Elements of Hardscaping

Hardscaping in landscape

Hardscape are design elements that are incorporated in a built environment which are solid and unchanging as the years go
by.
They include paved areas, driveways, retaining walls, sleeper walls, stairs, walkways, and any other landscaping made up of
hard wearing materials such as wood, stone, concrete etc. as opposed to softscape, the horticultural elements of a
landscape.
Why Hardscaping?

To cater needs not accompanied by soft landscape elements.

To provide complimentary effects and to enhance the beauty of soft
landscape.
Hardscaping allows the erection of man-made landscaping features.
Some compensate for large amounts of human traffic that would
cause wear on bare earth or grass.
Based on functions of hardscaping elements,

Separating Special
Linkages Furnishings
elements surfaces
Planter box/ Seating
Flower pots Bridge
Dustbins
Paving
Fence, walls/ Signage
Steps
retaining walls Lighting
Planter box/ Flower pots

• Used when soil is unsuitable for planting.

• Helps in subdividing spaces into different
areas.
• Can be arranged to show access or directions.
• Provide scale of surrounding landscape.

The design is determined by the plant used and its surroundings. Drainage holes are
essential.
In close proximity to sufficient light, absorb noise, purify air or bad odour.
Not placed making pedestrian route narrow.
Material used should be easily available, cost- effective, vandal- proof and durable with
aesthetic value.
 CLAY PLASTIC GLAZED CERAMIC FIBREGLASS
Readily available Versatile in appearance Colorful pots, ranging Classically styled
Attractive and Expensive Lightweight from subtle earthen
tones to playful, vibrant Durable
Heavy in large sizes durable
glazes Lightweight
Breakable if dropped Affordable Expensive Brittle
Since clay is porous it allows Realistic finishes that Varied in styles
for good air exchange. mimic terracotta, May crack
Less subject to freeze
Absorbs heat quiet well. concrete or stone Rolled damage Not insulator
rims to give an illusion of
Fired and glazed pots are the thickness.
most weather proof
 CONCRETE FOAM METAL SELF-WATERING
Attractive Readily available
Affordable in a variety Galvanized Usually made of
Durable of styles metal buckets, plastic, these
Affordable Insulation protects brass or copper are containers
Found abundantly
roots from heat and pots and other with a reservoir
cold
containers made at the base that
Expensive in large Very lightweight
sizes from metal can holds water for
Found in smaller sizes be very later use.
Certainly heavy. due limited strength
of material.
ornamental.
Landscaping layouts
Fence, Walls/ Retaining walls

• Provides spaces or divide areas of ownership.

• Helps to block unpleasant view and odour
• Gives security from intruders
• Prevents soil erosions

Architectural image normally relates to design

objectives, concept of landscape or existing
building
Material should be easily available, water proof
and durable.
TYPES OF MATERIALS USED FOR RETAINING WALLS

There is a wide variety of many different retaining wall materials. The most important and most common
factor all retaining wall materials have is that they are enhance with resistance to; fire, water damage,
impact resistance etc. Proper drainage is also important for the wall material.
Timber is available in treated and enhanced types to ensure that the material will not rot, be infested with termites and
bugs. Timber is a relatively simple product to install and work with. This wall material can be painted or left in its natural
state. One of the beauties of timbers and woods is that some types have a natural resistance to termites, rot and other
common wood occurrences. Ensuring that the timber used for the retaining wall is properly treated will help lead to a long
lasting application whether it is for functional or decorative purposes.

Concrete blocks or units are also a common retaining wall material which has been used for many years. This material is
available in a wide variety of designs, types, shapes, colors and textures. Concrete blocks are light weight and suitable for
structural or decorative applications. It is also a low cost material which is easy to work with and install. There are many
different types of concrete blocks including; interlocking, hollow, solid and half hollow. They are also made in high density
and low density styles. Homeowners can customize concrete blocks to best suit the applications requirements.

Stone Walls are made from a Portland cement mixture therefore they are a man made material. They are produced in
shapes, designs and textures which replicate natural stone materials. Stone is most commonly used in applications where a
mortar is not required and the dry stack method is used. Most stone applications look just like natural stone walls but at a
lower price. This is a great alternate material for natural stone.

