In a way, preliminary design is the first complete picture of the proposed design. When assembled together, these pavers create spaces between individual units that should be filled with ASTM #8 or #9 gravel to allow water to percolate to the ground below (Figure 1228). The first step in reducing fire hazard is to determine likely paths for the movement of wildfire toward the site. 1. Entry Walk too Narrow. The far left spaces in both sections are closed and intimate in scale. This ornamental tree can be sized and positioned as a sculpture, in a lawn panel, to block a view to the second-floor porch. 3. In terms of planting, these microclimates can be interpreted in the following way: South side of house: Plants located here must tolerate full sun exposure because this area receives sun from mid-morning through late afternoon during the summer. This is because the sun is at a relatively high angle in the sky when shining from the south at midday, thus producing a comparatively shallow area of shade to the north. The terrace fence serves as a screen to separate the terrace from the side yard. Diversity is essential to a healthy ecosystem because it supports interdependence and is more resistant to disease and stress. However, other concrete pavers are fabricated with a more elaborate profile so that they interlock with adjacent paver units of the same shape (Figure 1226). A design must first and foremost have a solid functional foundation. How much water is used and where on the residential site should also be determined by the regions climate. It should be noted that the term architectural refers only to enclosing space and does not mean using plants in straight lines or formal layouts. These include the recreation space, work/storage space, and garden space. First, the center is a point that inherently attracts attention. These measurements may then be used to draw a base map. A diagonal layout is also advantageous for alleviating the perceived narrow dimensions of a small site. Lack of Privacy Privacy on the corner lot is reduced because of the increased public surveillance from the two adjoining streets and from the close proximity of the house to the back and side property lines. 500 section three applications Major Design Aspects Form. A few other ideas might also be considered for a vegetable garden. Some planting is situated in the southwest corner, to help enhance the views to the common green space. For instance, once the design is begun, the designer may wish to return to the site for a closer inspection. This publication is protected by Copyright, and permission should be obtained from the publisher prior to any prohibited reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or likewise. echoed or repeated in the site with plants. Figure 123 Some outdoor living and entertaining spaces are devoid of unique character and personality. We would like to have some views to this park from the front yard. Figure 129 Fieldstone is best used as pavement in secondary use areas. Consequently, the grid system, except for perhaps the primary lines of force, can be dispensed with while developing circular and curvilinear design themes. If you have any difficulties accessing the site or downloading a supplement, please contact Customer Service at http://247.prenhall.com. is important to locate and design entry walks so guests and service people can easily find their way to the door. They give up what little outdoor space they have because they do not wish to be on display. Design Guidelines Designing a townhouse garden is like no other residential design project. Figure 240 Indoor and outdoor spaces can be visually integrated by making the base plane the same elevation in both spaces. The sun is essentially a southerly sun at a very low angle above the horizon during the winter season. This can be outdoor rooms chapter two 35 Figure 217 A simple scoring pattern can reduce the apparent size of the driveway. of stone include fieldstone, quarried stone, and riverstone. Figure 220 The landing should be located where a car would normally be parked in the driveway. The top half of Figure 618 shows the tape measure stretched from the face of a house to the nearby property line. site measuring and base map preparation chapter six Figure 67 The right-of-way. And finally, the ground plane is the surface on which we walk, run, sit, drive, and so on. Grill is located on the east side of the major seating area. b. Identify the vertical angle of the sun above the horizon at different times of the day and seasons of the year. Because these documents have a number of elements in common, it is useful to coordinate their preparation. Later phases of the design process are based on these diagrams. Similarly, all dead and diseased plants should be removed from zone 3 as well. Rather, the designer must carefully decide which areas or lines of the composition require the use of arcs for soft corners and rounded edges. In addition, steps should have forms that are consistent with the overall design theme, and thus should be studied during form composition. Repetition The principle of repetition as it applies to rhythm differs slightly from the use of repetition for unity. Design #N2979 (top), Design #N3382 (middle), and Design #N2975 (bottom) Home Planners. Material: something that will complement the house materials. Given the scale of the plan, only so much detail is appropriate. So as you read Chapter 10 on form composition, keep in mind that one of the underlying objectives of this step is to give a sense of visual order to a design. The design program serves as a combined summary of the site analysis and client interview. The lawn area outside the tree canopy is darkened to emphasize the edge of the tree. PROJECT #4: IES INTERNATIONAL CONDOMINIUMS IES International, a very successful computer software company, has recently purchased 12 condominiums within the Sand Pebble Condominium Development, which includes