To relax in a country house, you need to pay attention to the landscape design of the site. This is an exciting process that is influenced by many factors. To do the planning of the site with your own hands, you need to consider the advice of professional designers. Creating a cozy place for relaxation that will appeal to the owners of the country house and their guests is much easier if you first consider examples of finished projects.
What affects the choice of layout?
The layout of the summer cottage (photo of the design example can be considered later) allows you to create comfort and coziness even on a plot of 4 acres. There are a number of factors that influence this process. First of all, you need to evaluate the dimensions of the site. Creating a landscape design on an area of 5-6 acres is significantly different from an area of 8, 9, or even 10-20 acres.
An important factor in the development of the project is the terrain. The surface can be absolutely even. But there are areas where there are hills, pits or even ravines and small slides. Based on the features of the terrain, you need to choose the most suitable place for building a house. You should also choose the optimal location for household and other buildings, engineering systems or communications.
Considering the layout options of the site, you must also take into account its configuration. Traditionally, it has a rectangular or square shape. However, there are areas with an irregular shape. It can resemble a triangle, circle or oval. Also found areas in the form of the letter "G". This should also be considered when creating a project.
Site planning projects are developed after assessing the terrain. The type of soil that prevails in the area is also of no small importance. If the soil is not fertile, it will be necessary to bring suitable soil to the site before starting construction work and arranging the space around the house. Otherwise, shrubs, trees, beautiful flowers will not grow here. The level of the terrain is also determined, a drainage system is created. This is necessary to divert water from the beds, garden. Many plants respond poorly to stagnation of moisture in the soil.
You must also consider what communications can be brought to the house. If there is no centralized sewage system and water supply system in the area, a septic tank and a well must be provided during the development of the project. If there is no gas pipeline, you need to purchase equipment, household appliances that run on electricity.
When developing a project, an important issue is aesthetic design. On the existing area, it will be necessary to place not only functional, but also decorative elements. This, for example, can be an artificial pond, a fountain, flower beds. Proper lighting is also important, and he should pay attention to one of the stages of planning.
Basic principles
In the planning process, it is necessary to take into account a number of recommendations that professional designers apply when creating the design of a suburban area. First of all, you need to take into account the location of the cardinal points. This will allow you to choose the right place for buildings and plants, taking into account the peculiarities of lighting the area at different times of the day. Photos of plots, the planning of which was completed in accordance with all the rules, can be considered further.
The north side should be reserved for the construction of large buildings and the planting of large trees. In this case, the shadow that they will cast will not fall on plants, flowers. They will be able to develop harmoniously. Almost 85% of ornamental and fruit plants need high-quality lighting. In the house, which is built on the north side, part of the windows will face south. This will create a high-quality natural room in the cottage during the day.
You will also need to perform zoning of the site. This will allow you to harmoniously distribute free space. All elements of landscape design should be placed on the plan in accordance with its functional purpose. Chaos on the site is unacceptable. On the plan, a residential zone, a plot with outbuildings is separately created. For the garden and the garden, choose the most illuminated place. There should not be tall buildings nearby.
As can be seen in the photo, the layout of the site can be very diverse. The territory may include a recreation area, a playground, etc. The choice of objects depends on the amount of free space, as well as the needs of the owners. For example, not all owners of a suburban area are engaged in a garden. Therefore, this zone can be removed from the plan in general. Instead, it will be possible to lay out, for example, a lawn and a spacious barbecue area with a gazebo.
For a residential area on the plan most often allot only about 10% of the total area. But to create outbuildings you will need to take about 13-17% of the area. The largest part of the free space is allotted to the garden. In some cases, this zone is as much as 75%. Especially often, such a large percentage of the area is occupied by gardening and gardening needs in small areas.
Only after choosing a place to build a house, outbuildings and garden crops can you try to find a place to equip a recreation area. If its presence on the site is necessary, you can reduce the area allocated for the construction of farm buildings or a garden.
Plot shape
Site planning projects are developed taking into account the terrain. It is important to consider the shape of the free space. With proper planning, the site will look harmonious. All objects will be harmoniously distributed throughout the territory.
If the site is rectangular, the layout will not cause much trouble and problems. This is a classic configuration that is used in the construction of most projects. In this case, the choice of the most correct arrangement of all elements in this case can be made based on the standard, ready-made work of designers.
However, not everyone was lucky to be the owner of the cottages of the correct rectangular shape. In some cases, the configuration may be elongated and narrow. This can cause some difficulties. However, even on such a site you can harmoniously plan the location of all objects.
The elongated area needs a clear zoning. He should not look holistic. Otherwise, the feeling of an incorrect configuration of the space will cause discomfort. To perform zoning, the site is divided into separate parts. For this, hedges, arches from plants, and other living plantings are used. They will allow you to harmoniously divide the space.
Actively in the process of planning the land used different color schemes. In the place where the plot has the shortest side, you can plant bright flowers. Near the elongated side, you need to plant plants with a color in cold shades.
