A country house and a plot attached to it become the ultimate dream of a city dweller. No neighbors, tight parking lots and constant restrictions. This small personal corner provides owners with a unique opportunity to create their own “paradise” housing, which will exist by its own rules. Landscaping of a plot of 12 acres should begin with the development of the project. Professionals will do it faster and better for you, but some who prefer to master this complex science on their own. Landscaping is akin to interior design, it will also depend on coziness and comfort in the area where the owners will spend most of the time in the summer. Let's try to figure out where to start planning, and how to correctly place functional areas within twelve hundred parts.
Before you sit down for a project, you need to decide on the final picture, which you want to see at the end. This may be a ready-made design object that you saw in a fashion magazine, or an image "from the head" generated solely by your imagination. On a blank sheet of paper, draw the shape of the parcel (top view). Usually it is rectangular, square, triangular or trapezoidal. More complex forms are not common. If you are “lucky" to become the owner of such a rarity, then you need to beat every extra corner so that later it becomes a highlight. Then, the cardinal points and features of the relief are marked on the plan, that is, the landscape: elevations, lowlands, slopes, perhaps a lake or a pond splashes at the fence. Also consider the groundwater level. Then decide on the purposes for which the personal territory will be used. For example, if the owners are avid summer residents and plan to spend most of their time on cultivating the soil, then they will have to give the lion's share of the plot for gardening. Perhaps even to the detriment of other functional sites. However, twelve acres is quite enough to equip a summer minimum. This area is classified as large. All zones are classified into four types:
Living spaces. The house and its possible extensions. This also includes the adjacent parts of the yard;
Relaxation area. It includes gazebos, barbecue, swimming pools, tennis courts, cozy places for thinking about the eternal at the pond;
Buildings for household purposes.These include baths, cellars, sheds for storing equipment and firewood, garages and parking for cars;
Land for garden and garden.
Although the location and dimensions of the above zones are calculated by either the owner himself or the designer in accordance with his wishes, there are generally accepted standards.
The smallest part of the land is considered a residential building. It usually takes up no more than 10% of the total area. Another 15-20% is taken under the recreation area. The rest will be torn to pieces by flora and possibly fauna (if pets are planned). The outbuildings always come with them, which are set to provide greater comfort when caring for the household. If it seems that there is not enough space, then carry out the layout of individual objects in zones with conditional boundaries. Alternatively, the garden can be combined with a seating area. The canopy of trees will give a shadow in the hot summer and will hide from the wind in the winter. Also consider the features of the relief: slopes, lowlands, natural objects that were marked on the original diagram. They can be a significant obstacle to the placement of certain buildings.
The layout of the suburban area must be approached from a rational point of view. The landscape will give beauty to the landscape, its polishing, but the inconvenient location of objects will spoil the whole impression. In addition, it will be too late to change anything. It is better to contact a specialist for the approval of the plan before implementing your project. An experienced designer will help you find mistakes and fix them on time.
Rules and regulations for the location of objects
In addition to your desires, it is necessary to take into account generally accepted norms that are regulated by law. Buildings on your land should:
Do not disturb neighbors;
Do not create obstacles for the free movement of people or vehicles in public places (if there is a street nearby);
Provide safe accommodation to the owners.
These three aspects can be expressed in numbers.The distance from residential buildings to the neighbor's fence should be at least 4 m. From the low bushes keep a distance of 1.5 m, and from tall and dwarf trees - 4 m and 3 m, respectively. Outbuildings should be erected at a distance of at least 1 m, and those structures where animals are kept should be 4 m. For their own safety, the following distances must be observed between buildings of different types:
For stone and brick houses, it is necessary to "retreat" by 6 m;
If the structure has wooden floors, then the permissible distance is increased by another 2 m;
Near houses made of wood it is not allowed to erect other buildings closer than 15 m.
These standards are established in order to comply with fire safety. As for sanitary rules, toilets and households. buildings with animals must be at least 12 m from residential buildings. Sink pits and showers are best installed at a distance of 8 m from the house. It is not permissible to erect sheds where livestock will be kept next to a water source (well or well) and put up outdoor toilets. Otherwise, no one can guarantee the owners of such a site that sewage with sewage will not fall into the well stocks.
In case of violations of the established rules, unscrupulous owners will receive not only fines, but also requirements for the demolition of certain buildings. Experienced landscape designers know these rules "by heart". A similar problem can only be encountered by beginners who, for the first time, decided to equip the land plot with their own hands.
