LANDSCAPE

DESIGN Lecture # 8

Ar. Samrana Qureshi

FEATURES OF

LANDSCAPE Hardscapes

LANDSCAPE FEATURES Soft Landscaping Elements

Comprise elements of ecological sequence or all living things in gardens/parks

Includes: Earth moving and soil enhancement, planting, shrubs, semi mature trees, seeding and turfing, mulching and use of aquatic animals etc

Hard Landscaping Elements Comprise features created through construction

materials

Includes: Patios, paths/ pavings, driveways, retaining walls, fences, gazebos, pots/planters, water features, garden/street furniture, lighting, and sculptures etc

Fences/Walls

Fixed & non-growing element of landscape

Two primary functions: Security & Privacy

Incorporated to provide enclosures, to provide privacy, articulate a space, act as retaining elements against erosion and stabilizing a slope, and to separate walkways from the planting areas and lawn spaces.

Brick, classic cut stone, concrete, wood and metal grills, glass blocks, reinforced earth blocks, mortar-less stackable concrete blocks are the materials most commonly used.

The height and type of fence/wall may vary with its use in overall design concept of the project. They may be at seating height or up to 1.8m or more in height to provide privacy.

Fences are installed according to the theme of architectural design e.g wrought iron fence for spanish colonial architecture etc

If used properly, the fencing can provide sound insulation, and create microclimate by directing wind and sunlight.

Retaining walls may be provided depending on the site conditions.

Types

Wooden Fences: Provides endless possibilities of design

Provides traditional view

Ensures privacy

Reduces noise

May not be cost effective everywhere due to availability of wood or high maintenance cost

Vinyl (PVC) fences: Cost effective for large properties

Requires least maintenance measures

Doesn’t warp or split

Can be painted

Becomes brittle in winters and may not be used for areas with extreme winter season

Types Metal Fences:

Generally made of iron or other materials

Most commonly used for providing security Chain link fence is the least expensive security fence Transparent fences are preferred in areas requiring security

measures & minimum height required is six feet

Green Fences: Comprise hedges, dense shrubs, and small trees (Lecture 3)

Sound Deadening Fences: Required for areas near highways Include materials with more mass to buffer or dampen the sound Comprise masonry and wooden fences Commercially manufactured double-paneled fencing are

available Plants and trees can be used in combination

Types Retaining Walls (Adapted as fences)

Conventional block walls One of the core building materials Solid & Stable, provided for permanence Needs little or no maintenance Economical Architecturally attractive & traditional

Mortar-less & dry-stacked concrete Most commonly used building material due to easy installation

and speedy construction Fits & aligns itself due to vertical interlocking tabs Add tones and textures than conventional blocks Larger and heavier than conventional and hence expensive but

advantage to be dissembled and moved

Retaining Walls (Adapted as fences)

Wooden retaining walls Gives attractive and organic look

Easy to use

Limitation of use in moisture & insects/termite protection

Requires treatment for strength & hardiness

Reinforced earth walls Depending on the soil type different methods are used

Using alternate layers of welded wire matting with layers of compacted earth

Using concrete crib walls, made of latticework of concrete elements and filled with earth

Provides advantage of achieving greater heights that a single system would allow

Wooden fence around a Garden The fence effectively blocks the view of this pool apparatus. Privacy to this conversation area of the patio is provided by the lattice fencing that encircles it.

This architectural use of enclosure combines solid columns

and spans of trellis with containerized plant materials.

Attractive block and complementary plantings combine

to provide a beautiful landscaped border design.

This substantial concrete brick retaining

wall incorporates design details and hues

that work to refine and distinguish it. The

hedge serves to further soften the looks Stackable block can be quite attractive as

well as effective and fairly quick to install The retaining wall supports the slope while providing

space for plant installation. Timber retaining walls help stabilize this steep slope

This white picket fence is a thematic match for the early

American home that it adjoins.

The use of the same

materials in the

house, the

walls, and the

pavement creates a

simple and unified

design. Stone Fence: Made of River Rock Concrete Crib Walls

Paths/Walkways/Paving

Stones Paths & walkways give access to built up areas

and allow users to enjoy the surroundings From ancient times pavements have been

created by concrete, stones, brick and wood, which have been added with various new/adapted synthetic materials due to environmental economic & legal concerns

Selection of materials for pavement would depend in function, cost, availability and theme of construction

While creating the walkways/paths, it should be considered what kind of users and how much foot traffic would be expected.