Natural stone blocks are the most expensive wall material. This material has a very unique and stylish outlook
which is hardly matched by any other. Natural stones are available in blocks, units, irregular and regular shapes
making them highly versatile for all types of applications.
 S
Added features which indicate activities, event and safety like paving
(gravel, cobbles, tarmac, bricks and pebbles) and pedestrian walkway. P
PAVING E
Indicates direction by using suitable, comfortable surfaces for C
pedestrian, compared to surfaces of other area. I
Differentiates access to vehicles and pedestrian movement by using A
different surface finishes.
L
At junctions or meeting points, different material or levels can be
adopted to indicate danger.
Used as a focal point for temporary stopping. F
Paving materials should be cost- effective and easy to maintain, safe E
and sound. A
Rough finishes prevent slipping. T
Some materials with rough finish could reduce and absorb noise U
sources.
R
Dark coloured surface finishes absorb light.
E
Design pattern should make use of existing related pattern and
arrangement. S
Scale and contrast can be used to differentiate various new patterns.
Sustainable Pavement materials

Pervious concrete (porous concrete, permeable

concrete, no fines concrete and porous pavement)
is a special type of concrete.
Allows water from precipitation and other sources
to pass directly through, thereby reducing the
runoff from a site and allowing groundwater
recharge.
Made using large aggregates with little to no fine
aggregates.
Used in parking areas, areas with light traffic,
residential streets, pedestrian walkways, and
greenhouses.
 Small stones
Least expensive and allow water to penetrate
Require more frequent maintenance because little
stones are easily displaced.
Stones are smooth ones and not crushed gravel,
which lets water run off instead in the ground

Porous Asphalt
In driveways, parking areas
Same as regular asphalt
Manufactured with fine material mitted, leaving
open spaces that allows water to filter through
to a – recharge or drainage bed.
Pavers
Grass pavers create a hexagonal shape of concrete around
a central pocket where grass can be planted or filled in
with gravel.
These pavers have less open area that is usually created
either at the corners or by spacing the pavers on all sides
to allow for infiltration.
Cannot grow anything in the voids, but is typically filled
with gravel
Good option for driveways and areas which need more
stability.
Plastic Grid- Drivable grass
Comes in 2’ x 2’ mats that are much more affordable to
have installed than individual pavers.
Has a much larger exposed area (61%) for greater
infiltration and more room to grow grass or ground cover
in.
Does not isolate the dual pockets.
Allows plantings to remain cooler and receive more
uniform watering.
Provides superior green parking surface.
Linkages
Linkages or circulation systems are a combination of linear connectors
circulation paths, traffic generators and events along the connectors
like entrances, bridges, steps and gateways.
 Bridges
Link access from one place to another.
Helps to avoid dangerous or disturbing element
and to provide aesthetic value to landscape design.
Should be easy to use.
Safe to build.
Located at suitable areas without causing damages.
Design should consider safety and comfort at prime
factors.
Material should be durable, weatherproof and
vandal proof.
An alternative route for users should be provided
during maintenance to avoid mischief.
Bridges in public spaces
Link areas of different levels and
indicate access.
Normally use uniform steps and
avoid any design that can cause
tiredness or discomfort with well-
thought safety precautions.
Landing should be provided for
high staircases.

Steps
Ramps
An inclined plane, also known as a ramp, is a flat supporting surface tilted
at an angle, with one end higher than the other, used as an aid for raising
or lowering a load. The inclined plane is one of the six classical simple
machines defined by Renaissance scientists.
• Inclined planes are widely used in the form of loading ramps to load
and unload goods on trucks, ships, and planes.
• Wheelchair ramps are used to allow people in wheelchairs to get over
vertical obstacles without exceeding their strength.
• pedestrian paths and sidewalks have gentle ramps to limit their slope,
to ensure that pedestrians can keep traction
• Inclined planes are also used as entertainment for people to slide
down in a controlled way, in playground slides, water slides, ski slopes
and skateboard parks.
 Furnishings

Structures that are added to

spaces, to enhance and
complete the spaces like
seating, dustbin, signage,
lighting, sculptures, and kiosk.

