Multi-Level Garden Landscaping Dawlish

Project

Multi-Level Garden & Roof Terrace Transformation in Dawlish, Devon

Services used

Hard Landscaping, Fencing, Sleeper Walls, Porcelain, Millboard Decking, Soft Landscaping

Duration

14 Weeks

Location

Dawlish, Devon

When our client in Dawlish first came to us, her garden was steeply sloping, overgrown, and dominated by a long, awkward flight of steps. On top of that, the first-floor roof terrace had rotting timber decking covered with artificial grass, which had become unsafe and unsightly.

She asked us to create a modern, multi-level garden design that was functional, safe, and welcoming. Her wish list included easy access from the house, spaces for dining and relaxing, a lawn for her small dog, and an upgraded roof terrace that would last for years to come.

The Challenge

Steeply sloping garden with poor, unsafe access
Old roof terrace decking and artificial grass in need of replacement
No defined spaces for dining, entertaining, or relaxation
Requirement for a dog-friendly lawn area

Our Approach

To help our client feel confident in the transformation, we produced a detailed 3D virtual walkthrough using Lumion software. This allowed her to fully explore the design and make informed decisions before any work began.

We then introduced elegant split levels to give structure and usability to the garden:

A large porcelain terrace outside the main doors created a generous dining and entertaining space.
A re-centred staircase with planted landings provided safe access while softening the hard landscaping with greenery.
A lower-level semi-circular lawn offered a dedicated, dog-friendly space framed by planting for year-round colour and texture.
A secluded corner terrace featured a bespoke floating bench made from rich Sapele hardwood – the perfect spot to enjoy the late-afternoon sun.

The level changes were engineered with steel beams and sleepers to ensure long-term strength and design clarity.

Roof Terrace Upgrade

A few months after the garden was complete, our client asked us to return and renovate the first-floor roof terrace.

We removed the failing timber decking and artificial grass
Our sub-contractor re-felted the roof for long-term durability
We installed a Millboard Enhanced Grain deck in “Limed Oak” on a DuoSpan aluminium sub-frame
The original glass and stainless-steel balustrade was reinstated

The result is a roof terrace that harmonises beautifully with the porcelain paving below while being low-maintenance, hardwearing, and built to last a lifetime.

The Result

The transformation is a contemporary, multi-level garden and roof terrace that blends functionality with elegance. From the dog-friendly lawn and porcelain dining terrace to the upgraded deck, the entire outdoor space is now safe, stylish, and designed for everyday enjoyment.

What was once a difficult, impractical plot has become a modern haven for outdoor living in Dawlish – a space our client can enjoy with confidence for many years to come.

Client: Mrs B H
Designer: Paul Bentley MCIHort MAPLD- Atlantes Landscapes
Contractor: Atlantes Landscapes

BEFORE & AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

PROJECT GALLERY

How Do You Transform a Steeply Sloping Garden?

One of the most common challenges we see in coastal towns like Dawlish is the steeply sloping garden. Many homeowners struggle with awkward steps, unusable spaces, and poor access, often unsure how to make their garden both practical and enjoyable.

The key to transforming a sloping garden is to introduce clear, functional levels that feel natural and connected. By reconfiguring steps, adding retaining structures, and designing terraces for dining, entertaining, or relaxing, we can create a safe, welcoming space that makes the most of every square metre.

In this Dawlish project, split levels allowed us to combine a large porcelain entertaining terrace, a dog-friendly lawn, and a private corner retreat into one flowing, cohesive design. The result not only solved the problem of access but also turned an awkward, underused space into a modern multi-level garden that the client can enjoy every day.

If you’re struggling with a sloping or uneven garden, our team at Atlantes Landscapes can help you design a solution that works for your lifestyle – from structural engineering right through to planting and finishing details.

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