Width and compatibility of the path also depends on the use and foot traffic

In hilly or sloping areas, the walkways should be provided with easy to climb steps and edging may be provided to provide strength to the pavement & steps

Small paths and paved areas may be created to develop interesting landscape areas using benches, planters and paving materials

Curved and meandering paths can add sense of mystery to design

The walkways and paths should be created in level with surrounding terrain for easy mowing and ensuring safe footing

Transitions between steps should be well spaced

Materials for paving should be selected in such a way that it avoids tripping and slipping especially when wet

Sufficient but not glaring light should be provided to guide users while walking at night

Longer flight of steps should be provided with guiding rail.

Paths/Walkways/Paving Stones—

Reinvented Materials

Traditional clay bricks give pleasing appearance but fails in supporting weight of some modern vehicles, hence not recommended for porches

Similar look and texture as well as required strength can be achieved through concrete pavers in different shapes and colors

Mosaic pavement patterns created in the past with stones can be created by cubicle pavers

Concrete has been reinvented in other forms as well such as stepping stones, retaining walls, decking and paving stones, curb stones

Rubber is another product used in landscaping as shock absorber in play grounds

Rubber tiles are also used where containment is required, also because they do not attract molds and insects and permit easy wheel chair use

Wood lumber is popularly used material for creating decks. Various other wood & plastic composite and wood free plastics are also available for the same.

Artificially prepare synthetic materials are in the market for that do not mold, rot or weather over time & are preferable for landscaping

Slate, popular for

walkways, works

well here in

combination with

other materials to

help create stairs

and a mortar-less

terraced front walk

for a rustic setting.

Walkway alcove is the perfect

setting for a secluded moment. Granite cubes can be used like mosaic tiles to create rich pavement patterns Colored concrete

Stamped concrete.

Fauxcrete: made to

look like quarried stone.

Fauxcrete: made

to look like cobblestone.

Rubber tiles

ensure a safer

tumble to the

ground for

youngsters at this

playground.

Close-up of the

rubber tiles.

Stepping stones must

be large

enough to fit the

users feet and be

spaced so they

permit a natural

stride pattern.

Patios/Decks/Arbors/Pergolas Decks are exterior floored area, usually higher than

surroundings created for inviting the users to stay for sometime as opposite to paths/walkways that allow the users to walk only

Decks allow the users to enjoy the greenery in the surrounding

Decks that are well built are quite durable. Usually they are built with concrete bases

Patios or outdoor rooms are developed in countries with hot climates for enjoying cool evening outdoors e.g. Spain, Mexico and Latin America.

Patios can be fit in with fireplaces, ovens, benches and other furniture

Redwood, Cedar Heartwood, and Plastic (Vinyl & poly deck lumber) are commonly used materials for constructing Decks with weather and water proofing preservatives

Trellises, Arbors, and Pergolas can be used to add shape and perspective to landscaped areas

Arbors, pergolas and trellises provide a natural habitat for climbers and creepers.

A gateway arch, either single or lattice like structure is called arbor, very commonly used for framing a path

Pergolas of different shapes are created by connecting arbors from above and decorated with climbers

Trellises are created with interwoven wood, bamboo or metal

Trellises create secluded and private places especially constructed in backyards or patios

Like arbors and pergolas, trellises are also liked by climbers and creepers due to their closely spaced lattice strips

Pavilions or kiosks called gazebos, ornamental or otherwise add to the beauty of landscaping

Gazebos serve as protection from sun and rain and are popular in warm areas

Synthetic wood decking resists weathering, pests, and mildew Deck separating pool from building An engineered concrete river rock wall brings rustic charm to a hillside

home,while a vine-trained trellis adds to the privacy of the inner garden. Arbor Gates Another way of providing arbors with pergolas

Roses along a trellis, Interbay P-Patch (community

garden), Interbay neighborhood, Seattle, Washington A trellis supports speakers at Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Viewed from rear! A Typical Gazebo

Rockery & Sculptures

Rockeries play a great role in giving grace to the landscape design.

Rockeries are sometimes added a corner elements and in combination with water bodies, where used extravagantly are called as rock gardens.

Sculptures or three-dimensional monumental objects are important element of outdoor art, often used with water bodies.

Abstract forms are also created for the same purpose.

Rockery & Sculptures

Rockeries play a great role in giving grace to the landscape design.

