Get the most out of your landscaping Print

​​Design Checklist​

  1. The landscape concept is considered as an integral part of laying out the site, works with the topography and reinforces the local distinctiveness of the area
  2. The networks of open spaces are well designed to provide high amenity and economic value for the development
  3. A long term landscape maintenance plan has been prepared
  4. The site layout and networks of open spaces are located and designed to retain and incorporate existing mature trees and any biodiversity corridors

The landscaping in private gardens and communal outdoor spaces can fulfil many functions. It can improve the appearance and liveability of the house, help to manage stormwater and protect against flooding, as well as provide shade in summer while allowing sunlight in winter. Good design will maximise these functions and significantly add value to a terraced housing development.

Often landscape provision is the last element to be given thought and budget, yet it is likely to be the first element that people notice.  Mature trees should be retained and incorporated into the overall development wherever possible. Trees perform an essential rainwater soakage function, as well as significantly contribute to the collective landscape amenity for both onsite residents as well as the neighbourhood as a whole.

An effective way of promoting the character of an area is by incorporating landscaping (and buildings) that have been informed and inspired by the existing landscape context. 

The implementation of a landscape maintenance plan is critical for ensuring open spaces remain attractive and usable over the long term.  

Better Design Practice

To get the most out of your landscaping:
  • Use specialist landscape inputs for the open spaces included within the terraced development. This will ensure that spaces are given appropriate attention and a level of design treatment equivalent to that of the buildings
  • The findings of the Site and Context Analysis should inform a landscape concept for the site and its setting. This should provide a consistent language for the landscape design, unifying potentially different requirements and enhancing the overall identity of the scheme
  • Consider how existing mature trees are can be used to locate open spaces and enhance outlook from adjacent terraced houses, through to how existing features such as streams, gullies, volcanic rock and the like could be used to design amenity spaces and promote character
  • New landscape should include trees, shrubs and ground covers that are common to the local area to reinforce or enhance the existing or desired future character. Where possible, hard landscape elements that are characteristic of the area should also be used in the landscape concept.
  • Landscape concepts should enhance any existing biodiversity corridors.

  • Larger trees provide immediate economic and amenity value. Trees near driveways can be used to define visitor parking areas or to create variation in any shared accessway layout to slow driver speeds
  • The location and species of existing and proposed trees should be identified to offer shade during the summer months, as well as maximise sun access to private open spaces and terraced housing during the winter months.
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