Landscape Design Styles
In landscape design, as well as in ordinary interior design, there are styles, the unity of which is respected in the design of plots. Note the five most common:
Classical. It is characterized by straight lines, neatly trimmed lawns and trees, strict geometry in the location of buildings.
Japanese style. The East promotes minimalism in everything.For this reason, avoid the "excess" on the site and build only the necessary buildings that perform a specific function. The “winter” garden with a pond in the center of the composition will look good from the decor.
Russian. In this direction they embody the idea of a domestic “village”. To recreate its flavor, most of the buildings are erected from wood, and carvings prevail in the decor.
English. A style of "freedom" that does not accept symmetry. Although the buildings and the garden zone have a neat, tidy appearance, they can be scattered around the site randomly, as your heart desires. Do not forget to add “stiffness” to the landscape, decorating it with stone paths and benches or ponds with the same finish.
Mediterranean style. Forget about the lawns. Instead, use wide vases and baskets of flowers. The whole house area is covered with light stone or covered with gravel. Flower pots are grouped into picturesque compositions. The decor uses handmade items.
All of the above areas can be combined into one large stylistic group called "ethnic". Of course, there are other design options: Scandinavian, romantic, high-tech, country, Provence, eco-style. They also live by their own laws.
Arrangement of a residential area
The apartment building will be the conditional center of composition, although it is rarely located in the middle of the plot. If a quiet street passes near the fence, then the main building and the enclosed courtyard are usually equipped closer to it. Wading through the labyrinth of garden paths in order to go outside will be too uncomfortable. A completely different situation with the busy highway. It is better to fence off from it and transfer the construction to a far corner. Otherwise, the noise of cars and constant passers-by will interfere with restful sleep and rest. If the site is embossed and most of it is in the lowland, then the house is being erected at the highest point of the slope. This option will eliminate the danger of flooding.House territory is given under the terraces, which will create a picturesque composition. When laying the foundation, it is worth considering the type of soil and the level of wastewater.
Arrangement of a garden plot
As mentioned above, gardening occupies a large part of the area. Usually it is equipped in the “deaf” part of the site, which is removed from the street. It is unlikely that someone will like to open the gate and immediately see the cucumber-tomato landscape “from the threshold”. The kitchen garden is usually combined with a garden, which becomes a “buffer” zone between it and the recreation area or residential buildings. Bushes are planted around the perimeter of the "green" zone or inside it as conditional boundaries that will separate some beds from others. If there is a busy street or highway near the site, then the garden and garden zone is removed from it to the maximum distance. Dust will settle on the leaves, and exhaust fumes will not add benefits to the fruit.
Recommendations for the selection of vegetation
As for vegetation, the owners are of course the choice. Some people love caring for moody eggplants, while others prefer simpler greens or radishes. Only climate features should be considered. A garden can be excluded altogether if the owners prefer to “lazily” take care of fruit trees in the garden. As an alternative, leave only a small bed with greens and flower beds. The latter usually adorn the front patio. It will be useful to plant a couple of Christmas trees, thuja or pine. Over time, the trees will stretch and create a shadow. In addition, a pleasant, tart coniferous aroma will spread throughout the year on the site and “eternal” greens will please the eye. They do not recommend planting trees too close to buildings, since after ten years a strengthened root system can raise the foundation. For lovers of Russian color, the option with native birches is in store. After 5-6 years of wild growth without harming the trees, you can collect sap in spring.The garden minimum usually consists of pears, apple trees, cherries and plums. In a warmer climate, cherries take root well. Of the shrubs, raspberries, gooseberries and currants are usually preferred. Of course, not a single garden is complete without “permanent” beds with strawberries. To facilitate the care of her, it is recommended to close the entire area with a special film with slots for bushes. Thus, a gentle strawberry will be protected from weed grass.
Recreation area organization
The arbor becomes the center of the zone. This building is necessary for a good rest. She may be:
Monumental of brick or wood with glazed windows and stove inside.
Temporary, used only in the summer.
As an economic option, picturesque “green” arbors are equipped. They are a wire frame on which grapes are woven. Country furniture completes the composition: a table and a pair of chairs or a bench. In addition to the gazebo, barbecue facilities are installed or a designated barbecue area is designed. In more expensive options, a garden path can lead to a pool or a decorative pond.
