Primrose Hill

This small courtyard, enclosed by high walls, is at the centre of a two-storey mews house. The walls were painted white and gave an unwelcoming glare. The key to creating a softer space was to remove the paint using high-pressure steam to reveal the rustic texture and colours of the original Victorian brickwork. New clay pavers on the ground tie the ground plane to the walls.

Built-in benches and shelving for cooking packed a lot into this 6 x 4.5m space. A gnarled Olive tree complements the texture of the walls, with evergreen plants and climbers giving all-year interest.