Enhancing Architectural Design with Landscaping

Great architecture and fabulous construction give a home its beauty and presence but, the plants, both small and large, flowers, walls and other natural effects have enhanced the spatial topography of a property. Landscape architecture is a specialized field which attempts to bring harmony between a home or building and the outdoor environment. Although larger projects are aimed at making a city or town safe, functional and aesthetically pleasing, it is not uncommon to use the same principles in urban homes to achieve the same effect.

Landscaping has five basic components: vegetation, paving, water, structures and landforms. Arranging these five in the right way needs both scientific and artistic expertise so that the final outcome neither obstructs the finer aspects of the home nor leaves a concrete and brick structure bare. At the end of the day a good landscape should provide enjoyment for a family by extending their living area outdoors, create a visual relationship between the home and the landscape itself and, lastly, not be maintenance intensive. Well designed landscape architecture also increases the value of the property to a large extent.

There are many different ways in which landscape can enhance architecture. Apart from flora a number of other materials can be used to complement a home and more so to meld it with its surroundings. Once the spaces in your project area are finalized, decide whether you want to create a private zone, a spectacular garden, display art and have a contemplative corner or a play area for children.

Homeowners can tailor their needs accordingly to the area available and the budget. Ideally, grow local plants and repeat the architectural features of your home in your landscape using brick walls, wooden fences, paving and edging materials. If the house is situated in a wooded area then use shingles for the roof, and if your structure is made of stone, balance the look by creating rock gardens or stone retaining walls. Architectural landscapes can range from the simple to the complex where the whole entity is part of a larger artistic plan. In one case a whole house and its surroundings were designed to give the owners an effect of looking into ‘framed views’ and erase the boundaries between the inside and outside. Good landscaping will seep into the architecture and vice versa.

Interestingly, the ‘whole building design’ concept believes that a building is not a stand-alone structure but an extension of its surroundings. Landscape architects very often design houses keeping in mind the look and feel of the materials used, landscaped and hardscaped areas, safety, practicality and aesthetics.

A sense of balance is essential to a good landscape plan. Too much and you could conceal interesting architectural details in your home. Visualize the different aspects of your plan first and see where that pool or bench or grassy knoll will look best in relation to the house. Imitate the colors and materials used in the house, create contrasts and choose the plants technically and never forget to incorporate an environmentally sustainable design. Beautiful landscapes make a home prettier, and a pleasure to own and appreciate.