It is likely that, as part of a site visit, you will be ‘allocating’ various types of spaces for different locations on the site. This might be as simple as making mental notes, or you could make a bubble diagram similar to those shown below. Here, consider the sun/shade and the client’s thoughts.
These diagrams offer a helpful starting point when beginning a detailed design.
Let’s look at some of these spaces.
Entrances and front gardens
It is essential to reduce the impact of driveways and parked vehicles. We try to turn the front garden into a usable space if possible. Here is an example. Wooden gates disguise the driveway. A hardwood arbour encourages visitors to use the gate. A change of level indicates that the visitor has reached a private space. The low retaining wall guides visitors up to an expansive entrance patio. To the left, the designer has specified a small circular wooden deck that leads to a sunken entertaining space. This space is well screened from the street.
This concept design uses a front garden for multiple purposes and turns its back on the driveway. Note using a pathway (with a running bond brick pattern) embedded in the driveway that guides visitors to the house’s front door. Again, the vehicle becomes a minor player.
Paving embedded into a crushed granite path, artwork, etc., guides the visitor to the entrance of this property.
Some interesting paving combinations provide a dramatic entrance and create a usable ‘square’ screened from view.
Rear gardens
Here, we are dealing with several outdoor rooms. Areas for conversation, cooking, dining, active play, vegetables, and services are likely to be needed. A space for gathering will usually be required as people move from inside the house to the garden.