Playground arrangement
A playground is combined with a relaxation area. This will allow adults to calmly spend leisure time cooking kebabs and at the same time to monitor the kids. On the site, it is advisable to install a sandbox, a slide and a couple of roundabouts. If older children will play on it, then you should think about arranging a tennis court or ping-pong table. The slide can be "complicated": the free space under it is completed in the form of a castle or a hut.
Economic zone
The utility area includes a bathhouse or shower room, garage, barns, summer kitchens, storage space for firewood. All these buildings are necessary, but can slightly spoil the appearance of the site. To get rid of the negative effect, the buildings are grouped and decorated with neat paths, on the sides of which flower beds are planted.The result is a small separate world within a large holding area.
Harmonious combination of zones
Zones should not only be separate "spots" in the landscape landscape picture, but create a single organic picture. Outbuildings are adjacent to the garden. That, in turn, smoothly flows into the garden. Fruit trees will be a picturesque backdrop in front of the rest area. The garage is usually located closer to the fence. Alternatively, parking for a car is attached to the house or included in its plan and erected in parallel, as part of the building. Do not forget to conditionally or actually divide the zones. One common option is decorative fences. Also, the areas are separated from each other conditionally with the help of flower beds and garden paths.
Lighting on the site
Lighting a 12-acre site cannot be limited to a single lantern above the porch. An interesting solution will be the installation of decorative high lamps along garden paths. Thus, in one fell swoop you can illuminate the farthest corners of possessions, and maintain unity of style. Remember to equip each building with a central lamp at the entrance. As additional lighting, decorative illumination is used: figures of gnomes and cute animals, which are placed directly in the ground and help to find the way.
The fence is serious and long
Site construction usually begins with a fence. Of course, in the first place it is erected in order to outline their possessions. The first fence is usually rough. At one of the final stages of the construction of the residential complex, it is replaced by a permanent one. Simple fences are made of brick, stone, wood or metal sheets. Slate fences look quite ugly and ugly. To determine the monumentality of the fence, it is necessary to assess the degree of danger that comes from the adjacent street.If this is a quiet side street where only neighbors go and ride, then you can put a decorative fence that will give strangers a picturesque view of the house and the buildings adjacent to it. As an option, you can even consider a hedge. If nearby is a wide street along which hundreds of casual passers-by pass daily, then of course it is better to opt for a brick or stone solid fence above the height of a person. It's important to know. A compromise option will be the installation of a strong and high hedge of externally unpretentious material. From the outside it is decorated with bushes or trees planted in a row.
Arrangement of a lawn
The lawn paired with paved paths gives the site a neat and noble appearance. It is a separate piece of land that is sown with various types of herbaceous plants. The latter can be annual or perennial. The second option is preferable, since it will require only timely care, and not re-planting. Plants are matched to the type of soil and climate. Lawns are classified into three types:
Decorative. They are used only for beauty in those areas where a person’s foot does not step;
Functional. In addition to a neat appearance, plants also provide additional support for soil from shedding. The option is relevant for the slopes of ponds or ravines;
Universal. They combine decorative and “strengthening” functions.
Before planting, the soil is prepared, and after the shoot of grass, regular care (shearing) will be required.
Conclusion
Planning a project for a suburban area is only half the battle. It still needs to be implemented. During the construction, many are faced with a number of problems that are simply not taken into account "on paper". For this reason, before starting, it is recommended to read as much special literature as possible. It will tell not only about the correct placement of buildings on the site from a rational point of view, but also abouthow beautifully “squeeze” your fantasies and preferences into the framework of your own site.
A country house and a plot attached to it become the ultimate dream of a city dweller. No neighbors, tight parking lots and constant restrictions. This small personal corner provides owners with a unique opportunity to create their own “paradise” housing, which will exist by its own rules. Landscaping of a plot of 12 acres should begin with the development of the project. Professionals will do it faster and better for you, but some who prefer to master this complex science on their own. Landscaping is akin to interior design, it will also depend on coziness and comfort in the area where the owners will spend most of the time in the summer. Let's try to figure out where to start planning, and how to correctly place functional areas within twelve hundred parts.
