If you have a roof terrace in Dalston, you already know the appeal: a bit of sky, a view over the neighbourhood, and that rare feeling of being outdoors without leaving home. The catch?

If you are trying to make a small outdoor space feel calm, green, and actually usable, you already know the problem: the garden is tiny, the bins need somewhere to live, the light is patchy, and every square metre has to earn its keep.

Are you seeking sanctuary from urban noise and prying eyes? Creating a tranquil hideaway in your outdoor space--even in the heart of the city--is totally achievable.