Imagine standing at the edge of a sprawling Surrey estate, where narrow access paths and relentless rain threaten to turn ambitious blueprints into muddled frustrations. Yet, from this challenging canvas emerges a seamless blend of stone pathways, lush plantings, and hidden drainage solutions—a testament to human ingenuity meeting nature’s whims. This is the story behind The Outdoor Room’s Hawthorn House project, which clinched the prestigious Grand Award at the 2025 BALI National Landscape Awards, held in London on December 8.
Celebrating Excellence in Landscape Design
The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), a cornerstone of the UK’s horticultural sector since 1972, has long championed the artistry and rigor of outdoor transformations. Established to elevate standards amid post-war urban expansion and growing environmental awareness, BALI’s National Landscape Awards have evolved into the industry’s gold standard, recognizing projects that balance aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. This year’s ceremony highlighted entries that navigated economic pressures and climate variability, underscoring the sector’s resilience in an era where green spaces are vital for mental health and biodiversity.
The Hawthorn House Masterpiece: Overcoming Adversity
At the heart of the Grand Award win was The Outdoor Room’s work on Hawthorn House, a Surrey-based endeavor that transformed a restricted site into an expansive, elegant outdoor haven. The project faced formidable hurdles, including limited access that complicated material delivery, erratic weather patterns delaying timelines, and ongoing client requests that expanded the scope mid-build.
- Technical Innovations: The team tackled severe drainage issues with custom-engineered solutions, preventing waterlogging in an area prone to heavy rainfall.
- Design Elements: Intricate hard landscaping—featuring precisely laid stone features and permeable surfaces—integrated with a sophisticated planting scheme of native and resilient species, creating layers of texture and color.
- Collaborative Effort: Seamless coordination with multiple third-party contractors ensured no detail was overlooked, from structural reinforcements to ecological integrations.
Broader Recognition and Industry Insights
Beyond the Grand Award, the 2025 ceremony spotlighted individual and specialized contributions, reflecting BALI’s commitment to holistic excellence.
James Sponder, Senior Foreman and Director at The Outdoor Room, earned a Special Award for his professional achievements, underscoring the human element driving these projects. Other notable winners included:
- Water Gems (based in Alba) for their Special Award-winning Maggie’s Forth Valley project, which focused on therapeutic landscapes for health and wellness centers.
- John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance, recipient of the Environmental Awareness Award for Biodiversity Boost, an initiative promoting native habitats and pollinator-friendly designs amid declining species populations.
