How Landscaping and Site Design Integrate with Architecture
Wabi-Sabi Residence. Photography by Matt Winquist
That the average person may think of architecture solely in terms of designing building. Clearly, architectural design constitutes a large portion of what we do, and yet we are also concerned with the context within which a building sits. Landscaping and site design is ideally integrated with architecture to create holistic environment that is unified.
The Sparano + Mooney Architecture team was recently hired to design and help build a new vacation home in the Park City, Utah, area. Our team began to evaluate the local site characteristics and conduct a site analysis before moving forward to other project aspects in the design. Why? Because the site design and overall context influences the architecture we develop, and the phrase “site design” takes into account more than just natural elements like plants and trees.
ZONING ORDINANCES + CODE REQUIREMENTS
Building a new mountain modern home in Park City requires adherence to local regulations. There are planning and zoning ordinances that determine what types of structures can be built in specific areas, as well as how those buildings can be used. We must also pay close attention to both state and local building codes, which play a role in everything from material choices to safety, engineering and accessibility.
Importantly, architects take a wholistic approach to regulations and requirements when designing a new building. Ultimately, the finished design must comply with zoning and code restrictions. However, designing only with those considerations in mind can lead to buildings that are simply utilitarian – perhaps appropriate when designing a warehouse, though not ideal when designing a luxury home.
THE ROLE OF LANDSCAPING
Designing with the site in mind only begins with zoning ordinances and code restrictions. Architects then must gain a sound understanding of and appreciation for the natural elements in the immediate area and the larger context. For example, Sparano + Mooney Architecture specializes in modern mountain architecture. This is a specific style of architecture that relies heavily on what the surrounding area has to offer.
A modern mountain home fits into with the land on which it sits, almost organically. And still, there is a natural separation between structure and land. One of the goals of landscaping can involve diminishing that separation as much as possible.
Landscaping is the bridge between site design and structural design. It creates inviting exterior spaces that people actively want to experience. Functionally, effective landscaping enhances energy efficiency, proper drainage, protection against the elements, and a home's environmental footprint.
ARCHITECTURE IN CONTEXT
We believe it is appropriate to say that designing a new home without proper consideration of landscaping and site design leads to less-than-optimal results. Architecture within its context contributes to the surroundings in a way that enhances the environment.
It is important to integrate landscaping and site design into architectural design, to avoid creating structures that clash with the land on which they are built. In fact, this discord happens more often than you might think. Homes that just don't look like they “belong” can be found readily. They exist because those who designed them did not properly integrate site design and landscaping into the architectural design.
When you choose Sparano + Mooney Architecture as your Park City architect, you will be working with a firm that not only understands the nuances of Utah’s state and Park City and Summit County’s local building requirements, but that also grasps the importance of integrating landscaping and site design into the architectural design. We design homes that reflect and respect their natural surroundings, and that sit in harmony with their natural surroundings. Our goal is to construct a more meaningful relationship among the native landscape, modern architecture, and the experience of its inhabitants.