Environmentally and aesthetically landscaping can make a huge
difference to an architecturally designed building. It is
integral in creating a pleasing environment. The critical
aspect is the enhancement of the water and energy efficiency of the
built environment.
For this reason the practice as with interior design has
developed a number of fundamental principles to establish a strong
brief and concepts for any landscape designer, architect or
contractor working on a project.
Ecotect-Architects plan out a landscape strategy plan that
creates windbreaks, wind scoops, summer shade zones and winter
solar penetration. As well as strategies to reduce or enhance
ground reflectance when needed to moderate or enhance the natural
temperature environment inside and outside a building.
Once an environmental strategy plan is developed, the firm then
coordinates a landscape designer to complete the design.
At the master planning stage the practice always looks at the
basic geological structure of the site and soil conditions and the
existing vegetation and ecology as a water plan is devised.
We often consult recognized specialists such as Dr Ross Mars, Josh
Byrne, or Dr Martin Anda in WA or equivalent experts in regional
areas or overseas experts if a project is international.
Permaculture guru Max Lindegger is a colleague of the practice for
instance and has played an advisory role in the past.
Then as the concept evolves a total site picture is produced to
show how in rough terms the landscape can relate to the
building
Once the concept is accepted then a landscape specialist skilled
in ecological principles for the local conditions and climate is
engaged to take our brief and ideas and produce a developed concept
for the landscape design.
Sometimes, depending on the scale of the project, this concept
may be reviewed by a landscaped architect for aesthetic
improvements. After that contractors are introduced to pin
down the budgeting.
All our coordinated landscape solutions must enhance the energy
efficiency of the building as well as add visual impact.
It must be remembered that public buildings provide unique
opportunities for displaying public art. Integration into the
landscaping is important visually and practically from a public
amenity standpoint.
If engaged on a strategic basis then our standard advisory
charge will apply or it will be costed on a time charge
basis. If the work is part of an overall full architectural
commission it is included in our total fee.
The landscape budget needs to be confirmed from an active
contractor capable of completing the works, at the developed design
stage of a project.
Again the message is that good landscaping is an investment not
a cost if handled correctly. Maintenance and upkeep and water
usage are critical factors in achieving this for the local
conditions. A cheap ill-thought out landscape solution can
actually end up costing more over the life of the building or
ownership because of failures and high gardening costs.