CASE STUDY

Tiered Courtyard

Tiered Courtyard, Brighton

Nestled within the heart of Brighton, this compact tiered courtyard was transformed into an intimate outdoor retreat, inspired by the relaxed elegance of Miami's tropical gardens. The brief was to create a lighting scheme that felt sophisticated and understated, extending the usability of the space while preserving its sense of calm and escape from city life.

The design focuses on carefully selected focal points rather than overwhelming the garden with light. Mature ferns are softly uplighted, revealing their rich texture and architectural form after dark, while selected structural elements are intentionally left in shadow. This thoughtful interplay of light and darkness creates depth, intrigue, and a natural rhythm, enhancing the garden's character without overwhelming it.

The garden was designed by Alick Nee of Fern & Pine Design Studio, a Brighton-based garden design practice, with construction by Grove Gardens.

Concrete raised planter with grasses lit from below in a tiered courtyard garden

Uplit multi stem tree against a slatted timber fence beside a lit seating area

The Approach

At the heart of the courtyard sits a feature tree beside the main seating area. Rather than illuminating the tree itself, it has been purposefully left unlit, creating a subtle silhouette and a moment of visual rest within the composition. This restraint allows the surrounding planting and textures to take centre stage while enhancing the atmosphere of the garden.

Around the seating area, discreetly positioned fittings remain completely out of sight, eliminating glare and ensuring a comfortable, peaceful experience. Soft candle-style luminaires introduce a warm ambient glow, complemented by concealed linear lighting integrated beneath the bench seating. Together, these layers of light create an inviting environment that feels both luxurious and effortless.

Intelligent Control

The clients wanted a space that could seamlessly transition between intimate family evenings and larger social gatherings. To achieve this, a Shelley lighting control system was integrated, providing flexible scene control at the touch of a button.Calm, low-level settings create a relaxing sanctuary for everyday use, while brighter entertaining scenes can instantly transform the courtyard into a vibrant space for hosting guests.

The Result

The result is a lighting scheme that is subtle yet impactful - one that enhances the character of the garden without ever dominating it. By carefully balancing light, shadow, and emotion, the courtyard becomes more than an outdoor space; it becomes a destination to unwind, connect, and enjoy long into the evening.

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Captured by Stephany Palmer Photography

Grazing light across ferns on a stone wall in a Brighton courtyard garden

What the client said:

" We started with a completely new garden, so we had a great opportunity to think about the whole space from the beginning, rather than adding things in later and hoping they worked.

The lighting was part of that thinking from day one, and that made a huge difference. The conversations between the garden designer, Todd and my wife and I meant that everything felt joined up: the planting, the steps, the seating, the views from the house, and how the garden would feel after dark.

What really stood out about the lighting was the level of thought behind it. The process felt much akin to lighting a tv or movie set rather than just putting lights in the right places. Todd was great at helping us to decide what should draw your eye, what should be softened, and what should be left in shadow. The whole process felt high end, very professional and much more creative and considered than I had expected.

Now that it’s finished, the garden has a completely different character in the evening. It feels calm, atmospheric and properly usable, not just something you look out at from inside.

We’re genuinely delighted with it. It was absolutely worth doing properly, and I’d strongly recommend involving a lighting specialist early if you’re creating a new garden."

- David and Erin, Brighton

Other Case Studies

Lit seating area facing a tiled water feature in a Brighton courtyard garden

Moroccan Courtyard, Brighton

Uplit olive tree and decorative screen in a lit courtyard garden

A portfolio built quietly, project by project.

We work with a select number of clients each year - which means every garden we light receives the full weight of our attention. More projects will be added here as they complete.

If you'd like to discuss what a lighting scheme could look like for your garden, the best place to start is a conversation.