What's clear when it comes to landscaping in an environmental sense, is that there's no one-sizefits-all approach. Landscape designer Kristina Clode, whose multiple garden designs have won awards in sustainability, admits that the sustainable thing to do is nothing. This inevitably presents abit of a conundrum.
There are things that can be done to lessen our impact on the environment as much as possible, however. The most powerful tool and the starting point for anyone on a landscaping project is intent.
"Allow sustainability to be the driver for your decision-making right from the very beginning," says Sam Avard, who is certified Carbon Literate by the Carbon Literacy Project, and works alongside Kristina at Kristina Clode Garden Design on technical design and specification. "Studies have shown that the impact on sustainability in a project peaks at the design phase. The further you move through the process the lesser your chances of your end product being a sustainable one," he explains.
"The first step is understanding what the motivations are for doing things in an environmentally friendly way," adds Sam. "Look at carbon cycles, our water use, how fast soil is degrading - all that depressing stuff that people don't really want to think about when they're having fun. Take the time to learn the importance of these decisions to be green." It's perhaps important to mention that sustainable gardens will have a certain aesthetic about them and Sam tells us that as a rule of thumb, creating pristine low-maintenance landscapes is not going to be very sustainable.
Bu hikaye Homebuilding & Renovating dergisinin August 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Homebuilding & Renovating dergisinin August 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Back to black
Dramatic black finishes and industrial touches add impact to Charlotte and Sam Tisdall's extended end-terrace home
Change for good
A last-minute decision to build a kitchen extension instead of a general update turned out to be a wise move for the owners of this detached period property
High praise
After converting a run-down gospel hall into a unique 1930s-inspired home-complete with geodesic dome - Alice Deuchar and Daniel Schamroth pronounced it a resounding succes
Lifetime achievement
Replacing a tired 1960s bungalow with a bespoke prefabricated contemporary house allowed retired architect Helen Heslop Brunt and her husband Martin to fulfil a long-held dream
Self-build for beginners PART 13 PRE-CONSTRUCTION GUIDE
Make sure that your insurance, health and safety, build and cost schedules and all documents are all in place before kick-off
ECO LANDSCAPING
Creating a garden with green credentials isn't without its challenges, but there are plenty of ways you can reduce its impact on the environment, once you know how
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT PASSIVHAUS VENTILATION?
Heat and energy expert David Hilton explains the benefits, options and costs of this ultimate heating standard
HOW MUCH DOES EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION COST?
It's touted as an affordable home insulation method, but is external wall insulation worth the outlay and what are the lifetime costs? We look at the figures...
Open-plan kitchen DAVID HOCKNEY EXTENSIONS
From structural considerations and zoning to layout ideas and lighting, our practical guide to creating your new space has it covered
RENOVATING A GEORGIAN HOME
Known for their elegant architectural features, Georgian homes need to be restored sensitively to make them fit for modern life