Content
The principles of planning a summer cottage
Before you sit down for a project, you need to decide on the final picture, which you want to see at the end. This may be a ready-made design object that you saw in a fashion magazine, or an image "from the head" generated solely by your imagination. On a blank sheet of paper, draw the shape of the parcel (top view). Usually it is rectangular, square, triangular or trapezoidal. More complex forms are not common. If you are “lucky" to become the owner of such a rarity, then you need to beat every extra corner so that later it becomes a highlight. Then, the cardinal points and features of the relief are marked on the plan, that is, the landscape: elevations, lowlands, slopes, perhaps a lake or a pond splashes at the fence. Also consider the groundwater level. Then decide on the purposes for which the personal territory will be used. For example, if the owners are avid summer residents and plan to spend most of their time on cultivating the soil, then they will have to give the lion's share of the plot for gardening. Perhaps even to the detriment of other functional sites. However, twelve acres is quite enough to equip a summer minimum. This area is classified as large. All zones are classified into four types:
Although the location and dimensions of the above zones are calculated by either the owner himself or the designer in accordance with his wishes, there are generally accepted standards.
The smallest part of the land is considered a residential building. It usually takes up no more than 10% of the total area. Another 15-20% is taken under the recreation area. The rest will be torn to pieces by flora and possibly fauna (if pets are planned). The outbuildings always come with them, which are set to provide greater comfort when caring for the household. If it seems that there is not enough space, then carry out the layout of individual objects in zones with conditional boundaries. Alternatively, the garden can be combined with a seating area. The canopy of trees will give a shadow in the hot summer and will hide from the wind in the winter. Also consider the features of the relief: slopes, lowlands, natural objects that were marked on the original diagram. They can be a significant obstacle to the placement of certain buildings.
Rules and regulations for the location of objects
In addition to your desires, it is necessary to take into account generally accepted norms that are regulated by law. Buildings on your land should:
These three aspects can be expressed in numbers.The distance from residential buildings to the neighbor's fence should be at least 4 m. From the low bushes keep a distance of 1.5 m, and from tall and dwarf trees - 4 m and 3 m, respectively. Outbuildings should be erected at a distance of at least 1 m, and those structures where animals are kept should be 4 m. For their own safety, the following distances must be observed between buildings of different types:
These standards are established in order to comply with fire safety. As for sanitary rules, toilets and households. buildings with animals must be at least 12 m from residential buildings. Sink pits and showers are best installed at a distance of 8 m from the house. It is not permissible to erect sheds where livestock will be kept next to a water source (well or well) and put up outdoor toilets. Otherwise, no one can guarantee the owners of such a site that sewage with sewage will not fall into the well stocks.
Landscape Design Styles
In landscape design, as well as in ordinary interior design, there are styles, the unity of which is respected in the design of plots. Note the five most common:
All of the above areas can be combined into one large stylistic group called "ethnic". Of course, there are other design options: Scandinavian, romantic, high-tech, country, Provence, eco-style. They also live by their own laws.
Arrangement of a residential area
The apartment building will be the conditional center of composition, although it is rarely located in the middle of the plot. If a quiet street passes near the fence, then the main building and the enclosed courtyard are usually equipped closer to it. Wading through the labyrinth of garden paths in order to go outside will be too uncomfortable. A completely different situation with the busy highway. It is better to fence off from it and transfer the construction to a far corner. Otherwise, the noise of cars and constant passers-by will interfere with restful sleep and rest. If the site is embossed and most of it is in the lowland, then the house is being erected at the highest point of the slope. This option will eliminate the danger of flooding.House territory is given under the terraces, which will create a picturesque composition. When laying the foundation, it is worth considering the type of soil and the level of wastewater.
Arrangement of a garden plot
As mentioned above, gardening occupies a large part of the area. Usually it is equipped in the “deaf” part of the site, which is removed from the street. It is unlikely that someone will like to open the gate and immediately see the cucumber-tomato landscape “from the threshold”. The kitchen garden is usually combined with a garden, which becomes a “buffer” zone between it and the recreation area or residential buildings. Bushes are planted around the perimeter of the "green" zone or inside it as conditional boundaries that will separate some beds from others. If there is a busy street or highway near the site, then the garden and garden zone is removed from it to the maximum distance. Dust will settle on the leaves, and exhaust fumes will not add benefits to the fruit.
