This large, modern house in EC1, near the City of London, had three large terraces that were unused. Each was all-too visible though the floor-to-ceiling windows that surround the property.

Each was designed to be a picture, to be enjoyed from the inside all year round. The clients just wanted space for a solitary chair in one of them. They are interested in plants and were willing to be adventurous with them.

Each terrace is designed to have a distinct character. The sunnier site is filled with exotics – large, architectural plants with contrasting shapes, leaves and textures and bespoke planters in earthy, desert tones. Black bamboo screens the space from neighbours and smart steel trellising supports the evergreen climber that will eventually cover the wall.

The upper, shady terrace was refitted with soft grey composite decking, and a range of shade-loving ferns, hostas and tree ferns to give an interplay of green foliage and all-year interest.

On the ground floor, walls were painted and the divide between them removed to bounce light into the space and create sight lines through the large bedroom windows. Porcelain tiling gives a crisp, contemporary feel and is a foil for the oversized “rusty” containers. We planted these with three large, cloud-pruned trees.

Each planter was fitted with its own irrigation and downlighters wash the spaces in light at night.