Millboard Modello in Beaconsfield: the designer deck that rewrites the rules

November 2, 2025

By Karl Harrison — the decking designer since 2003

There is no other product like Modello on the market today—and it shows in the finished detail.

The brief: a Beaconsfield garden, redesigned from first principles

My client in Beaconsfield wanted a garden that felt contemporary, calm and crafted—a space for morning coffee, family dinners and weekend lounging. Rather than “replace a patio with boards”, we re-planned the whole experience: routes, sightlines, seating, lighting and planting as one composition.

Design objectives

Strong geometry that aligns with doors, windows and boundary lines.
Seamless levels from house to terrace for easy movement.
Simple maintenance with materials that stay smart season after season.
Integrated lighting for gentle evening use.

Structure first: PlasPro & DuoLift® for a rock-solid base

Great decks start under the surface. We used Millboard PlasPro® recycled plastic sub-frame to resist moisture and decay, and DuoLift® post supports to achieve millimetre-accurate levels across the terrace. This system:

Keeps the frame clear of standing water.
Enables fine adjustment during install and future maintenance.
Reduces cold bridging on roof/terrace applications and simplifies drainage planning.

Laying out Modello: order, rhythm, flow

Modello rewards careful setting-out. We established a primary datum from the main threshold and worked outwards, locking the pattern to the architecture. Borders frame the space; feature fields lead the eye toward a planting backdrop. Every transition is considered: no awkward cuts, no visual noise—just clean, designer-grade lines.

Detailing that matters

Hidden fixings for a gallery-clean finish.
Shadow gaps that stay consistent through temperature swings.
Access panels for services—discreet, colour-matched and practical.
Low-glare lighting placed to illuminate treads and edges without spoiling the mood.

Why Modello is different

Millboard’s Modello is the most design-led decking system I’ve worked with. It’s not “another composite”; it’s a modular designer platform created over 10+ years of R&D to let architects and homeowners shape spaces with lines, angles and curves that ordinary boards simply can’t achieve. The result? High-end, low-maintenance decking that looks tailored, not templated.

Distinctive geometry: Modello’s pattern modules let you compose borders, inlays and transitions with precision.
Versatility: Works on terraces, roof decks and ground-level spaces.
Durability: Millboard’s proven Lastane® surface and moulded grain; stain and fade resistant.
Comfort: Barefoot-friendly texture with dependable slip performance.

Planting & lighting: calm, modern, layered

The planting palette supports the deck, not the other way round—evergreen structure, seasonal texture and pollinator-friendly colour. In-lite-style warm LEDs wash across the Modello surface and pick up the grain without hotspots. The effect: elegant evenings with elegant lighting.

Living with Modello: care is simple

Modello is designed for real life—food, family, pets and parties.

No sanding, no oiling.
Clean with water and a soft brush; occasional neutral cleaner if needed.
Use furniture glides to protect the surface; avoid harsh chemicals or bleach.

Why choose Karl for your Modello project

Since 2023 he’s specialised in design-led decking—from concept sketches to finished terraces—with a focus on buildability, compliance and long-term performance. I’m hands-on with detailing, I collaborate closely with suppliers, and I don’t leave until the last line is straight.

Thinking about Modello for your home?
Let’s walk your garden, map the experience and design a deck that’s unmistakably yours.

Project snapshot

Location: Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire
System: Millboard Modello designer decking
Sub-frame: PlasPro® recycled plastic joists
Supports/leveling: DuoLift® post support system
Lighting: warm white, low-glare edge/tread
Design & build: Karl Harrison — DeckingByKarl

FAQs about Millboard Modello

Is Modello only for large gardens?
No. The modular geometry scales beautifully; smaller terraces often benefit most from the structure Modello brings.

Can Modello go on a roof terrace?
Yes—when designed correctly. Pair it with PlasPro® and DuoLift® over appropriate membranes and drainage.

How accurate is installion?
Set-out takes care, then progress is slow and meaningful. The modular pattern means predictable and stylish design.