Seating
Seating could be accommodated under big trees
(large canopy/ foliage) near covered buildings, next
to a wall or plants sheltered from sunlight, and
windy areas not obstructed by other landscape
elements. Select places for seating having good and
have pleasant views.
Attract and highlight some garden design.
Used for relaxed viewing the surrounding or
reading books or similar such activities.
Seating design is normally based on the
garden design concept.
Comfort is the main criteria in design.
Design should avoid intricate corners or
spaces.
Scale or size should be able to accommodate
load as well as relate to the surrounding
landscape scale.
Materials used should be easily cleaned or
painted.
Structure of materials should be durable.
Construction and maintenance costs should
compliment the surrounding construction
cost and landscape design.
Modern and traditional materials can be
chosen based on the context whether they
are to be used in an urban or rural area.
 Whether if it is Teak, Stainless Steel One of the popular
Redwood, An all natural characteristics of plastic
does not easily
Mahogany or even corrode, rust or material, Cane is material are that it is
Composite Wood, even stained by popular in the lightweight and are able
they are one of the water which outdoor to meet the budget of the
most popular kinds normal steel does. furniture low budget consumer.
of materials used in They are highly category due to Plastic is very suitable for
furniture durable and last its highly the outdoors and comes
manufacturing. One for a long time in a variety of colours.

Stainless steel

Plastic
Cane
Wood

durable material However, Plastic material

of the highest with proper care aspect. Able to furniture loses it’s
demanded material and maintenance.
anywhere in the bent it any strength over time and if
Using water jet
world. The lifespan cutting shape and size, exposed to heavy weight
of wood also beats technology, Cane can create over a long period of time,
many other types of Stainless steel can many designs the parts might bend and
material and it’s also be manufactured that the mind its colour will fade
very simple to in many shapes can imagine and overtime. Higher grades
maintain. It can also and sizes and can is rather Plastic materials are more
be combined with be stored away resistant to such problems
affordable for even though they cost a
other materials like without having to the mass bit more than normal
stainless steel or take up alot of
even leather. market. plastic materials.
space.
 This type of Plastic furniture
Fabric Sturdy and
requires little to no
outdoor furniture Aluminum
furniture is durable, maintenance. It’s
is usually made of furniture is also
often seen as wrought iron resistant to
plant material lightweight,
a luxury and furniture is, moisture, doesn’t
such as cane and hence easy to
however, produce mildew
sophisticated rattan and it store and
somewhat and stands up to
material that created a
vulnerable to rearrange. It
comfortable, outdoor elements
is used in the elements. requires without the beed
many homey look. Resin minimal care
The powder- for sealants or

