SHOULD LANDSCAPING be a priority for self builders?
Rebecca Foster explains why it’s advantageous to start planning the design and construction of your garden as early as possible
Facit Homes designed and built this house to maximise views of the surrounding woodland. The garden was masterminded by Area Landscape
This new build in North London was constructed on a compact plot. Paul Archer Design created a hidden courtyard with fully glazed doors that make the outdoor zone feel like an additional room
KILIAN O’SULLIVAN
If your goal is to build a house that sits harmoniously within its surroundings, integrating your landscaping plans during the early design stages of your project is a great route to enhancing the overall success of your scheme. Factoring the outdoor works into the wider build schedule will pave the way for a smooth and efficient process, plus, it could help you save money on overall project costs. “Most self builders have a detailed budget for the house build but won’t have included one for the garden, other than the basics,” says Tim Clifford, general manager at Westminster Stone. It’s not unusual to spend weeks, or even months, poring over the details of design and materials options for your kitchen or bathroom – so why should the garden be any different?
Planning house & garden as one
Landscape design has the potential to make or break your scheme, as a carefully crafted space can work wonders to amplify the architectural details of the house. Plus, a proposal that takes the wider environment into account will often be looked upon favourably by planners. “Great architecture takes cues from surroundings and responds to context,” says Matt Loader, director at Loader Monteith Architects. “Factoring in landscaping can be beneficial in showing a sensitive approach to constructing new homes – particularly in regional areas like areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs) where biodiverse sites are more common.” Putting careful consideration into outdoor areas that promote soil biodiversity and support a healthy ecosystem could therefore improve your project’s chances of obtaining consent.