The Project
Multi-functional garden redesign with integrated seating, planters, splashback, and outdoor kitchen.
Project Location
Oxford
N4 Architecture
Claudia Rosa-Cervello
Take a look around
A New Chapter in Outdoor Living
After years of living in central London, a young family with two small children decided it was time for a new chapter. A move for work offered the chance to swap city streets for more space, and, for the first time, a garden. This outdoor space wasn’t just an add-on; it was a completely new way of living.
“They were incredibly excited about having a garden,” recalls Claudia, Director of N4 Architecture, who was brought in to lead the transformation. “The brief was about making the most of every inch, a space where the children could play safely, where they could entertain family and friends, and where the outdoors felt like part of the home.”
A Landscape of Imagination
The heart of Claudia’s concept lay in the garden’s natural change in levels. Rather than hiding or flattening them, she embraced the challenge, transforming them into an architectural feature that’s both functional and playful.
“The installation became more than just a deck with built in features,” she explains. “It acts as siesta corners, laying beds, reading nooks, a den for the children, even party platforms. I was inspired by how children transform their surroundings with imagination. What might be a bench to us could become a stage, a racetrack, or a castle wall for them.”
The result is a space that constantly adapts to the family’s needs. It’s a safe play area by day, a relaxing retreat in the afternoon, and a social hub by night.
One Material, Endless Possibilities
To achieve this level of flexibility, Claudia needed a material that could deliver visual cohesion, durability, and versatility, without compromising on aesthetic quality. Millboard decking was the obvious choice.
“Millboard decking ticked every box,” she says. “It was perfect because we could clad it directly over the existing porcelain tiles without needing to remove them. That saved time, reduced disruption, and kept the project within scope.”
The chosen product, Millboard Enhanced Grain decking in Limed Oak offered a natural, refined look that tied every element together. Its versatility meant it could be used across the decking, integrated benches, planters, splashback for the outdoor kitchen, and even the detailing around the steps. This unified approach gave the garden a seamless look and feel, while the tactile surface brought warmth and texture to the space.
“With Millboard, you’re not limited to decking,” Claudia adds. “It’s an extremely versatile material and it’s easier to work with than any other composite. The finish is exceptional.”
Expert Installation
To bring Claudia’s vision to life, she collaborated with Ricky Jones from Kingfisher Decking, whose technical expertise was crucial to navigating the site’s challenges.
“The whole area had to be lowered by hand,” Ricky explains. “We carefully removed the existing masonry steps and ramps piece by piece. With retaining walls in place, drainage was a major factor - we had to make sure water wouldn’t pool or cause flooding. Working close to the house also meant using alternative construction methods where space was tight.”
Every hidden layer of construction was meticulously planned, using “every technique in the book” to ensure a flawless result. And throughout, the workability of Millboard products proved invaluable.
“It’s a fantastic material to install,” says Ricky. “You can achieve precision detailing and hide all the structure behind a seamless finish. That’s what gives the project its wow factor.”
A Seamless Collaboration
Claudia and Ricky’s collaboration was instrumental in making the project a success. “It was a really positive partnership,” Claudia reflects. “I focused on the design concept, while Ricky made sure the technical execution was perfect. We tweaked and refined the details together to make sure everything worked beautifully.”
Transforming the Way the Family Lives
The completed garden is a truly beautiful outdoor space and is an integral part of the family’s daily life. It extends their home in every sense, adding light, perspective and a deeper connection between indoors and out.
“The colour and finish even brighten the interior when you look out,” Claudia says. “It brings so much space and perspective to the house.”
The clients are overjoyed with the result. The garden has quickly become a backdrop for barbecues, birthday parties, playtime adventures, and moments of calm. It’s a space that feels deeply personal and is designed to evolve as the family does.
“They’re absolutely thrilled,” Claudia smiles. “The garden is now the heart of their home.”
Hand moulded from real oak timbers for a textured look and feel, the Enhanced Grain collection's refined, contemporary design accurately recreates the subtle nuances of natural wood. Each of the shades are highly slip-resistant and showcase their organic patinas beautifully.
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