a total of 72 condominiums. This, in turn, provides unity. establish a contrast in shape and character with uniform, fabricated pavements such as concrete (Figure 1213). Figure 143 Front-yard alternative #2 for the Macintosh residence. Elevation Changes Elevation changes should also be studied during the development of functional diagrams. Typically, the clients will offer some reactions and opinions while the designer is presenting the preliminary design to them. On the residential site, plant materials are one of the most important design elements for the floor, walls, and ceiling of outdoor rooms. The specific circumstances of each design project such as budget, scope of work, site characteristics, and clients needs can influence how the process is applied. Both approaches create an overall feeling of balance in the design, but in different ways. Vehicular Circulation. sensitive form-to-form relationships. There is nothing wrong with doing more than one of the steps of the process simultaneously or moving back and forth between steps in the different phases. Modified Diagonal form composition Figure 1051 Two alternative ways to connect a diagonal design theme to the house. This conventional size can be assembled into a number of patterns, some directional and some static (Figures 1231 and 1232). There is one other suggestion when developing an angular theme. They and their families will occupy these 12 condominiums. Although the exact form varies with manufacturer, some have holes cut in a corner, Concrete Pavers Figure 1225 Sample concrete paver colors. Recreation a. Badminton (doubles): 17 39 (playing surface) 20 44 (overall area) b. Croquet: 38 85 (playing surface) 50 95 (overall area) c. Frisbee, baseball, football throwing: 15 40 d. Horseshoes: stakes 40 apart 10 50 (overall area) e. Tennis (doubles): 36 78 (playing surface) 60 120 (overall area) f. Volleyball: 30 60 (playing surface) 45 80 (overall area) g. Backyard basketball: 25 25 minimum h. Half-court basketball: 42 40 i. 30 317 318 section two design process SUMMARY The composition of two-dimensional forms during preliminary design is vital because it builds on the functional diagrams that preceded it while simultaneously providing the foundation for three-dimensional study. It serves numerous utilitarian, aesthetic, and psychological functions for the residents as well as for visitors, neighbors, and passersby. 165 166 section two design process If no site survey exists and/or digital information is unavailable, then on-site measuring is required to locate everything on a site including the property lines, house location, other structures, and relevant site elements. Boulders Boulders are a generally rounded stone that is found unquarried along water bodies or in regions of rocky terrain (Figure 1260). Although the plan drawing might seem appropriate in terms of form-to-form relationships, the boldness of the arcs may be lost in the actual profile of the rolling landform. Some residential projects are limited to an enclosed space adjacent to a townhouse, and other projects are surrounded by and open to a rural wilderness. We have discovered numerous concepts and techniques that are felt to be essential in teaching and learning residential site design. Providing more of an angular design allows views to the southwest and the southeast to be emphasized. The reader is urged to review the various techniques for establishing unity, including mass collection, dominance, repetition, interconnection, and unity of three. A lawn, often manicured to create a lush green carpet, occupies most of this area with a driveway situated along one side of the site. Indoor Dining Room The inside dining room, although primarily used for eating, may also serve as a location for playing games, writing, studying, and so on, because of the presence of a reasonably sized table with several chairs. This discussion may require some education of the clients if they are not familiar with typical costs for master plans or with implementation costs. Design Idea Patio A Patio B Architectural Feature Decorative Vent over Garage Door Main Window in Right Gable of House preliminary design and design principles Figure 936 A character palette can help to record your preconceived design ideas that relate to the architectural character of the house. that give the space a personal touch. Concrete scored into arc patterns resemble the fins. The most detailed scale typically shows the configuration and length of property lines along with the location of the house and other structures on the site (Figure 615). Some site conditions may only be apparent to someone who has observed the site over a period of time. Figure 101 shows the graphic difference between a functional diagram and six different form compositions for the same diagram. Figure 624 Use capital letters to note house corners. A deck is simply built above a slope, allowing the existing grade underneath to remain essentially as is (Figure 1324). Tile is available in a diverse range of sizes from several inches across to approximately 18 inches across. The result is a coordinated integration of house and site. It is often more desirable to sit beneath an overhead plane with a partial or complete sense of cover than in a wide-open space with a totally open feeling. A and Pt. Fourth, estimate the spread of the tree canopy by noting the drip line on the ground on opposite sides of the tree, and then measuring it with the tape measure (Figure 637). Each of the circles components has the potential of becoming a form generator when combined with another component. Identify and demonstrate the 11 color pencil techniques in both plan and section. Each tread should be at least 12 inches deep. The canopy layer is most needed over areas that are frequently used, such as those for entry, sitting, and social gatherings. The partial completion fee is the amount of money paid at the presentation of the preliminary plans. A skilled designer may in fact contradict selected design principles and still create a visually successful design. For example, a bubble that represents an outside living space on the functional diagram is now given a definite form that may be composed of a series of specific shapes. However, a close inspection will also reveal a number of subtle changes. In this situation, lawns and planted areas may be designed to retain water until it can seep into the ground or be slowly drained away. Likewise, exposure of interior spaces to sun can increase ambient room temperatures and reduce heating costs during the winter season. 