Style NOV (05.11.16)

36 Style | landscaping
Perfect
PAvINg
Landscape architect Craig Wilson gives us
the inside word on how to achieve a perfect
and functional outdoor paved area.
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Landscape projects can be broken down
into two distinct components – the
hardscape and the softscape. The hardscape
is the built elements while the softscape
is the plants and soils. The hardscape
component will typically be the largest
proportion of the project expense so
careful consideration to design and material
specifications is critical to the success of
your endeavours.
An essential part of the hardscape will be
your choices around hardstanding or paved
areas. The options around these are many,
so before you choose the final product you
may consider the following pointers.
Firstly make sure the design of the area
will meet your requirements. Often I notice
paving or deck areas to be used for outdoor
living are too small for their intended use.
This can be difficult to remedy at a later
date. Consider how your outdoor furniture
choice will impact on an area’s useability.
Popular modular outdoor furniture is
flexible in its configuration but does tend
to be quite bulky and swallow up a lot of
space. Look carefully at if there’s room
to house furniture and comfortably walk
around your space.
Once you’ve got the space working
well, you can select your paving surface
treatments to set the aesthetic you’re
looking to create. The options range from
beautiful natural stone paving to precast
concrete units. Your project budget may
be a significant part of your final selection.
The cost is determined by the quantities
involved, the expense of the product and
how it will be installed.
Don’t overlook the slip resistance of
your selected paving. Some pavers are
plain dangerous in the wet or frost while
others will offer a good degree of natural
grip, meeting the NZBC requirements. You
may also want to consider how the product
feels in bare feet if you’re creating a more
relaxed area.
Once your product selection has been
made, the performance and durability of
your paving will be determined by how well
it has been laid. All paving requires correct
falls and drainage to deal with rainfall. It’s
also critical that paving is laid at correct
levels beside your house exterior.
With good planning and implementation,
your paving will be an asset that both looks
good and performs well for years, while
providing an excellent surface for family
and friends to enjoy your company and
hospitality.
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Quality custom-made,
bespoke furniture
and joinery
105 Coleridge Street, Christchurch
P. 366-7499 | F. 366-8384
E. furnituredimensions@hotmail.co.nz
www.furnituredimensions.co.nz
Hours:
Monday-Friday
8.30am-5.30pm
Saturday 9am-1pm
IDEATION-GOM0063