Recommendations for the selection of vegetation
As for vegetation, the owners are of course the choice. Some people love caring for moody eggplants, while others prefer simpler greens or radishes. Only climate features should be considered. A garden can be excluded altogether if the owners prefer to “lazily” take care of fruit trees in the garden. As an alternative, leave only a small bed with greens and flower beds. The latter usually adorn the front patio. It will be useful to plant a couple of Christmas trees, thuja or pine. Over time, the trees will stretch and create a shadow. In addition, a pleasant, tart coniferous aroma will spread throughout the year on the site and “eternal” greens will please the eye. They do not recommend planting trees too close to buildings, since after ten years a strengthened root system can raise the foundation. For lovers of Russian color, the option with native birches is in store. After 5-6 years of wild growth without harming the trees, you can collect sap in spring.The garden minimum usually consists of pears, apple trees, cherries and plums. In a warmer climate, cherries take root well. Of the shrubs, raspberries, gooseberries and currants are usually preferred. Of course, not a single garden is complete without “permanent” beds with strawberries. To facilitate the care of her, it is recommended to close the entire area with a special film with slots for bushes. Thus, a gentle strawberry will be protected from weed grass.
Recreation area organization
The arbor becomes the center of the zone. This building is necessary for a good rest. She may be:
As an economic option, picturesque “green” arbors are equipped. They are a wire frame on which grapes are woven. Country furniture completes the composition: a table and a pair of chairs or a bench. In addition to the gazebo, barbecue facilities are installed or a designated barbecue area is designed. In more expensive options, a garden path can lead to a pool or a decorative pond.
Playground arrangement
A playground is combined with a relaxation area. This will allow adults to calmly spend leisure time cooking kebabs and at the same time to monitor the kids. On the site, it is advisable to install a sandbox, a slide and a couple of roundabouts. If older children will play on it, then you should think about arranging a tennis court or ping-pong table. The slide can be "complicated": the free space under it is completed in the form of a castle or a hut.
Economic zone
The utility area includes a bathhouse or shower room, garage, barns, summer kitchens, storage space for firewood. All these buildings are necessary, but can slightly spoil the appearance of the site. To get rid of the negative effect, the buildings are grouped and decorated with neat paths, on the sides of which flower beds are planted.The result is a small separate world within a large holding area.
Harmonious combination of zones
Zones should not only be separate "spots" in the landscape landscape picture, but create a single organic picture. Outbuildings are adjacent to the garden. That, in turn, smoothly flows into the garden. Fruit trees will be a picturesque backdrop in front of the rest area. The garage is usually located closer to the fence. Alternatively, parking for a car is attached to the house or included in its plan and erected in parallel, as part of the building. Do not forget to conditionally or actually divide the zones. One common option is decorative fences. Also, the areas are separated from each other conditionally with the help of flower beds and garden paths.
Lighting on the site
Lighting a 12-acre site cannot be limited to a single lantern above the porch. An interesting solution will be the installation of decorative high lamps along garden paths. Thus, in one fell swoop you can illuminate the farthest corners of possessions, and maintain unity of style. Remember to equip each building with a central lamp at the entrance. As additional lighting, decorative illumination is used: figures of gnomes and cute animals, which are placed directly in the ground and help to find the way.
The fence is serious and long
Site construction usually begins with a fence. Of course, in the first place it is erected in order to outline their possessions. The first fence is usually rough. At one of the final stages of the construction of the residential complex, it is replaced by a permanent one. Simple fences are made of brick, stone, wood or metal sheets. Slate fences look quite ugly and ugly. To determine the monumentality of the fence, it is necessary to assess the degree of danger that comes from the adjacent street.If this is a quiet side street where only neighbors go and ride, then you can put a decorative fence that will give strangers a picturesque view of the house and the buildings adjacent to it. As an option, you can even consider a hedge. If nearby is a wide street along which hundreds of casual passers-by pass daily, then of course it is better to opt for a brick or stone solid fence above the height of a person.
It's important to know. A compromise option will be the installation of a strong and high hedge of externally unpretentious material. From the outside it is decorated with bushes or trees planted in a row.
Arrangement of a lawn
The lawn paired with paved paths gives the site a neat and noble appearance. It is a separate piece of land that is sown with various types of herbaceous plants. The latter can be annual or perennial. The second option is preferable, since it will require only timely care, and not re-planting. Plants are matched to the type of soil and climate. Lawns are classified into three types:
Before planting, the soil is prepared, and after the shoot of grass, regular care (shearing) will be required.
Conclusion
Planning a project for a suburban area is only half the battle. It still needs to be implemented. During the construction, many are faced with a number of problems that are simply not taken into account "on paper". For this reason, before starting, it is recommended to read as much special literature as possible. It will tell not only about the correct placement of buildings on the site from a rational point of view, but also abouthow beautifully “squeeze” your fantasies and preferences into the framework of your own site.