83 84 section one philosophical framework The south, southwest, and west sides of the house receive the most constant wind on a yearly basis. furnish a warm color in the landscape that contrasts with the green of most plant materials. One of the most popular and available remanufactured materials is plastic lumber, a good substitute for deck surfaces. MATERIAL SELECTION The general selection of materials during preliminary design and the refined selection during the preparation of the master plan should be based on (1) function, (2) form, (3) style/character, (4) regional climate, (5) sustainability, (6) budget, and (7) availability. Where appropriate, an attempt should be made to visually and functionally coordinate the outdoor entertaining space with the adjoining interior room(s) of the house. Like the program guide for a theatrical play or a sporting event, the design program lists the cast of elements that will play a role in the design solution for a particular site and client. In this step, the designer begins to make choices about size, form, and general material of all elements in the design. Some potential patterns mimic brick (see Brick, later), whereas others resemble stone in both shape and surface treatment. However, for some people, this kind of space can also feel claustrophobic. 12. Two garbage cans: 2 6 c. Cord of wood: 4 4 8 8. Planting areas are woven in and around these spaces to help define them and to provide visual interest for a person walking along the entrance walk. It contains chapters on meeting and interviewing the clients, base map preparation, program development and site analysis, functional diagrams, preliminary design, form composition, and spatial composition. Alternative #3: Residence of Amy and Travis Allendorf The Allendorfs are a very gregarious couple. Detailed construction or working drawings for any site structure. Other notes that help explain the design to the clients 7. Another example of a complex configuration is a wood deck designed to provide several different and unique views into the surrounding landscape (Figure 819). Or crushed glass can be mixed into stone gravel walkways and driveways. An understanding of the sun exposure and shadow patterns on a residential site suggests two requirements: (1) sun protection is needed from late spring through the early autumn and (2) sun exposure is desirable for late autumn through early spring months of the year. The lines of the design theme establish a consistent order of forms that harmoniously relates all the elements and spaces of the design to each other (left side of Figure 103). Fertilizer application is another maintenance practice that needs to be considered for a healthy residential site. A large partial-shade tree approximately 20-foot spread. This composition is, of course, considered to be very weak. Figure 831 Elevation changes between spaces can be expressed with spot grades. More space is required on the left side of a sheet if the drawing is going to be combined and stapled with others in a package. The greatest feeling of enclosure is gained when the ground fills a 45-degree cone of vision or extends above eye level (Figure 1117). It is not important to use each and every portion or detail of the architectural feature. Similarly, materials and their patterns are often drawn in too much detail Figure 81 The spaces in a functional diagram should be drawn as freehand bubbles, not as exact forms. This visual treatment of plant materials is characteristic of historic Italian and French gardens, where plants were sheared and clipped into formal shapes to reflect the strong formal character of the gardens and the architecture. Some contractors specialize in the implementation of the hardscape and others specialize in the softscape. It can permit the potential client to navigate among multiple pages with menus and click on information or photographs. At the other extreme, paved surfaces in outdoor spaces where people stand or sit for any length of time should not exceed a maximum of 3 percent. Section 3, Applications, demonstrates how the design process can be applied to different residential sites and has chapters on special site situations and case studies. As previously discussed, one very effective way to accomplish this is by adding compost to the soil before planting (see Rehabilitate Soil in Site Restoration). Clients Feedback The preliminary design can usually be understood by the clients with explanations by the designer, though some clients have difficulty understanding a plan drawing regardless of how nice it looks. chapter four 123 124 Figure 49 Layout plan. 2. On the ground plane, different pavement materials can be employed to give each space its own character and identity. Nora was excited about the move, because she was looking forward to spending several years at home raising their newborn triplet girls. Thus, there should be a balance between the amount of detail that needs to be shown in a design plan and the time it takes to draw it. Coniferous evergreen trees and shrubs do this best because they possess relatively dense foliage throughout the year. For laypeople, the concept of space is often a difficult one to grasp initially because they are accustomed to describing the landscape as a collection of physical objects such as buildings, trees, shrubs, and