"Stephen Firth came up with the concept while holidaying with his family in Greece last summer. The theme is to fuse styles from across the Mediterranean region creating a small courtyard reflecting that relaxed holiday feeling. The space is enclosed by North African 'rammed earth walls' capped with roman tiles; these and the wood used all give an aged rustic appearance. The ground surface is crushed limestone and mosaic, paying homage to the Moorish influence.

"Silver foliage plants capture the hot dry countryside and cool lush green foliage fills the shade of the courtyard walls. The acanthus comes from my own garden and the water spout and metal buxus 'cage' were made by a tutor in the college forge."