My clients had moved from a large house on the outskirts of a village in the Cotswolds, exchanging open views of rolling hills for the convenience of a more urban life. The garden has no views out but a rather lovely, dappled light is cast by mature trees to the boundary. We planted more multi-stemmed trees to enhance this 'woodland edge' feel and added water running along a Corten steel rill and falling into a stone trough to help to muffle the sound of traffic. A series of paths in contrasting materials (self-binding gravel and clay pavers) lead to secluded seating areas around the garden with views back towards the house framed by planting in generous island beds.