fences rather than space itself. Outside walls, including doors and windows, of the house. Figure 825 and Figure 826 show graphic examples of primary and secondary circulation, respectively. Borders Borders, although not absolutely essential, often give an appealing touch to a sheet. The success of outdoor space can be looked at in a similar way. THE DUNCAN RESIDENCE To provide additional explanation for each of the phases of the design process presented in this text, this and following chapters describe how each phase is actually applied to a sample design project. Additionally, existing vegetation is almost always removed if not disturbed, and drainage patterns are modified. In response, a rectangular design theme was selected for the hardscape structures (steps, walks, patios, decks, fences, etc.). As this moisture evaporates from the leaf surfaces, it simultaneously cools adjoining air temperatures. Some concrete masonry units used for landscape structures are exactly the same as those for pavement. You should know the following about form composition: Definition and purpose of form composition in creating a preliminary design Similarities and differences between form composition and functional diagrams Critical components of the circle and how they should be used when integrating circles with other forms Critical components of the square and their use in creating two-dimensional compositions Guidelines for combining forms in a design Potential design themes based on two-dimensional forms Alternative circular themes and the characteristics and possible uses of each Characteristics of and guidelines for using a curvilinear design theme Guidelines for using a rectangular design theme Possible diagonal themes along with their characteristics and possible uses Characteristics and guidelines for arc and tangent and angular themes Reasons and guidelines for combining different design themes on one site Considerations for coordinating a design theme with the architectural style and features of the house Overall process for creating a form composition on a site Definition of lines of force, why they are helpful, and how they can be coordinated with the house Relationship between form composition and functional diagrams 11 Spatial Composition INTRODUCTION Chapter 10 discussed the various aspects of form composition, the first step of the preliminary design phase. Views into the neighbors yard are wide open along the entire driveway. Its primary purpose is to prepare, cook, eat, and store food. Two blues, white, and a tint of yellow make for a shiny and sparkling water effect. These include (1) advertisement, (2) brochure, (3) Web site, (4) jobsite sign, and (5) word of mouth. Surface runoff from a residential site can also be reduced by draining it toward lawn and planting areas where it can more readily enter the ground (Figure 344). The more convincing the drawings are in depicting content and character, the easier it will be to sell the design. A sharp pencil point can be used to draw thin lines of any line type. It was designed with pavements, steps, and walls made from concrete and/or masonry (brick, stone, modular wall units). And compost-amended soil allows surface water to more effectively percolate down through the soil, thereby increasing soil moisture while reducing the quantity of runoff from a site (also see Reduce Runoff in this chapter). Now that we are building a house, we need to make sure that we have some quality privacy. As previously Curvilinear Areas 418 section two design process Figure 1248 Alternative examples of aligning the pavement pattern with the edges and/or adjoining house in a diagonal patio design. Divide into Subspaces A townhouse garden site should be divided into subspaces to provide spatial and visual interest. It is important to realize that every residential site is not an isolated island but rather an integral part of an environmental continuum where all things and processes are interconnected. The walk leading from the driveway to the front door is often about 3 feet wide. Massed plants are often healthier, too, because they protect one another from sun and wind. Figure 1218 Appealing texture of riverstone. These objectives are true for outdoor spaces as well as for the house itself. The ornamental urn, on center with the bay window, is set apart with a brick paved area and a low wrought-iron railing. To minimize this problem, most homeowners keep the curtains in these windows closed all the time. During the development of a functional diagram, the designer concentrates on those views that are most significant to the major spaces of the design. Outdoor areas that are large in size and/or require a gentle ground surface may need to be eliminated from a design program for a steep site. produce a permeable pavement surface like gravel. The curvilinear theme uses portions of different circles and ellipses circumferences for its overall form. The owners of each adjacent property are quite friendly and look forward to having another new house with new neighbors next door to them. Whereas functional diagrams establish an invisible framework that is only indirectly seen or felt, a design theme provides an order that can be directly seen. The following is a recommended process for establishing a relatively proportional sketch plan of the house. regions that experience severe fire hazard (see Protect from Potential Wildfires in Natural Events and Cycles in this chapter). Each has an exterior space measuring 30 55. The existing door to the garage will also be relocated to the back edge of the garage. For small sites, this zone may be used most effectively as a planting area incorporated into some of the other zones. The lawn shape defines the body of the fish. Lawn should not be used on the ground plane in shaded areas below tree canopies, on slopes over a 3:1 gradient, in small pieces here and there, or in long narrow spaces, such as along the side of the