Handcrafted character for a contemporary courtyard garden
Ketley linium bricks
Contractor - Willow Tree Landscapes
This beautifully executed courtyard in Mettingham showcases how traditional materials can be reimagined in a contemporary setting. Designed and built by Willow Tree Landscapes, the project features Ketley clay creasing tiles on edge, creating a handcrafted detail that frames and elevates the garden’s entrances.
The client had sourced 800 Ketley creasing tiles, and Willow Tree Landscapes set about transforming them. Each tile was precisely cut into two slender units, measuring 265mm x 11mm x 82.5mm each. The tiles were then laid on edge with meticulous care, adding texture and visual rhythm to the courtyard’s thresholds.
When Ketley Brick saw how designers were laying their creasing tiles for edge-laid applications, they developed a purpose-made solution: the Linium brick. Featuring a central “snap,” Linium allows both long edges of the tile to be used cleanly—eliminating the need for cutting while preserving the handcrafted aesthetic.
Willow Tree Landscapes brought exceptional attention to detail throughout the project, even repurposing leftover tiles to create bespoke drainage features that blend seamlessly into the design.
“I took my inspiration from a mix of traditional brick-on-edge finishes and some estate walling I’ve seen at country houses nearby. We wanted something both functional and characterful—and your materials really made that possible.”
—Craig, Willow Tree Landscapes