If the site has the shape of the letter "G", the design usually does not cause difficulties. The protruding separate part can be used to equip the recreation area. It will be located away from the main buildings. This is a definite plus.
For a plot of asymmetric shape, you can apply different techniques of landscape design. An asymmetrical garden will look spectacular. Here you can place a gazebo, make lawns or ponds.
Layout Recommendations
The correct layout of the site with the house (photo is presented below) requires careful planning of each zone. To do this, take the advice of specialists. Today, many computer programs are used that allow you to do the planning yourself. They are used by both professional designers and home owners. The most popular site planning programs today are:
- X-Designer.
- Garden Planner.
- 3D Home Architect Design Suite Delux.
- "Our Garden", "Ruby 9.0".
The listed software allows even a novice to create a project in accordance with all the rules. Management is quite simple. By installing one of these programs on your computer, laptop, you can consider several options for the location of the zones of the personal plot.
To get started, you will need to collect all the data about the features of the area. The program brings the location of the cardinal points. Next, the creation of each functional zone is carried out. First, the layout of the house, the garden is considered. If there are small children in the house, you can provide a play area on the site. It should be in a shaded area. At the most lit site arrange a garden or area for relaxation and sunbathing.
Outbuildings are located in the far corner of the site. This allows you to hide them from the eyes, harmonizing the free space as much as possible. This may include a toilet, a barn, water barrels, compost box or garbage cans. They are separated from the main site by a hedge, which can also decorate the garden.
Next, think over the flower garden. The plants in it must open their buds in turn. This will create an always flowering garden. So, for example, daffodils will bloom in spring. They will be replaced by summer phlox, daylilies. Following them, hydrangea and asters will delight with their wonderful view.
If the relief of the site is heterogeneous, you need to distribute the plants so that they hide the imperfections of the area. In this case, the hills should not obscure the flowering species. The flower garden is often made next to the porch; flower beds are arranged along the paths. Shrubs and trees are planted in the center of the plot or around the perimeter (depending on the terrain). You can create hedges from ornamental or fruit bushes.
Suburban area 4 hundred parts
Projects for the planning of the land must be selected in accordance with the dimensions of the space. At the same time, the functional purpose of this object is taken into account. It’s easier to plan a rest area in a small area. If, on a plot with dimensions of 4 hundred parts, you need to grow vegetables and fruits, you will have to take the planning issue seriously.
The area of 4 acres is divided into 3 zones. In one of them will be a house. The second part is reserved for the garden. The third zone is needed for relaxation. The house is located on the north side of the plot. It is surrounded by flowers and shrubs.
Garden and garden need to be located near the house. You can decorate the area with fruit trees, while saving space for creating a garden. Trees will create a shadow near the cottage. There may be a garden next to the relaxation area. It can be protected with picturesque wattle. Plants that can create small decorative hedges are also planted here. They should be small in height so as not to cast a shadow on the beds.
The layout of a suburban area may imply an extensive recreation area. In this case, the garden may be absent altogether. In this case, the owners will come to the cottage with their relatives and friends. Such a site should be decorated with decorative plants, build a gazebo and a place for barbecue. If the site is needed for relaxation, much attention is paid to the decoration. You can create an artificial pond, lay decorative paths.
Plot 5 acres
A small plot can be a great place to relax or grow different crops. On the area of 5 acres it will not be possible to create many different functional zones. Here should be only the most necessary. The layout of the house on a plot of 5 acres is the main stage of work. It is better to arrange the front of the road. In this case, you need to take into account the distance from the house to the garden. If it is large, you need to equip a system for supplying moisture to plants.
Fruit trees are planted so that they do not obscure the beds, as well as the area of neighbors. In this case, it is better to plant the seedlings in a row. An economic zone is being set up here. There is also a toilet. You can negotiate with your neighbors and make the cesspool common. This will save space in both areas.
Shrubs are planted on the side opposite the house. In the rest of the space you can create a garden. Sunlight should come here for at least 6 hours. Potatoes can be planted next to the shrub. She does not need a lot of light. Also in shaded areas you can plant cabbage. Cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers need to be planted in the illuminated part of the garden. The recreation area will be quite small in this case. You can also abandon the garden in favor of a gazebo, barbecue facilities, a playground for children and a pool.
Plot 6 acres
Layout of the site with a bath is possible on an area of 6 acres. In this case, you need to think carefully. For the house, choose the north side. A bathhouse can be built next to it. This increases the comfort of using the sauna during the cold season. You do not need to go through the entire site to take a steam bath in the bathhouse.
Since the site is quite small, a bath can be done with an attic. There will be a steam room and a washing room on the ground floor, and a relaxation area on the second. The garden is broken near the house. In this case, you can equip a place for relaxation. In the summer heat, under the canopy of trees, you can put a dining table. In the morning you want to enjoy the sun. Therefore, it is better to choose portable furniture.
