Reviews

Bottle Kiln Design carried out two garden design and installation projects for me during 2013 and 2014, one rather larger than the other, and a small driveway drainage project in 2015. Dominic Stone approached each project in his usual competent and professional way with detailed sketches and an equally detailed breakdown of costs. He is very innovative and has an uncanny knack of being able to visualize the finished product from the very beginning. I particularly liked the way Dominic would use reclaimed stone to build walls and paving, as well as using new materials. Dominic gave each of my projects his undivided attention and, in my experience, I found Dominic Stone and the Bottle Kiln team truly capable of tackling all areas of garden design and installation to an undoubtedly high standard, and to the time scale predicted. I am very pleased with the work we have had done by Bottle Kiln Design.

Our 2 year search for a Landscape Architect/Builder came to an end when we employed BKD, Dominic’s experience was vast and he could take on the complex task of designing a garden with specific idea of bringing a blend of Provence and a Cotswold type garden to fruition. The result was stunning and we liked the fact that we were consulted at each stage of progress and our ideas were listened to and modifications made along the way. Nothing was too much trouble for this firm and the workforce were very diligent and considerate. All workmanship was of a high standard and job completed within the set time framework. Reliability was excellent and attention to detail was significant throughout the project. BKD are now designing a conservatory to complement the fabulous garden created for us.

We have had our garden completely re-landscaped. Dominic drew an initial design which we then worked on together as our ideas developed. We were given options on how we wanted to work with the team and how much we wanted to be involved in the day to day project management – a very flexible approach. The work was carried out efficiently and to a high standard and we are extremely happy with the result which continues to develop as the garden matures.

Back in 2006 Bottle Kiln Design had designed a new garden for us which had many admirers and in 2013 we decided to build our own house. We discussed the project with a number of architects but were not getting what we wanted. We knew that Bottle Kiln Design had designed and built a number of larger projects and so, on the off-chance, we arranged a meeting. We worked together and quickly came up with a design which was perfect for the plot and ticked all our boxes.

Bottle Kiln Design was very honest in saying that they had never built a house before – nor had we – but we followed our instincts and with us working together in sourcing materials and fittings and with Bottle Kiln Design on site every day working and project managing we came up with the house of our dreams. Scrupulously honest, the patience of a saint and unprepared to cut any corners Bottle Kiln Design will always be committed to your project and left to work to produce the best outcome you could hope for.

We engaged Bottle Kiln Design to redesign our rear garden, front garden and driveway with excellent results. The designs evolved over a number discussions where they would share many ideas and options and adapt these to our wishes before finalising the plans. For many people, visualising a finished garden from plans is very difficult and they were always willing to discuss alternative ideas and integrate these as the project progressed. Their knowledge of shrubs and plants was impressive and while we added many new items to our garden they were always very keen to recycle as many of our existing plants as possible and integrate these into the finished garden. We introduced a new water feature into our garden but the biggest challenge was to temporarily move and then successfully relocate an existing live pond. The frogs were spawning within weeks of the project being finished. The professionalism and attention to detail is commendable and the workforce were reliable and hard working. I would strongly recommend Bottle Kiln Design.

We have been using Bottle Kiln Design to do all our landscaping design and building work for the past 25 years as have both our neighbours and other local friends. It was obvious from the outset that they had a flare for structure layout and proportions of garden settings. In fact without hesitation we can say that not only do we believe they are extremely talented but also the execution of his plans are carried out to a very high standard. We have always had complete faith in him, and this is high praise from people who in fact are rather “fussy” and critical as to quality of work. Over the years they have taken what had become a rather old fashioned and tired garden surrounding our Edwardian house to a garden which is much more usable, relaxing and sympathetic to its surroundings. This work progressed over the years to design and build structures such as walls, stairs paths, tea house, green house with matching work shed, all together with a planting design which is lovely and flowing and met our need to have a garden that minimised the amount of upkeep necessary. These changes have all been made with an eye to the cost involved in the execution, minimising this cost wherever possible without compromising the quality of the work. We would also like to mention that we have recently asked Bottle Kiln Design to develop plans for an indoor outdoor large kitchen extension. We had over the years employed two separate architects to come up with concepts for this project but were never happy with the their designs as they failed to complement the house and meet our brief. Bottle Kiln Design has produced something with which we are absolutely thrilled, in the style of an Edwardian lantern house. Needless to say we are delighted with Bottle Kiln Design’s work. They are very organised, professional and reliable. They are good communicators, a pleasure to work with and ensure at all stages that the work is done to a high standard.

Bottle Kiln Design have designed and performed a number of major projects for us over the last 10 years.

The projects have included major reconstruction of a large walled terrace, with a pond and two fountains, and with stairs and a walkway down to our garden. The attention to detail in planning and construction, alongside imaginative and sympathetic use of reclaimed materials, has been fantastic.

When a subsequent defect was identified in wiring (provided by an external source), Bottle Kiln Design were helpful and supportive as they worked to rectify a situation (most certainly NOT of their making) and restore the area to full function.

Various other garden projects have included restoring a Victorian orangery with an extension into a garden room, landscaping around a pond area and creating a safe, secure and stimulating space for our dog!

We could not recommend Bottle Kiln Design more highly for the professional way they have designed and constructed all the projects they have for us.

The designs have been tight to our brief, imaginative and sympathetic to existing structures.

We are happy to share images (before and after) the excellent work they have done for us.

I have used Bottle Kiln several times for a variety of jobs on the house: both internal and external. From design to job-completion, the service is totally reliable and to a very high standard. I would have no hesitation in recommending them.

Having seen some of Bottle Kiln’s work in friends’ gardens we chose them to landscape the garden of our new house. Bottle Kiln Design have a flair for garden design and produced plans which fulfilled all our requirements and also added some imaginative twists of his own. He and his friendly team were very professional and carried out all works to a high standard. We particularly liked his use of reclaimed materials. This, together with the planting of some larger shrubs, has already given our new garden an established feel.

We are very happy with the work and would definitely use Bottle Kiln Design again.

Enhancing our penthouse roof terrace so we can enjoy spectacular views of Nottingham. Bottle Kiln Design were completely professional and courteous throughout the 8 weeks they were on site. We are delighted with the results. The whole team seem to thrive on awkward projects relish the challenge.

Beautiful, unique,bespoke design and build by craftsmen with passion.

At the same time as building our summerhouse, almost exclusively with reclaimed materials they constructed a beautiful Derbyshire stone wall and then landscaped and planted so that within weeks it looked as though it has always been there.

Bottle Kiln Design – very thorough work and kept informed from the outset of the project from design to planning and during the build. Bottle Kiln Design were conscientious all the way through with our needs and expectations. Like any project which was quiet large with the removal of the whole back of our existing dwelling (in the winter!) we knew with meetings on site what was being done and what was to be done. Decisions and changes were discussed all the way along and project managed in a way which was not disruptive considering the work that was involved. The budget was adhered to and it was no trouble to change things as the development progressed. The outcome met all our expectations and more. In addition we decided to commission the garden works alongside the build to complete the job. The after service also has to be commended and if any problem arises one of Bottle Kiln Design’s team attended for any minor alterations. Overall very satisfied.