Site design area of ​​12 acres

The country house and the plot attached to it, become the ultimate dream of the city dweller. No neighbors, tight parking and constant restrictions. This small personal corner gives the owners a unique opportunity to create their own housing “paradise”, which will exist by its own rules. Landscape design plot 12 acres should begin with the development of the project. Professionals will do it for you faster and better, but some who prefer to master this complex science on their own. Landscape design is akin to interior design; cosiness and comfort will also depend on it on a site where owners will spend most of their time in the summer. Let's try to figure out where to start planning, and how to correctly locate functional areas within twelve hundred square meters.

Principles of planning a summer cottage

Before you sit down for a project, you need to decide on the final picture that you want to see at the end. This may be a ready-made design object that you saw in a fashion magazine, or an “out of mind” image, generated exclusively by your imagination. On a blank sheet of paper, draw the shape of the plot (top view). It is usually 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 must beat every extra corner so that it later becomes a highlight. Then on the plan mark the sides of the world and terrain features, that is, the landscape: elevations, lowlands, slopes, perhaps a lake or a pond is splashing around the fence. Also consider the groundwater level. Then decide on the purposes for which the backyard territory will be used. For example, if the owners are avid gardeners and plan to spend most of their time on the cultivation of the soil, then they will have to give the lion’s share of the site for gardening. Perhaps even to the detriment of other functional sites. However, twelve hundred square meters is enough for arranging the dacha minimum. This area is classified as large. All zones are classified into four types:

• Living spaces. The house and its possible extensions. This includes the adjacent parts of the yard;
• Recreation area. It includes gazebos, barbecue, swimming pools, tennis courts, cozy places to think about the eternal by the pond;
• Farm buildings. These include baths, cellars, sheds for storing equipment and firewood, garages and parking spaces for cars;
• Land under the garden and garden.

Although the location and size of the above zones are calculated either by the owner himself or by the designer in accordance with his wishes, there are generally accepted standards.

The smallest part of the land is considered residential house. It, as a rule, occupies no more than 10% of the total area. Another 15-20% is taken under a platform for recreation. The remaining part is given to the mercy of the flora and possible fauna (if it is planned to keep pets). Complete with them are always outbuildings, which are set to provide greater comfort in the care of the economy. If it seems that the place is not enough, then arrange the layout of individual objects in areas with conditional boundaries. Alternatively, the garden can be combined with a seating area. The canopy of trees will give shade in hot summer and will shelter from the wind in winter. Also consider the features of the terrain: slopes, lowlands, natural objects, which were marked on the original scheme. They can be a significant obstacle to the placement of certain buildings.

To the planning of the suburban area must be approached from a rational point of view. The beauty of the landscape will give the design, its polishing, but the inconvenient location of objects spoil the whole impression. In addition, it may be too late to change anything. It is better to consult a specialist before the implementation of your project. An experienced designer will help you find errors and fix them on time.

Rules and norms of location of objects

In addition to their desires, it is necessary to take into account generally accepted norms, which are regulated by law. Buildings on your land should:

• Do not disturb the neighbors;
• Do not create obstacles to the free movement of people or transport in public places (if near the street);
• Provide safe accommodation for owners.

These three aspects can be expressed in numbers. The distance from residential buildings to the neighbor's fence should be no less than 4 m. From the low bushes they keep a distance of 1.5 m, and from high and dwarf trees - 4 m and 3 m, respectively. Farm buildings should be erected at a distance of at least 1 m, and those buildings where animals are kept are 4 m. For their own safety, the following distances between buildings of different types should be maintained:

• For stone and brick houses, it is necessary to “retreat” by 6 m;
• If the building has wooden floors, then the allowable distance is increased by another 2 m;
• It is not allowed to build other buildings closer than 15 meters near timber houses.

These standards are established in order to comply with fire safety. With regard to sanitary regulations, toilets and households. buildings with animals must be at least 12 meters from residential buildings. It is better to install cesspools and showers at a distance of 8 m from the house. It is not permissible to build barns where livestock will be kept and street toilets near the source of water (well or well). Otherwise, no one will be able to guarantee the owners of such a site that sewage from sewage will not fall into well stocks.

In case of violations of the rules, unscrupulous owners are expected not only fines, but also requirements for the demolition of certain buildings. Experienced landscape designers know these rules. Only newcomers, who for the first time decided to build a plot of land for the first time, could face a similar problem.

Landscape Design Styles

In landscape design as well as in the usual interior, there are styles, the unity of which is observed in the design of sites. Note the top 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 "excess" on the site and build only the necessary buildings that perform a specific function. From the decor it would be nice to look "winter" garden with a pond in the center of the composition.

• Russian. In this direction, embody the idea of ​​a domestic "village". To recreate its color, most of the buildings are made of wood, and carving prevails in the decor.

• English. Style of "freedom", which does not accept symmetry. Although the buildings and the garden zone have a neat, tidy look, they can be scattered around the area randomly, as the soul desires. Do not forget to add "stiffness" to the landscape, decorating it with stone walkways and benches or ponds with the same finish.

• Mediterranean style. Forget about 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 pictorial compositions. The decor uses handmade items.

All of the above areas can be combined into one large stylistic group called “ethnics”. Of course there are other design options: Scandinavian, romantic, high-tech, country, Provence, ecostyle. They also live by their own laws.

Residential area arrangement

The residential building will be the conditional center of the composition, although it is rarely located exactly in the middle of the plot. If a quiet street passes by the fence, then the main building and the enclosed courtyard are usually settled closer to it. Climbing through a labyrinth of garden paths in order to go outside will be too uncomfortable. The situation is quite different with a busy highway. It is better to separate yourself from it and move the construction to a far corner. Otherwise, the noise of cars and constant passers-by will interfere with a peaceful sleep and rest. If the site is relief and most of it is in a lowland, then the house is erected at the highest point of the slope. This option will eliminate the danger of flooding. Local territory is given under the terraces, which will create a picturesque composition. When laying the foundation should take into account the type of soil and the level of occurrence of wastewater.