house near the property line (top half of Figure 339). I shall again contact you to set a time and a date for presenting the final master plan. These areas may need some massaging and adjustment to improve their quality. Major use areas such as outside entry foyer, entertaining area, eating area, lawn, and garden. SUSTAINABLE DESIGN The words sustainable and sustainable design have become common and even popular terminology in the design and environmental professions, though their definitions and relevance vary. How does one incorporate these interpretations into the proposed design solution? Based on the microclimates around a house, it is best to place outdoor use areas requiring wind protection on the east and/or southeast side of Figure 327 The effect of off-site conditions on the flow of wind toward and through a site. In planting design, plants of the same species would be grouped within the same mass (Figure 911). Depending on the nature of the situation, this involvement may vary from occasional supervision or review of the implementation to direct and complete control. A well-conceived master plan, proper selection of plant materials (see Select Plants for Regional Precipitation in this chapter), efficient irrigation, and good maintenance practices can all contribute to a xeriscape. Ornamental trees are small- to medium-sized trees (10- to 15-feet height and spread) that have appealing form, color, and texture throughout the year, such as crab apples (Malus sp. This creates a chaotic and busy feeling in the composition. The designer should find out what the clients like and dislike with regard to landscape design. 2. As mentioned earlier, the base map for the backyard is shown in Figure 146. Site Inventory and Analysis The designer should conduct a site inventory and analysis (sometimes called a site study). 13. The principal recommendation for designing with gravel is that metal or plastic edging, wood, or another pavement material should contain it (Figures 124 and 125). chapter two 29 30 section one philosophical framework Figure 211 An outdoor space may be open and allow views to the surrounding landscape. Recall that a number of factors and conditions were recorded about the Duncan residence on the site inventory (Figure 71). Determine site maintenance problems (unkempt lawn, worn lawn edges along walks, worn lawn areas due to intense use, lack of weeding, broken pavement, and so on). A design resembling a botanical museum, containing many different types of plants, should be avoided regardless of the temptation to do otherwise. It is also important to establish bold and generous curves in curvilinear compositions in combination with smaller curves to give the design variety and interest (right side of Figure 1042). 63 64 section one philosophical framework Figure 34 All structures and paved areas should be located outside drainage ways. The second guideline for combining forms is to avoid the creation of acute angles. Furthermore, choices about materials are vague with only broad-brushed determinations (brick versus wood, evergreen versus deciduous, and so on) and little consideration for the exact texture, color, or pattern of the materials. Once these patterns are selected, each element is outlined to separate it. Need for Construction Drawings The layout, grading, and planting plans along with the construction details should all be drawn in coordination with one another. Density aside, more shade will be cast by individual members that are oriented perpendicular to the direction of the sun (Figure 322). Major elevation changes on the ground plane by the use of contours and spot grades. As with vegetation, walls and fences are more effective windscreens when some wind is allowed to filter through them. Wrought Iron Wrought iron is a tough iron alloy that can be bent and welded. It is often better to create an overhead structure with multiple individual members spaced apart. In addition to ceilings being varied in height and in openness, it is important to use them to support other spatial furnishings. There are many ways to solve any given design problem. They would prefer to have a fairly flat lawn area as a setting for the house. 34 section one philosophical framework Figure 216 Plants, walls, and so on located too close to the driveway interfere with the opening of car doors and pedestrian circulation. Sometimes several sheets or more of construction details are prepared to adequately explain how to build all the various parts of a project. have minimal site impact. dimensions than possible with lines and spaces that have a 90-degree relationship with the site property lines (Figure 1054). Another plant material that must be thought about in terms of water usage is the lawn. Concrete masonry units can be used to: construct retaining walls, free-standing walls, and steps. This will make the remainder of the garden area behind the tree look farther away. White and medium green for the tree shows good contrast against the dark green ground cover. Never place fill (soil that is added to the existing ground surface) below the drip line of a tree because this will change the ability of existing tree roots to obtain air and moisture from the soil. It also helps the designer to determine if some times of the year have too much or too little plant interest. Figure 1033 An overlapping circular theme can create several places to look out at the surrounding landscape. What building types and structures are allowed, especially detached buildings such as garages, tool sheds, gazebos, pergolas, and so on? A residential site is a living entity composed of abundant organisms including trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, lawn, and even miniature flora such as moss and lichens. In addition, the site can be considered an expression of the lifestyle and values of the residents. Just as in learning any new skill or procedure, it is helpful to move slowly and methodically.