Unique Landscape Design

The definition of a unique landscape would elicit a mental/emotional response that would generally be observed with no notice. From the functional and aesthetic standpoint, we believe a unique landscape should fulfill and exceed the requirements and dreams of the client, the site, and the home. This has to do with great design experience and understanding, knowledge of materials and construction methods, and experience in the execution and maintenance of landscaped gardens.

Context-the relationship of the house to the site

At the heart of a unique landscape would be the home's relationship with the property and the property's relationship to surrounding homes, easements, streets, and trees, termed the site context. First to consider are spatial relationships. What is the sequence of spaces from inside the home to the outside of the home? What is the walk experience from the street to the front door? Is there a clear distinction between spaces or rooms in the backyard, and does the space tell you what its use is? Great architecture tells us, "A building that has signs to tell you where the restrooms are is poorly designed because the sequence of spaces should be the signs and vocabulary of the architecture. This statement couldn't be more true for landscape designers creating a unique landscape.

Unique Landscape Materials

The second layer of detail to context is using hardscape and landscape materials in articulating space. Materials should be sympathetic to and have an excellent blend with architectural materials. Elements of selecting hardscape, patio, or deck materials include scale, color, and texture. In terms of scale, you need to know if you're building a patio to accommodate large parties or simply a family of four. Color can be used to either complement the finishes inherent in the home or contrast with them. For example, to match a multicolored brick, choose a dark base color to "ground the brick facade." The texture is the final detail selection in the hardscape, including the size of units used, toweled edges, or grout selections depending on the material used. Textural details can also relate to the architecture, using contrasting materials which define spaces and, as a finishing touch, add warmth and intimacy. We also use the same scale, color, and texture to design the landscape planting. Elements Much like a painting, plantings are arranged in groupings and masses with contrasting colors and textures. Rather than thinking about shrubs, ground cover, and flowers, think about movement, contrast, and large brush strokes of color.

Style

The landscape style doesn't have to replicate the home's architectural style. What is more often the case, regardless of the architectural style, is creating "space" that reflects modern lifestyles. Often, even a classical or formal landscape design will have a contemporary approach regarding how the spaces are utilized. The landscape of a modern home frequently lacks the sleek lines that the house's architecture has or lacks the quality of spaces or modules of an actual modern landscape design. Also, a modern home may not take full advantage of sculptural opportunities, which are indeed the home and its style.

Beauty is no accident.

A unique landscape is not arrived at by accident, and it requires understanding architecture, design principles, hardscape materials, landscape materials, installation and construction methods, and maintenance. Most notable is the understanding of the site context, the architecture of the home, and the client's wants and needs. The interpretation of these fundamental elements creates a unique landscape.