A garden built to last – with Kebony Clear

Interior architect Nina Therese Oppedal has created an outdoor living space where architecture, materials and planting come together in perfect harmony. Surrounding her architect-designed home in Gressvik, just outside Fredrikstad, she has created a garden with several outdoor living areas, lush planting and a generous terrace that naturally connects the different spaces.

The garden has evolved over time, with a focus on durable materials, abundant greenery and inviting spaces designed to be enjoyed throughout the outdoor season.

“Like walking on silk”

The terrace was built using Kebony Clear – a choice made from the very beginning of the project.

“We wanted a premium timber deck—one with exceptional durability, minimal maintenance, concealed fixings, comfort underfoot and a look we knew we’d enjoy for years to come.”

That was the vision Nina and her family had when planning the terrace.

Today, it remains one of her favourite features of the entire project.

“I often find myself simply sitting and admiring the decking. The beautiful silver-grey patina and the natural variation in the wood create something that is truly a pleasure to look at.”

Designed around the natural landscape

The property is defined by exposed bedrock, presenting both opportunities and challenges during the design process.

Rather than creating one large terrace, Nina divided the outdoor area into a series of smaller spaces. Raised planters and outdoor living areas follow the natural contours of the site, breaking the terrace into smaller, more intimate spaces. The result is a garden that feels inviting, varied and highly functional.

A seamless extension of the home

A garden room creates a natural connection between the house and the surrounding landscape, making the garden enjoyable from early spring well into autumn.

Large glazed walls frame views of the garden and blur the boundary between indoors and out. It is a space equally suited to quiet mornings with a cup of coffee as it is to long summer evenings spent with family and friends.

Smart details for easy maintenance

From the outset, the goal was to create an outdoor space that would remain beautiful while requiring as little maintenance as possible.

All visible fixings were concealed using custom-made wooden plugs bonded with polyurethane adhesive, resulting in a clean, uninterrupted surface with no exposed screws.

To protect the decking from moisture and staining, stone slabs were integrated beneath planters and pots, preventing water and soil from coming into direct contact with the timber. A dedicated area of ceramic tiles was also installed beneath the barbecue, protecting the wood from grease and food spills.

Thoughtful details like these help the terrace stay beautiful year after year.

Great results start with the right construction

High-quality decking deserves a substructure that is built to last. Correct installation is essential to ensure the terrace remains stable, functional and beautiful for decades to come.

Before starting your project, we recommend reading the installation guide carefully and following the technical recommendations for your chosen decking system.

Common installation mistakes to avoid

  • Inadequate drainage
  • Poor ventilation
  • Direct contact with soil or ground
  • Insufficient spacing between deck boards
  • Failing to allow for the natural movement of timber

An outdoor space designed to be lived in

For Nina, this project is about far more than a terrace. It is about creating a place that becomes part of everyday life—from peaceful mornings with a coffee to long summer evenings shared with family and friends.

Through thoughtful material choices, smart detailing and a garden that has been allowed to mature naturally over time, she has created an outdoor living space that feels as good to live in as it is to look at.