A suburban plot of 10 acres is not so big, but most often it is this territory that cottages and dachas possess. For many city dwellers, it becomes a resting place, a corner of freedom. Therefore, it is so important to make it comfortable, functional and beautiful. In order for all these factors to be harmoniously combined, you will need to properly plan the landscape design of a suburban area. It is not necessary to resort to the help of professionals, with proper preparation and possession of certain information, you will cope with all the work yourself.
In this article we will help you in creating a cozy corner for the rest of the whole family, we will point out the features of the layout, factors that cannot be ignored, but can be beaten profitably, and much more.
What characteristics of the site should I pay attention to?
Thinking over the design of the land of a country house, first of all, the following factors should be taken into account.
- The relief . Of course, at the stage of buying a house and (or) a plot, you can choose what you like, but there are times when the land is inherited or acquired blindly. The site can be located near a ravine, rivers, on a slope, in hilly or mountainous terrain. All this matters not only from an aesthetic point of view, but also from a practical one, for example, in matters of building engineering systems.
- The design of a country house plot (10 acres or more) always depends on its shape. As practice shows, it can also be very diverse, and not always geometrically correct (rectangular, square, l-shaped and even triangular).
- Soil type: sandy, loam, chernozem or combined. Soil quality is important when choosing plants, for example, not all of them can tolerate waterlogging or a heavy, infertile substrate. Meanwhile, landscaping is an important component of design.
- The location of the site in relation to the cardinal points.
- The presence of a natural reservoir in or near the site, the level of groundwater that determines the presence or absence of a drainage system.
We identify the functional areas on the site
Landscaping of a suburban area of any size implies its division into certain thematic zones. Namely: residential (with a house, terrace, garage, etc.), recreation (most often in the depths of the territory, in a corner hidden from prying eyes), garden garden (beds, greenhouses and greenhouses, fruit trees and shrubs), household (buildings for pets are usually located on the opposite side from the gazebos and patios).
This is not an exhaustive list or requirements, but only a wish. Depending on your own needs or tastes, you can remove something or, conversely, add.
Design of a suburban area (10 acres): where to start?
Starting work on the arrangement and planning of the site, draw up a schematic plan. It is best to use graph paper for this , which will most accurately reflect the scale. Thus, it will be much easier for you to arrange buildings. When the data about them is reflected, you can proceed to planning the remaining free space. Putting a house on ten acres is only half the battle. The most difficult part starts later, when in a limited area you want to realize all your old desires and ideas. However, not having a clear idea of what you want, the work is not even worth starting. Set priorities and think sensibly and rationally.
Make a plan
First, make a list of everything you would like to see on your site. Start with buildings. What else should be on the site, except for the house? Maybe a bathhouse or a sauna, a terrace or a gazebo, a pond, a fruit garden or a good garden, a greenhouse, a relaxation area with an even lawn? Write down everything, so it will be easier to navigate later.
Secondly, decide how you see the style of your site - this will determine the final result of the work. Most likely, some of the items on the list will lose their relevance. After all, it will not work at the same time to have a Japanese garden and painted platbands in a rustic style. Use for planning the found design photos of the plot of a country house in the desired style. This helps to visualize desires and, perhaps, from several options you will assemble your own, unique and unique.
Thirdly, when planning a garden, kitchen garden and landscaping of the territory as a whole, select the right planting material. As much as we would like, but tangerines in central Russia do not grow. Plants should correspond to the climatic zone and soil on the site. This will save you from worrying about the death of shrubs and trees after, for example, a frosty winter and extra costs.
Not all at once!
This is the main rule that should be followed when developing your own design of a suburban area. Do not try to fit everything on it at once, do not overload it with variety. Consider this from two perspectives. Firstly, all plants, paths, lawns require attention, time, patience and care. The pond needs to be cleaned and the grass mowed, otherwise they will simply lose their charm and beauty. Secondly, the abundance of bright details, whether it is garden figures or many paths, trees and flower beds, complicates the perception. Lost integrity and harmony. Everything should be in moderation. It will be best if you plan the work to improve the site and carry out it in stages.
We offer you some ideas of what the landscape design of a country site can be (photos, features and recommendations can be found in the article).
Japanese garden
The Japanese garden has a special charm and attracts the energy of calm, poise and silence, that is, all that is so necessary for urban residents. Ideal for those who are not a supporter of hand-grown vegetables in the beds and in greenhouses, although you can find a place for them in a minimal amount if you wish.
In the picture you see a project of a typical rectangular shape in the Japanese style. Originality is given to it by zigzag lines of cobblestone paths and green areas emphasizing them. Buildings are located on both sides. On the right is the house, on the left is a recreation area with a terrace. Since the area is small, there are few large trees. They are present near the dwelling, immersing it in a light shadow.