On such a plot it is quite possible to set up a garden. When planting crops, you need to consider where the shaded areas are. Zoning of the garden and recreation areas is carried out using paths with flower beds, low shrubs. Other decorative elements may also be used. For example, a small wooden or wicker fence will look spectacular. It will allow you to fence the rest area from the garden.
The layout of the site involves the creation of an open lawn. Here you can sunbathe, play outdoor games with children. Nearby you can arrange a decorative pond. If the garden is not provided on such a site, you can create a full pool.
There is a barbecue area near the recreation area. You can also make a decorative hearth where it will be nice to bask in the autumn evenings, enjoying a conversation with family and friends. For small children, it is also recommended that a small space is provided for games in front of the house. Here you can put swings, horizontal bars, sandbox.
Plot 8-10 acres
An average size is considered to be up to 10 acres. The layout of the site in this case involves the creation of more functional areas than in a small space.
First you need to take into account the slope of the territory. If it is determined in the direction of the road, you need to make a gutter behind the house parallel to the street ditch. It will delay the flow of water flowing from the garden. Excess water should be drained from the system into the cell. If the slope is determined in the opposite direction from the street, then in front of the house you need to dig a ditch (transverse to the structure). It will run along the border of the plot to the garden itself.
If the surface of the plot is flat, create a drainage system of channels. They should go all over the site. The depth of such channels is about 1 m. The width of the drainage elements is 50 cm. Such depressions are filled with stones to the level of the plant layer. After that, the canals are covered with earth.
The layout of the plot of 10 acres suggests the location of the house at a distance of at least 3 m from the fence. If the site is long, the main structure must be placed asymmetrically along the longitudinal axis. Depending on the movement of the shadow from the house, the location of the terrace, canopy, garage and other outbuildings is determined. Especially heat-loving plants are recommended to be planted on the south side of the house. From here to the fence will be the quietest and warmest place on the entire site. It can be used to grow certain varieties of vegetables and fruits.
At the border of the site there are farm buildings. You can also build a bath here. In this part of the plot you can place a summer shower. It is recommended to create several utility rooms in one block. This saves the space of the site.
There is a summer kitchen and dining room on the covered terrace in front of the house. The roof of such an extension is usually pitched. On this site there is enough space to create a recreation area, as well as a garden, garden and flower garden. You must take advantage of this when creating a site plan.
Plot 12-15 acres
The layout of the site with a house, a bathhouse and other elements necessary for recreation and everyday life is carried out simply if there is a free area of 12-15 hundred parts. Here you can harmoniously enter the desired functional areas.
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The layout of the land area of 12-15 acres allows you to create a spacious playground. It is divided into an area for active games and a shaded place to relax. It can be a small wooden house or a canopy in which tables and chairs are arranged. Here, children can relax after an outdoor game. You can also put in the open play area a sandbox, slides, other objects for kids to play in the fresh air. If there is a pond on the site, it must be fenced so that children do not accidentally fall into it. The layout of the garden plot on 12-15 acres can be original and very cozy.
If the site is spacious, you can divide it into functional zones, applying different styles to design them. Medium and small cottages are designed in a single style. On a spacious plot, strict geometric shapes are not welcome. Zones must be arbitrary. Plants are also randomly placed.
Plot 20 acres
The layout of the plot with an area of 20 acres allows you to create almost all the necessary areas for recreation. A cottage will be built on one side of the plot. It can be quite spacious. Near the cottage is a garden. Here you can also put benches, make paths for walking. Arbours are welcome. Near the house you can build a spacious terrace. Tables are set up here, creating a place to relax.
To relax with a noisy company, you can arrange a barbecue area further from the house. Here you can make a zone for evening gatherings in the evening. In the center, a hearth is being arranged. Around him are benches made of stone or wood. You can build a bathhouse next to the area for a relaxing outdoor recreation. It can be spacious. All necessary premises (steam room, washing, relaxation area) in this case can be located on the ground floor.
On the other side of the bath, a barbecue area is created. Here you can equip a spacious enclosed gazebo with a stove made of stone or brick. It will be possible to cook kebab even in winter. A table and several benches are set up here.
A separate zone is allocated for the flower garden. Here you can put a bench and create a decorative pond, a fountain. The layout of the plot makes it easy to choose a place to create a garden. It should be in the most lighted area of the site. You can also create a sun terrace and swimming pool next to it. On such a spacious plot it will be comfortable for the owners of the plot, their children, as well as all the guests. With the help of green spaces, lighting and other similar means, zoning is performed.
Having considered the peculiarities of choosing the layout of the site, the owners will be able to create a cozy corner to relax from the city bustle and noise. Even on an area of 4 acres, you can equip a garden and a small recreation area. Spacious areas allow you to equip all the necessary decorative and functional objects. This will make the rest in the country unforgettable and enjoyable.