Based in Wallington, Surrey, a recently retired homeowner that was a previous client of Darren Plumridge, Bradstone Assured Landscaper and latest Installer of the Year, was seeking a complete garden transformation, with a focus on creating a dedicated patio area for entertaining, along with an outhouse to serve as a bar.
Previously, the outdoor space consisted of a simple mix of soil and turf.
The design brief centred on introducing a stylish patio, spanning 125m2, complemented by a stepped transition up to the lawn to add both structure and visual interest
To create the wow factor and stunning finish that the client wanted, Darren recommended Bradstone’s Romeli porcelain paving slabs in a buff blend colour. Designed to mimic the look of natural stone, the Romeli slabs provided both character and charm, while its durability meant it would be low-maintenance for the homeowner.
To help maintain a consistent visual transition up to the lawn, Darren and his team also installed a retaining wall cladded in stone and finished with Bradstone’s porcelain slabs on top
A total of 300 Bradstone porcelain slabs were used in the garden makeover, taking just five weeks between August and September 2025. A key feature of the Romeli slabs is its non-porous surface. As the slabs resist staining and do not absorb water, it means they won’t develop black spots or algae growth, making them ideal for the UK climate. The slabs are also hard-wearing and scratch resistant, ensuring they can withstand regular use while keeping their appearance over time.
The consistent finish and subtle texture create a modern, premium aesthetic, delivering a chic, cohesive style that flows seamlessly throughout the garden.
With the patio spanning a large area of the garden, it meant the natural soakaway from the lawn would be removed. This introduced the challenge of implementing an effective alternative to manage surface and rainwater. Darren and his team needed to ensure that both rainwater and runoff were directed safely away from the property to avoid any long-term issues.
To manage surface water effectively, the team installed a drainage system beneath the outhouse, designed to collect and gradually disperse water back into the ground. With the ground being chalky and therefore better suited for infiltration, this provided an appropriate replacement for the drainage capacity lost during excavation.
The patio was carefully laid to fall away from the property at a gradient of 1:60, ensuring that water naturally runs away from the house. Surface water is directed towards an ACO Brickslot drainage channel positioned across the patio and in front of the retaining wall. From there, the system channels runoff into the underground drainage solution, enabling controlled dispersal and preventing water build-up across the paved area.
As a Bradstone Assured Landscaper, Darren benefited from being able to order the Romeli porcelain paving slabs from Bradstone and having them delivered directly to site, supporting a smooth and efficient installation process.
During the design stage, Bradstone also provided free product samples, allowing the homeowner to confidently select the ideal colour, texture and finish to suit the overall scheme.
Darren Plumridge said: “We’re extremely proud of how this project came together. From the outset, our focus was on bringing the homeowner’s vision to life while carefully navigating the challenges presented by the groundworks and the need for a new drainage solution.
“It’s not enough to focus solely on the visual transformation. The success of a project like this depends just as much on what sits beneath the surface. By taking the time to design and install an effective drainage strategy, we were able to ensure the finished space not only looks impressive, but will also perform reliably for years to come, avoiding potential issues and protecting the long-term integrity of the garden.”
