, and let us help you transform your outdoor space.
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