A new modern extension had been added to the back of this traditional stone-built family house. The family wanted to create usable space around the new extension, a lawn, two seating areas for morning and evening sun and a play area. The structure of this garden is formed from Balau timber decking. The lawn provides the dual purpose of creating a feeling of space and being an addition to the play area. Himalayan Silver birch under-planted with the claret-leafed Smoke Bush Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple' soften the whole space.