Transforming an outdoor space can do far more than improve how it looks – it can completely change how people feel when they spend time there. Encircle Housing’s recent outdoor makeover was all about creating a welcoming environment that our tenants could enjoy every day. Working together, we made sure their ideas and choices were at the heart of the design.
One of our tenants, Ashley, said: “I can’t believe it, it’s amazing! This is going to make such a difference to our summer, and to the whole year. We all have our own separate flats, and now we’ve got a shared outdoor space that we can use, as well as a sheltered area under cover. I really like all the coloured furniture too.
Having all the different areas is great. We can chill out or spend time together, and we’ve got somewhere to eat. My friend and I can sit here at night and watch the stars. I love growing things, and now we can do that too. We can’t wait to have a barbecue!”
Before work started
We worked closely with our tenants and fantastic care provider partner, Outreach. Everyone has got involved in different ways throughout, and the choices were made by all our tenants. With thanks to the care team at Outreach there are two lovely benches in the shelter.
By dividing the space into four distinct areas. We have created somewhere that feels brighter, more practical and more inviting, with every corner designed to support wellbeing, connection and enjoyment.
During the outdoor makeover
When the day of the outdoor makeover arrived, a team from Encircle Housing got to work along with one of our tenants, Ashley. The shelter had been partly built the day before by our Maintenance and Compliance Surveyor, Chris Crawford-Bennett. Mark Felton and Brannan Lawn from our Repairs Team joined together with Chris to complete it and put up the screening and trellis.
Ashley joined Housing Officer, Juliette Boland and Stephen Levell-Daly and Josh Heuze from our Finance Team. Their group were building and painting the furniture and a planter, while Nicky Thompson planted up the pots and planters with beautiful plants, shrubs and bushes including lavender requested by the tenants.
We had a lovely buffet style lunch provided by Outreach. Some of the other tenants also joined us. We had a few laughs with everyone and it was great that people got involved.
The amazing end results!
Four designated areas
As you enter the outdoor space from the front of our tenant’s home, you are welcomed by a colourful table and chairs set. The tenants chose yellow as the accent colour, bringing a vibrant and uplifting feel to the area. The bright furniture adds warmth, one of our tenants Danny explained, “The colours are really cheery, I like them.”
One of the standout features is a shared area within the shelter. It has been designed as a place where people can come together, chat and enjoy each other’s company. Activities have already been planned, showing just how quickly the space is being embraced.
Alongside this shared social space, the makeover also introduced a dedicated relaxation area where our tenants can unwind in a calmer setting. A separate eating area has also been created. There is screening and a long planter helping to define both spaces and provide a greater sense of privacy. This makes it easier for our tenants to enjoy meals outdoors in comfort, whether they are dining alone or with others.
Plants have been carefully placed throughout each of the four areas. It helps to soften the surroundings, add colour and texture, and bring a natural sense of calm to the whole garden. To complete the transformation, tenants also chose a water feature, enhancing tranquillity and creating an even more relaxing atmosphere.
Freshing up the fence
Another major part of the makeover was repainting the fence. The original brown finish was replaced with an uplifting sage green. This instantly brightening the whole space and giving it a fresher, more modern feel. The new colour works beautifully with the plants and outdoor furniture, helping to tie all four areas together into one cohesive design. More than just a visual improvement, it has created an outdoor space that feels positive, welcoming and full of life.
Designed together with our tenants
Most importantly, because our tenants helped shape the design through their colour and feature choices, the finished space reflects their preferences and supports a stronger sense of community. This outdoor makeover shows how thoughtful design and tenant involvement can turn an ordinary outdoor area into somewhere truly special and homely.
Our tenant, Darren told us, “This garden is perfect, and I love it.”
Special thank you
A special thank you to our tenants and the care team at Outreach. This project has taken five months, from the first meeting, the designing, and preparation to holding the event during spring time. You have all been involved and supportive in so many ways, and would like to thank you for your time and support. We are delighted that our tenants now have a beautiful outdoor space for many years to come.