Japanese style features
Remember that the design of the suburban area in the Japanese style is based on three main elements. The first is stones, they embody durability and strength, are the basis of the whole composition. You can restrict yourself to beautiful pebble paths, or make a garden of boulders of various sizes, which are gradually covered with moss and lichens, giving the impression that they have always been here.
The second element is water, symbolizing the dynamics and movement of life. As a rule, this is reflected in the equipment of a small pond, in which you can even hook fish for the summer period, or you can limit yourself to a small stream or a waterfall.
The third mandatory component of the Japanese style in general and the garden in particular are evergreen conifers and decorative deciduous plants. Thanks to selection, you can now find a wide variety of varieties and hybrids: from giants to miniature dwarfs, but pay attention to the fact that many of them are heat-loving.
Wildlife corner
The original and beautiful design of the site of a country house or cottage is possible at minimal cost, both financial and energy. If you have an interesting relief or river, a small ravine, already planted trees, hills, etc., then you can only emphasize their natural beauty. It is important to see in everything that surrounds you a beautiful foundation that is easy to complement.
So, if there are large trees, then it is not necessary to cut them, making room for flower beds. Just pick the right neighbors for them: ferns, emerald grass. Form flat paths. A gazebo or a bench will look very beautiful in the shade of a large oak or willow.
Using stones in a natural style
Owning stony areas with uneven terrain, the owners often clutch their heads. Meanwhile, this is a great base for creating a beautiful plot. Use natural elevations for alpine slides, artificial waterfalls and even multi-level beds, if you like. Excess stones pulled out of the ground during the development of the site can be used for paths, the construction of outdoor barbecue facilities, terraces. And, of course, do not forget about the flowers, perennials are best suited.
Rustic style
The rustic style in the design and design of the plots is a variation of the natural and natural described above. If you pay attention to the third photo of the design of the site of a country house, you will notice that the color used for the buildings and the decor is attached to the tree. It can be a simple bench or an old cart converted into a flowerbed, a willow fence, clay elements, stones, natural plants (no exotic).
Emphasis can be placed with the help of lighting, which in the evening and at night will transform your home and garden. This approach is always appropriate and in harmony with any style.
Mediterranean style plot design
The gentle southern sun and sea, the abundance of fruits and the marvelous beauty of the nature of distant lands leave no one indifferent. If after another trip you decide to recreate the Mediterranean landscapes on your site, then you should remember a few key points.
The main feature of this style is the abundance of stone, sea pebbles and marble chips, various types of processing. Thus, the design of a suburban area (15 acres or any other area) will require certain investments. The Mediterranean style originated where mountainous terrain is a common thing, so it is replete with various types of stairs, props, arches, pergolas (pictured), terraces on the slopes.
The natural vegetation of the hot edges in our climate does not take root, but it can be replaced by evergreen conifers (thuja, cypress, decorative pine and spruce, juniper, yew, boxwood, etc.), as well as climbing plants (ivy, wild and ordinary grapes and etc.), including flowering ones (rhododendron, actinidia, climbing roses, clematis).
Ceramic flowerpots and amphorae, spicy herbs, ampelous flowers, clay vessels, sculptures, wooden benches and chairs on the terrace will be decorative elements for decorating the site in a Mediterranean style.
We comply with SNIP and laws
Proper planning of the site, including the location of all buildings on it, is a guarantee not only of safety, but also of calm nerves, as well as peace and prosperity in relations with neighbors. In construction, one of the important and at the same time sometimes problematic issues is the observance of the distances established by law between the individual objects on the site.
The Land Code of the Russian Federation in article 40 establishes that the owner of the land has the full right to erect constructions on it (residential, household, utility, etc.), but in accordance with the purpose of the acquired land and compliance with urban regulations, environmental, sanitary and hygienic , firefighters and other regulations.
This means that you can not carry out planning solely at will.
What are the requirements?
Whether you like it or not, some rules will have to be followed. In particular, regarding the location of buildings. When designing a suburban area, keep in mind that the distance should be between the border with neighbors and:
- single or semi-detached locked house - 3 m;
- other buildings (garage, bathhouse, etc.) - 1 m;
- buildings for keeping pets (birds and cattle) - 4 m;
- trunks of large (tall) trees - 4 m, medium-sized - 2 m and shrubs - 1 m.
In addition, in accordance with fire safety requirements, the gap between buildings inside the site should be at least six meters.
As practice shows, disputes between neighbors over compliance with the above norms occur very often and become the cause of lawsuits. The legal framework is such that non-compliance with the distance may lead to the requirement of forced demolition of the building.
Therefore, when carrying out your own author's design of a suburban area, always remember the rules. This will save you from unnecessary problems and disputes with neighbors.