Landscape architect Kim Wilkie has spent the past two years working on the 50m inverted pyramid – known as Orpheus – at the Grade I-registered landscape of Boughton. Orpheus is part of a major restoration of the gardens begun five years ago by Boughton’s owner, the Duke of Buccleuch.

The inverted pyramid sits almost undetected next to a huge earthwork called the Mount, which was created in the early 18th century by Ralph Montagu.

Wilkie said: “It has taken two years to create Orpheus – I’ve been inspired by a number of aspects of this extraordinary landscape.”

The structure descends 7m down to a square, still pool, which is designed to reflect the sky.

When the new gardens open to the public on 1 August, the space will be used for music performances as well as “quiet contemplation”, added Wilkie.

“The gardens balance land and water, rhythm and reflection, myth and geometry,” he said.

“Orpheus continues the story, working with the formal structure to create a sculptural space for contemplation. Visitors will be able to sit on the banks of Orpheus, listen to music and watch the reflection of the sky in the pool at the bottom. It will be a place of stillness, sound, light and shadow.”