Arrangement of garden plots

As already mentioned above, gardening takes up most of the area. Usually it is settled in the "deaf" part of the site, which is remote from the street. It is unlikely that anyone would like to open the gates and immediately see the cucumber-tomato landscape immediately. The garden is usually combined with a garden, which becomes a “buffer” zone between it and a playground or residential buildings. Shrubs are seated around the perimeter of the "green" zone or within 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-garden zone is removed from it to the maximum distance. The dust will settle on the leaves, and the exhaust gases will not add benefit to the fruit.

Recommendations on the selection of vegetation

As for the vegetation, then of course the choice is for the owners. Some people love to take care of naughty eggplants, while others prefer simpler greens or radishes. Take into account only the features of the climate. Garden can be excluded altogether, if the owners prefer to "lazily" take care of fruit trees in the garden. Alternatively, leave only a small garden with greenery and flower beds. The latter usually decorate the front yard. It will be worthwhile to plant a couple of Christmas trees, thuja or pine. Over time, the trees will stretch out and create a shadow. In addition, all year round the site will distribute a pleasant, tart coniferous aroma and “eternal” greens to please the eye. They do not recommend planting trees too close to buildings, as a dozen years later, a strengthened root system can raise the foundation. For lovers of Russian color in store version with native birch trees. After 5-6 years of wild growth, without sacrificing trees, you can collect sap in spring. Garden minimum usually consists of pears, apples, cherries and plums. In a warmer climate, sweet cherries get along well. Of the bushes are usually preferred raspberries, gooseberries and currants. Of course, no garden can do without “constant” beds with strawberries. To facilitate the care of it, it is recommended to close the entire area with a special film with cuts under the bushes. Thus, a tender strawberry will be protected from weeds.

Recreation area organization

The center of the zone becomes a gazebo. This building is necessary for a good rest. She may be:

• Monumental brick or wood with glazed windows and a stove inside
• Time, used only in the summer.

As an economy option, they arrange picturesque "green" arbors. They are a wire frame, along which grapes are woven. The country furniture is completing the composition: a table and a couple of chairs or a bench. In addition to the gazebo, set the grill or make out a designated place for a barbecue. In more expensive versions, the garden path can lead to a swimming pool or decorative pond.

Playground equipment

The playground is combined with a seating area. This will allow adults to quietly spend their leisure time on cooking kebabs and simultaneously monitor the babies. On the site, it is desirable to install a sandbox, slide and a couple of roundabouts. If older children play on it, then it is worth thinking about arranging a tennis court or a ping-pong table. The slide can be “complicated”: the free space under it can be completed in the form of a castle or a hut.

Economic zone

The economic zone includes a bath or shower, a garage, sheds, summer kitchens, places for the storage of 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 which sides they plant flower beds. The result is a small separate world within a large area of ​​possession.

The harmonious combination of zones

Zones should not just be separated "spots" in the landscape picture of the landscape, but create a single organic picture. Farm buildings side by side with a garden. That, in turn, flows smoothly into the garden. Fruit trees will be a beautiful backdrop in front of the platform for recreation. The garage is usually located closer to the fence. As an option, parking for the car is attached to the house or brought into its plan and erected in parallel, as part of the building. Do not forget to conditionally or actually divide the zones. One of the common options - decorative fences. Also, the grounds are separated from each other conditionally by means of flower beds and garden paths.

Lighting on the site

Lighting area of ​​12 acres can not be limited to one lantern above the porch. An interesting solution would be the installation of high decorative lanterns along the garden paths. In this way, you can light up the farthest corners of possessions in one fell swoop, and observe the unity of style. Do not forget to provide each building with a central lamp at the entrance. As an additional light, decorative lighting is used: figurines of dwarfs and cute animals, which are placed directly in the ground and help to find the way.

The fence is serious and for a long time

Construction of the site usually begins with a fence. Of course, in the first place it is erected in order to delineate its possessions. The first fence is usually rough. At one of the final stages of the construction of a residential complex it is changed to a permanent one. Simple fences are made of brick, stone, wood or metal sheets. Slate fences look quite ugly and inconspicuously. To determine the monumentality of the fence, it is necessary to assess the degree of danger that comes from the adjacent street. If it is a quiet alley, where only neighbors go and drive, then you can put a decorative fencing, which will open to outsiders a picturesque view of the house and the buildings adjacent to it. Even a hedge can be considered as an option. If there is a wide street nearby, on which hundreds of bystanders pass by every day, then of course it is better to opt for a brick or stone continuous fence taller than a man.
It is important to know. A compromise option would be to install a strong and high hedge made of seemingly inconspicuous material. From the outside, it is decorated with bushes or trees planted in a row.

Lawn furnishing

The lawn paired with paved paths gives the site a neat and noble look. It is a separate piece of land, which is sown with various types of grassy plants. The latter may be annual or perennial. The second option is preferable, as it requires only timely care, and not re-landing. Plants are selected for 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 the neat appearance of the plant, they also provide additional support to the soil against shedding. The option is relevant for the slopes of water bodies or ravines;
• Universal. They combine the decorative and "strengthening" functions.

Before planting, the soil is prepared, and after the grass emerges, it will require regular care (cutting).

Conclusion

Planning a suburban site project is only half the battle. It still needs to be realized. During 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 about how beautifully to “squeeze” your fantasies and preferences into the framework of your own site.