For a private villa in Sintra, Portugal, De Ferranti designed and installed a bespoke river pebble mosaic to one of the principal garden entrances. Sweeping around the curved steps like an exterior carpet, the pavement creates an arrival moment that feels both classical and deeply connected to the landscape.

This in-situ installation was crafted from hand-collected pebbles gathered from river beds, selected for their natural rounding, tonal variation and tactile comfort underfoot. Laid directly on site, the stones were set into flowing curves and borders that echo traditional European pebble pavements, with decorative motifs that bring rhythm and ornament to the approach. Because the work was installed in situ, the setting-out could respond precisely to the geometry of the steps and the surrounding garden, ensuring the pattern reads seamlessly as part of the architecture. The finished surface offers natural grip outdoors, wears beautifully over time, and turns a simple threshold between garden and home into a lasting piece of stone craft.