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
Based on
on functions
functions of
of hardscaping
hardscaping elements,
elements,

Separating Special
Linkages Furnishings
elements surfaces
Planter box/ Seating
Flower pots Bridge
Paving Dustbins

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 Not insulator
rims to give an illusion of
damage
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
Expensive in large containers made at the base that
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 P
(gravel, cobbles, tarmac, bricks and pebbles) and pedestrian walkway. E
PAVING C
Indicates direction by using suitable, comfortable surfaces for 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. F
Used as a focal point for temporary stopping. E
Paving materials should be cost- effective and easy to maintain, safe and A
sound.
Rough finishes prevent slipping.
T
Some materials with rough finish could reduce and absorb noise sources.
U
Dark coloured surface finishes absorb light.
R
Design pattern should make use of existing related pattern and
E
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
Ramp
s
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, does not easily
An all natural characteristics of plastic
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 the outdoors and comes
its highly
manufacturing. One for a long time in a variety of colours.

Cane
Wood

Plastic
Stainless steel
durable material However, Plastic material
of the highest with proper care
demanded material
aspect. Able to furniture loses it’s
and maintenance.
anywhere in the Using water jet
bent it any strength over time and if
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 Plastic materials are more
is rather resistant to such problems
be combined with be stored away affordable for
other materials like without having to even though they cost a
stainless steel or
the mass bit more than normal
take up alot of
even leather. space.
market. plastic materials.
 This type of Plastic furniture
Fabric outdoor furniture
Sturdy and
requires little to no
durable, Aluminum
furniture is is usually made of maintenance. It’s
wrought iron furniture is also
often seen as plant material lightweight, resistant to
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
Fabric

Wicker

Wrought Iron

Aluminum

Plastic
upholstered wicker is much and can
coated finish varnish. It’s also
more durable withstand rain,
furniture. for than the
seals out very affordable and
moisture and rust and comes in a wide
your traditional wicker moisture
furniture. makes it more variety of colors,
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
furniture is other materials. Another
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. weather-resistant.
traditional or
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
Colou master design.
r • 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