Wicker
Fabric

Aluminum
Wrought Iron

Plastic
upholstered wicker is much and can
coated finish varnish. It’s also
more durable withstand rain,
furniture. for seals out very affordable and
than the rust and comes in a wide
your moisture and
traditional wicker moisture variety of colors,
furniture. makes it more
material so look damage better plus it can be made
Some long-lasting.
for that if you than lots of to look like other
This type of
recommende want long-lasting other materials. Another
furniture is
d fabrics furniture. It
particularly materials. You advantage is that
include linen, requires minimal can use wax or plastic furniture is
heavy and
cotton, maintenance, it mineral oil to lightweight and
tends to look often stackable.
velvet, jute doesn’t fade, or offer it extra
more
crack and is protection.
and cotton. traditional or
weather-resistant.
rustic.
Dustbin
Dustbin should have easy access for garbage disposal and collection.
There are different types of dustbins like wall mounted, free standing,
removable, big sized where population is high.
Located near pedestrian access with other facilities such as toilets and
recreation area, where people gathers, picnic or relax.
Not located too close to each other to avoid bad odour or flies or bad view.
Design and material depends on location, method of collection, relationship
to the surrounding landscape elements and capacity.
Galvanized sheet metal, aluminum, timber, fiber- glass and concrete are
normally used.
Signage
All signage should have standardized
design, colour and lettering.
Located at an appropriate place.
Should be of suitable size to convey
information.
Should not obstruct aesthetic value of
other elements.
Type of information usually conveyed
through signage is: preventive,
prohibitive, warning, and general.
Materials used depends on cost,
design, durability, and maintenance.
• Signage is a key element of a sensory garden. Visitors will be more inclined to interact with plants if
they are prompted by clear labeling.
• One approach is to use color coded signage that highlights the different senses associated with each
plant.
• Braille plant labels placed at accessible locations, such as the backface of a handrail, are typically
used in gardens for the visually-impaired.
• A sensory garden brochure with photographs and a plant list can serve as a guide during the garden
visit, and as a take-home educational piece.
• Multiple signage within a development should have a standardized format and design for
uniformity.
• Free standing signs should be no more than five feet in height. These signs should be appropriately
landscaped and lit.
• Be attractive
• Direct to destinations
• Be a part of an overall city identity
• Provide direction over short distances and at lower speeds
• Compete effectively with street, regulatory and storefront signs for
attention
 • Parent colour is chosen complementing to the
unity of master design.
Colour • The color contrast is at least 60 percent between
the typeface and the background to meet the
needs of people with color blindness or limited
vision.
• Mild contrast pair colour to keep the design clean
and simple.
• Other colors were introduced as needed,
especially in designs for parking lots.
• Where possible, the background of signs
containing text will be white lettering to maintain
the 70% contrast between letters and
background as recommended by the ADA.
• The yellow is used as a decorative highlight. The
reverse side of each sign will be a solid color;
utilizing the same color that encompasses the
majority of the sign front.
Typeface
• The selected typefaces are principally formal
fonts.
• They vary in size according to the required sight
distance for the particular type of sign and
should not be reduced from the recommended
size. Typically, the sight distance of one inch
high type is legible from fifty feet, two inch at
one-hundred feet, and so on.
• Letter styles are simple and wide kerning
(space between letters) is relative to the height
of the letters. These standards are intended to
meet the needs of older drivers who tend to
have problems differentiating lettering at
vehicular speeds.
• Letters should be applied using reflective
material, with vinyl the most commonly used to
allow for alterations should the need arise to
change a sign message.
• Symbols and logos representing
destinations:
Where possible, international
symbols are used, for example,
Parking “P” or the Hospital “H”.
• Fabrication:
Although they are created for the
benefit of the motorist, these
signs must be pleasant to the eye
from all sides and be safe to the
pedestrian.
Sign panel heights should be at
least seven feet off the ground to
satisfy the Americans with
Disabilities Act requirements.
Panel signs should be high
enough off the ground to deter
vandalism.
• Sign placement:
Signs must be placed to avoid urban
clutter while allowing the motorist
enough time to make decisions.
Vehicular signs should never be closer
than 75 feet from an intersection to
give the motorist more decision-
making time and to avoid conflicts
with traffic signals and signs at the
corner.
• Spacing between signs should
be at least 30 feet. Vehicular
signs should never conflict
with pedestrian directional
signs.
The pedestrian environment
contains freedom of
movement; pedestrians can use
one-way streets in both
directions, as well as parks and
pathways that are restricted to
cars. Pedestrian-oriented signs
should never be placed where a
motorist might misinterpret the
directions.
• Maintenance and management:
Before a sign goes in the ground,
a maintenance and management
system must be put in place that
sustains the program long-term.
• In most cities, destinations move
and new ones are added. As the
system grows, a well-managed
database of signs and maps (a
geographic information system)
is desirable to keep track of
these changes.
Types of signage
Meant to illuminate dark and insecure areas.
Illuminates and enhances a focal element or dangerous objects.
Provides suitable mood for occasions.
Safety and comfort are prime factors in choosing material.
Material should be durable, vandal proof and weather proof.
Maintenance should be safe and easy.
Three types- Roads and highways lighting, Pedestrians lighting, ad Decorative lighting.

LIGHTING
 Stake mounted spotlights or in- ground lamps

Down facing lamps

Thank you