Mike Jarvis, one of our esteemed Bradstone Assured Installers based in Peterborough, was approached by a homeowner with a bold vision: to create a contemporary, multi-functional garden incorporating entertainment areas, a hot-tub zone, a dramatic central water feature, integrated lighting and high-quality planting.
The client wanted a standout design inspired by premium projects seen online, but also needed materials that would be durable, easy to maintain due to not being at the home for large amounts of time, and visually cohesive with the property.
This material palette would additionally need to be able to withstand heavy use, variable weather and the technical demands of a complex, high-specification build.
The project presented several technical and design challenges. The client’s brief was highly ambitious, while ground conditions were poor, resulting in the need for a deeper excavation and a reinforced sub-base to ensure long-term stability.
The water feature wanted by the homeowner would eventually need to hold around nine tonnes of water, and as such, demanded precise engineering and waterproofing. Material selection also required careful consideration. The north-facing garden meant it would receive less sunlight, meaning natural stone would be more susceptible to blackspots and algae growth. Hence, a more practical option was needed. Drainage integration was essential to prevent water pooling, damp issues or runoff toward the house.
Despite the project’s complexities, detailed planning and Bradstone’s reliable product performance ensured the installation progressed smoothly.
Bradstone’s Serameno porcelain paving formed the foundation of the project’s contemporary aesthetic and long-term performance. Over 120m² of paving was installed, and as the material is robust, low-porosity and capable of sustaining its appearance with minimal upkeep – it met the client’s demands of being low-maintenance, allowing them more time to enjoy the garden, rather than spending time cleaning it. Its R11 anti-slip rating also made it an ideal choice for a garden that features a hot tub and water elements, providing added safety without compromising on style.
Bradstone’s Serameno range offered the right balance of style and practicality. Mike guided the customer to the flint silver colourway and paired the tiles with a contrasting dark border for definition.
Installation required meticulous preparation due to the scale and technical complexity of the garden. As a new-build property with poor ground conditions, the team dug the ground to a 230mm depth, exceeding British Standards to ensure stability. A geotextile layer was installed, followed by 170mm of MOT Type 1, compacted in layers of no more than 75mm at a time.
The porcelain slabs were laid on a 5:1 sharp sand and cement wet mix, with a cement-based slurry primer applied to the back of each tile to ensure full adhesion and prevent water ingress – essential for freeze-thaw protection. Joints were finished with a non-porous exterior grout to stop water sitting between tiles and to maintain a clean, uniform finish.
The wider scheme included a large L-shaped water feature with water fountains at either end, holding nine tonnes of water, which required careful waterproofing and engineering to ensure structural integrity. All surface water from the patio was directed into the feature’s overflow system, demonstrating Mike’s know-how of integrated drainage design.
Together, the Bradstone Serameno porcelain and the engineered installation approach delivered a premium, durable and visually striking outdoor space.
Bradstone played a central role in enabling the project’s success. With Mike having worked with Bradstone products for over 14 years, the brand was his first choice for quality, reliability and aesthetic consistency. Bradstone’s direct-to-site delivery streamlined logistics, and materials were delivered directly into the garden – saving Mike and his team time, labour and disruption.
Free samples supplied by Bradstone helped the client confidently select the right Serameno colourway, ensuring the final design aligned with both practical needs and visual expectations.
Mike said: “I’ve used Bradstone for over a decade because I know exactly what I’m getting – reliable products, great support and materials that help me deliver a finish I’m proud of. On a complex job like this, having paving I can trust makes all the difference.”
