An ipe hardwood Terrace above London: decking perfection
High above Knightsbridge, Steve and Rees constructed an exceptional Ipe hardwood terrace that brings together natural timber, bespoke bronze detailing and carefully integrated lighting.
The project transformed a narrow penthouse terrace into a calm and luxurious outdoor room. Every board, junction and finishing detail had to reflect the quality of the apartment while withstanding year-round exposure above the London skyline.
It was the craftsmanship of Steve and Rees that turned the detailed plans into this beautifully resolved space.
Precision construction by Steve and Rees
Penthouse terraces leave little room for error. Access can be difficult, working space is restricted and every element must be coordinated carefully with the building, glazing, thresholds and drainage.
Steve and Rees constructed the supporting framework and installed the bespoke Ipe decking with meticulous attention to levels, falls, spacing and alignment.
The hardwood boards were produced specifically for the project. Each board has a visible face width of 144mm, with a precise 4mm gap between adjoining boards. Board lengths were set at 4306mm, allowing the terrace to read as a series of clean, uninterrupted lines rather than a patchwork of shorter sections.
Maintaining those measurements consistently across the terrace demanded patient setting out and highly accurate installation.
Craftsmanship in every board
The Ipe boards were installed using a concealed fixing system. With no visible screw heads interrupting the surface, the natural grain remains the principal feature.
Long runs of hardwood lead from the bronze threshold plates towards the London skyline. The decking aligns with the glazing, planters and surrounding architecture, giving the entire terrace a composed and purposeful appearance.
The surface may look effortless, but achieving it required considerable technical control. Steve and Rees established the correct drainage falls while creating a deck that still feels level and comfortable beneath your feet.
The finished terrace demonstrates what skilled decking construction should achieve: the technical work remains almost invisible, leaving the materials and architecture to speak for themselves.
Bespoke bronze detailing
Bronze provides a warm visual connection throughout the terrace.
Custom floor plates create a refined transition between the apartment and the decking. The same bronze finish continues around the planters and along the bespoke balustrade, creating a consistent material language across the space.
Steve and Rees worked carefully around these fabricated components, ensuring that the decking, metalwork and perimeter details met cleanly.
The bronze balustrade feels substantial without appearing heavy. It defines the terrace edge and frames the views across London rather than obscuring them.
Against the deep brown tones of the Ipe, the patinated metal gives the terrace a timeless quality. It feels contemporary but avoids the temporary character of a passing fashion.
Lighting above the London skyline
The terrace was designed to be enjoyed during the evening as much as during the day.
Carefully positioned lighting highlights the planters, balustrade and texture of the hardwood without overwhelming the space. The objective was to create a restrained glow rather than flood the terrace with unnecessary light.
After dark, the lighting brings depth to the bronze surfaces and picks up the natural grain of the Ipe. It creates an inviting setting for evening drinks, quiet conversation and views across the city.
Steve and Rees integrated the lighting into the construction so that cables, connections and fittings remained discreet.
Why Ipe was selected
Ipe, sometimes called Brazilian walnut, is an exceptionally dense and durable hardwood. Its strength and natural resistance make it particularly well suited to exposed decking terraces when sourced, detailed and installed responsibly.
FSC-certified Ipe was specified for this project. With appropriate design, installation and maintenance, it can provide an exceptionally long service life.
The timber can be maintained with specialist products to retain more of its rich brown colouring. Alternatively, it can be allowed to weather naturally towards a soft silver-grey.
Whichever finish the client prefers, the quality of the underlying construction remains critical. Even the finest hardwood will only perform as intended when ventilation, drainage, board spacing and fixings have all been properly considered.
A complete terrace installation
Steve and Rees were closely involved throughout the construction of this demanding penthouse project. Their work included:
- Constructing the supporting deck structure
- Precisely setting the finished levels and drainage falls
- Installing the bespoke Ipe boards
- Coordinating the concealed fixing system
- Working around the bronze thresholds, planters and balustrade
- Integrating the terrace lighting
- Completing the detailed edges and finishing work
Having the same experienced people involved throughout the installation protected the original design intent and ensured consistency across every part of the terrace.
Built by Steve and Rees
This Knightsbridge terrace reflects the standard of work Steve and Rees bring to technically demanding decking and landscaping projects.
Their experience extends beyond installing surface boards. They understand the supporting structure, drainage, material movement, access restrictions and detailed coordination required to construct premium outdoor spaces properly.
The result is a terrace that feels calm, simple and beautifully ordered, despite the complexity behind its construction.
Planning a premium decking terrace?
Steve & Rees Landscapes construct bespoke timber and composite decks for homes in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and selected locations across London and the Home Counties.
Their work includes hardwood decking, Millboard and premium composite decking, raised terraces, steps, balustrades, pergolas, lighting and complete garden construction.
If your penthouse, apartment, townhouse or garden requires a deck that is carefully built and finished to an exceptional standard, contact Steve & Rees Landscapes to discuss your project.
Project credits
Location: Knightsbridge, London
Decking: Bespoke FSC-certified Ipe hardwood
Deck construction and installation: Steve and Rees Landscapes Ltd
Decking design: Karl Harrison
Details: Concealed fixings, bespoke bronze metalwork and integrated lighting
Client: Private residential client
