Why you should plan for exterior & landscape design
BAAHOUSE and BAASTUDIO Architecture have always been advocates for residential design that connects with nature. This is evident in our range of designs and the placement of buildings on site that maximise views, blend in and preserve the surrounding environment. Integrating landscape design is an important part of the aesthetics of a home, from the streetscape to the connection to the outdoors. It also improves our health and wellbeing - there is nothing more relaxing or uplifting than having a cuppa surrounded by greenery, filtered sunshine, and maybe some bird life if you have natives.
Unfortunately, residential housing in the past 10 years has centred on smaller blocks of land and a larger house footprint at the expense of landscaping. Incorporating landscape designs together with architectural plans ensures a more holistic and cohesive aesthetic outcome. In terms of cost there are also less variations to consider at a later stage if master planned upfront.
It is important when in consultation with your architect or building designer to consider the following elements:
Streetscape
2. Structures – the design of car ports, fencing, sheds, pergolas for entertaining
3. Water features – the design for pools, ponds, spas, fountains etc.
4. Foliage and gardens where you may require planting trees for shade, protection from wind or reduce heat. Planting the right types of trees and plants for your site will give you protection and reduce your energy consumption.
Plants are also invaluable for hiding unsightly or less desirable aspects of a home e.g., plumbing, poles, water tanks etc. They provide screening and privacy from neighbours, can provide that pop of colour to lift any drab area, they also provide different textures and aesthetics to a design, not to mention improve air quality. Landscaping contributes to a holistic and sustainable living environment.
If you live on a sloping block, or your site is prone to flooding, planting trees is ideal to prevent erosion.
5. Paving and decking to connect the home to the landscape.
6. Children’s play areas and structures.
We recommend when building new or tackling a large home renovation that you consider landscape design as part of your concept/master planning. If you would love to incorporate landscaping but are concerned about sacrificing the floor plan size, talk to an Architect - they are able to assess your site, design floor plans to maximise living spaces, and provide design solutions that may solve this problem for you.