Rockeries are sometimes added a corner elements and in combination with water bodies, where used extravagantly are called as rock gardens.

Sculptures or three-dimensional monumental objects are important element of outdoor art, often used with water bodies.

Abstract forms are also created for the same purpose

Outdoor Furniture

Furniture and fixtures designed to be provided for streets and gardens not only is crucial for fulfilling the function for which the landscape is developed but also adds value to the landscape design quality

Outdoor furniture includes benches, chairs, tables, dumpsters, Street lights, lighting fixtures etc

The uses of

synthetic

material assures

that this

built-in bench will outlast one built

from even the

most durable

wood.

Sculptural Furniture Waste Bin, Wallingford Castle Gardens

Outdoor fireplaces & kitchens

Fire pits, outdoor grills and barbecues extend use of outdoor landscape areas

Design and décor or fireplaces include use of tiles, concrete, stone, stucco and firebricks

If the landscape design also includes a pool or a spa, outdoor kitchen may be designed near it for allowing use of both.

Climate, foliage and available space in the outdoors determines which fuel will work best

The fire pit should be placed away from structures and fire hazards

Fire pits and fireplaces should be in harmony with surrounding architecture

Fire it should be located such that it becomes effective outside light source

Fire pit elements should be sturdy and weather resistant and designed that is not affected by the prevailing wind direction

Fire pits and fireplaces should be designed visible from living room

Mobile fire pits with detachable fittings and handles are preferable

Special consideration may be given to heavier foundation for fire pits and fireplaces, especially in seismic areas

Emissions from the fireplaces need to be controlled especially with respect to the city rules & regulations regarding outdoor fire places

In most of areas, low-emission type closed system fireplaces meet the urban emission laws

In most cases, property value goes up with provision of outdoor fireplaces & grills

An outdoor barbecue area shaded with pergolas Portable grill with antique wheelbarrow

features can handle a large gathering.

Lighting Illumination or lighting creates appealing nightscapes in

addition to its primary function of providing safety & security

Energy efficient lighting technologies have emerged and commonly used for lighting nightscapes

While designing a lighting plan, consideration is to be given to both effect and fixture

With respect to features, various eye catchers are available in the market

While designing a lighting plan, it would be required to understand the character of architecture, needs of clients, amount of light, nature of area (dangerous etc), and what features to light

Various ways of lighting includes up-lighting, down-lighting, back lighting, path –lighting, & Shadow lighting

A rustic rock post topped with a Crafts-looking lantern

serves to light the entry of a wooded driveway.

Incorporated into the

walkway design, this

internal post lighting is an

effective

welcoming "beacon," and

serves to illuminate the

address and path to the

front

door.

Incorporated into a two-board wood fence design, concrete columns made to

look like rock are topped with coach lights, lending a refined country appeal to

the paver-laid driveway approach.

Tasteful night lighting can create a new and different

landscape during the evening hours, or extend the use and

appreciation of the daytime design.

Drainage

Drainage for storm water may be planned in an integrated manner with the pavement to become pleasing to eyes.

Precast concrete grates can be used around trees so that they look aesthetically pleasing and also allow water to be absorbed by the trees.

Metal Grating Cover for Drainage

Selection criteria for

hardscapes Considerations to be kept in mind while selecting elements & materials for hardscapes

Function: The hardscape elements are selected for functions

e.g. Securing children’s play yard

Containing a pet

Blocking view from outside

Protecting from sun, wind and rain etc.

Providing privacy

Improving aesthetics

Cost:

This includes initial investments for materials as well as design cost, labor cost & maintenance cost

This also requires taking into consideration that high initial cost of materials may have lower maintenance cost and vice versa

Strength:

The selection of surfacing as well as enclosing materials have to be assessed and taken into consideration while selecting

Weather Effects: Characteristics of the materials should be assessed according to their behavior towards weather, climate and region’s other ecological conditions

Client Preference: The selection of material depends on choice of

the clients but they need to be advised professionally

The clients should be briefed about the availability of various choices, brands and their comparative analyses with respect to the cost and characteristics

Integration with other components: It is important to select the elements and materials consistent in style and scheme for creating a harmonious landscape design

Maintenance concerns: Keeping in mind maintenance cost of materials is

the most important consideration especially with respect to the cost of landscaping

This concerns requires consideration for selection of both elements and materials e.g. choosing water bodies in areas deficient in water, or choosing turf grass for heavy foot traffic area