As a professional landscape architect, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of hardscape structures in outdoor living spaces. While incorporating greenery is essential, the addition of man-made structures can greatly enhance the overall design. Hardscape refers to the use of hard materials such as concrete, asphalt, stone, glass, brick, metal, and gravel in landscaping. These materials are intentionally placed by human design and contrast with the softer elements of vegetation and soil.
Together, the hard and soft landscapes form a cohesive and functional outdoor space. When it comes to incorporating hardscape into your landscape, it is crucial to consult with a professional contractor. Not only do they have the expertise to help you plan and build your hardscape, but they can also ensure that it is done correctly and efficiently. While hardscape may not always be the most prominent aspect of a landscape architect's work, it plays a vital role in managing water, erosion, light, space, and security.
In fact, urban ecologists are now considering how the hard landscape of cities can mimic the natural landscape. This term is most commonly used by landscape architects and residential contractors who add features such as paving stones, retaining walls, terraces, and driveways to a property's grounds. Landscaping is not just about adding greenery; it also involves incorporating built structures that provide functionality and definition to an outdoor space. By softening borders and integrating spaces into the environment, landscaping creates a harmonious balance between nature and man-made elements.
An excellent example of this is interior designer Maite Granda's use of landscaping to create a focal point in a Florida backyard. By extending the patio across a walkway to a central conversation area between fire pits, she has seamlessly integrated hardscape into the design. Tropical gardening, a more advanced form of landscaping, involves transforming a backyard into a tropical oasis. However, without incorporating hardscape elements such as fountains, the full effect cannot be achieved.
One of the most critical aspects of building a city is water management, and this also holds true for landscaping. Hard surfaces, such as concrete and stone, can greatly impact the flow of water and must be carefully considered in the design process. A simple addition, such as a fire pit, can also have an impact on hard surfaces. By creating a stone circle, it can provide a functional and aesthetically pleasing feature to an outdoor space.
The manicured gardens of an elegant Matthew Carter Interiors house are a prime example of how hardscape can elevate a landscape. From the fountain to the large central sculpture in the background, every element has been carefully designed to create a hard landscape worthy of a European castle. The change in the organic profile of a city is also supported by incorporating hard surfaces into waterways. Kendall Wilkinson Design has expertly incorporated hardscape into this mid-century modern home by using hard cladding from the concrete entrance to the retaining wall and water fountain.
This not only adds to the overall design but also creates an indoor-outdoor feel.
