Apart from the structure itself, paying attention to the surrounding landscape when it comes to building your dream home is vital. It complements the build, emphasises its architectural features, and serves as a usable and functional outdoor space. As such, the importance of landscape architecture should never be downplayed in any project, whether it be a new residence or a renovation of an existing building. Read on to learn more about the value of landscaping beyond the aesthetics and the practical benefits it provides.

 

Understanding Landscape Architecture

Agricultural expert and merchant Gilbert Laing Meason coined the term landscape architecture in 1828. But there are examples of the trade that predate the term for over a century, with the Gardens of Versailles being a well-known example which finished construction in 1715.

Today, it generally comprises elements from architecture, gardening, art, and design to create livable outdoor spaces to accommodate the building site’s demands and all the necessary infrastructure. Furthermore, they can serve many practical uses for their users. When thinking about this type of architecture, many initially think about flowerbed and patio designs. However, there are many other considerations to think of, namely irrigation, drainage, erosion, elevation, and outdoor living.

To best utilise your property, it is generally recommended to work with the landscape rather than against it. There are far too many examples of spec houses built on lots without even considering their environment, resulting in missed opportunities. But with proper planning and the expertise of architecture firms in Singapore, you can better take full advantage of your location to optimise your landscape design and home.

 

Practical Benefits of Landscaping

Although many people are familiar with the advantages of landscape architecture, most are doubtful if it is truly necessary for their homes. Here are a few practical benefits that can significantly improve your residence and lifestyle.

 

Offers sustainable and customisable development avenues

Many assume landscape architecture is just about planting greens and gardening to make a space look beautiful. In reality, landscape architects create garden designs via concepts of ecology and the regional climate after analysing the site’s surroundings. They create custom solutions according to each home’s specific environment and target the area’s environmental issues.

Every locality and household face different pollutants, the causes of which are identified by landscaping architects or civil engineers to recommend the best solutions that clean the air, create a cooling effect, absorb toxins, and balance the natural ecosystem. This process will take some time to implement, but the result of creating a sustainable natural environment around the home is well worth it.

 

Innovative troubleshooting of natural environments

There are now many ways to bring nature into our homes and living areas, the most popular being vertical or wall gardens. These solutions are made possible by innovative landscape architects dedicated to striking that balance between modern living and environmental sustainability. In other words, they add biodiversity to an urban design by leveraging horticulture.

 

Psycho-social benefits

Many studies point to the psycho-social benefits of connecting with nature and how it improves our mental abilities with its calming effect. However, given the unrelenting urbanisation, natural surroundings are much harder to find outside of parks and recreational spaces. In these times, landscaping is the best solution to bring nature closer to us. Architects can thus develop pockets of nature across urban areas and breathe life into modern residential architecture.

 

Weather control

Climate change has long been a concern since the turn of this century, with its consequences becoming more severe by the day. Landscape architecture can play a part in combating this climate crisis and dampening its impact. In urban settings, pocket parks, rooftop gardens, and many other small ecosystems can help purify the air and create a cooling effect. As more and more people start using landscape architecture, the greater the chance of making a positive impact on the local environment and weather.

 

Conclusion

Landscaping offers more than just simple aesthetics; it also brings plenty of practical benefits to a home and its users, from promoting the inhabitants’ mental well-being to making the local environment more sustainable.

Incorporate the landscape into your residence today with the help of veteran residential architects in Singapore that know the best ways to mesh the environment with your dream home. The right architects can see to it that your landscape design is not only well-incorporated with the rest of the house but also serves functionality in the long run.