Contribution of hard landscaping features to Garden design Flashcards
sustainabilty in a garden can be achieved how?
- Local sourcing of materials
- Carbon footprint – imported materials carry a large carbon footprint due to transport
- Recycling – composite decking, recycled containers, re-using materials available on site, such as existing bricks or paving
- Subsequent management and treatment – for example, does maintenance require large inputs of preservatives or herbicides
- Permeability of materials – to prevent run off and flooding
- Green roofs
- Water recycling – water butts, permeable paving
- Compost bins
- Timber used in the garden should carry the FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) logo.
key points to consider when comparing hard landscaping features/materials are:
- durability
- strength
- appearance
- sustainability
- cost
- maintenance levels
- safety
What can help in the selection of an appropriate type and style of hard landscape features?
The principles and elements of desiGn like unity, rythm, movement, etc
Materials and structures for people with mobility restrictions
- Ramps for wheelchair access. gradient no
steeper than 1 in 12. - Steps if wheelchairs are not used. Sturdy handrails should be installed, esp for unstable walkers
- Landings on steps are required with no more than 9m in between.
- The riser height of steps should be a maximum of 150mm and minimum of 75mm with an ideal of 100-125mm.
- Avoid loose aggregates for wheelchairs and walking aids.
- Gently curving paths are often easier to negotiate, select materials to achieve that Concrete slabs ?
- Path surfaces must be firm, but not slippery and without ridges and trip hazards.
- Avoid uneven paving.
- Suitable surfaces include resin bonded aggregate, concrete, tarmac, pavers
and paving that is well constructed and butted together. - Raised beds - to allow those with mobility restrictions to both view and enjoy plants, and to garden.
- Seating should be easily accessible. Think appropriate height, sturdy and with strong armrests.
Materials and structures for people with visual impairments
- Use different path surfaces to indicate a change of direction or feature to pause by
- For those with partial sight, use bold colours and contrasting colours and textures
- For ease of access and orientation use a simple layout with straight lines
- Sculptures with interesting forms and surface textures – e.g. smooth, polished
wood, sleek stainless steel, rough bark. - Avoid sharp edges and protrusions.
- Avoid trip hazards
- Provide landmarks to aid movement and orientation in the garden
Hazard and Risk Assessment
- Identify the hazard
- applying controls
- review the effects
- assessing risk
Hazard
A hazard is the potential to cause harm
Risk
risk is the likelihood of harm in the actual circumstances of use.
Risk assessment
Risk assessments balance the severity of a possible hazard against the likelihood of it happening.
Severity of potential harm x likely frequency of it happening = risk rating
Assess severity of potential harm
according to a sliding scale (some versions will be 4, other 5) where
- Trivial injury
- Requires first aid and one day off
- Minor injury three days off
- Serious injury or fatality
Likely frequency of risk happening
frequency according to a similar scale:
- very unlikely
- possible
- occasional
- happens regularly
Risk rating
Severity of potential harm (scale) x likely frequency of it happening = risk rating
Risk ratings which total over 6 require some control measures, over 9 are serious and need a complete review of the activity
Detailed risk assessment
- Identify the hazard: activities would be undertaken involving this structure or material? how could people be harmed.
- Identify the people at risk –Who might be harmed ?
- Evaluate the extent of the risk – How likely is something to happen, how severe are the consequences?
- Prevent the risk by removing the hazard
- Control the risk and decide how to make sure that control methods are used.
- Communicate the results of the assessment
- Monitor performance
- Repeat the assessment only if circumstances change
suitability of hard landscaping materials and features to ensure accessibility for all garden users.
incl. visual impairment and limited mobility
- Selection of appropriate features and materials e.g. ramps, steps, handrails, textures, lighting, widths of paths and entrances, signage (e.g. wheelchair level, braille)
- Awareness of Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and accessibility legislation for public garden
hard landscape features to meet aesthetic, functional and sustainable design requirements
- paths,
- seating areas,
- driveways,
- walls,
- fences,
- pergolas,
- ramps
- steps,
- children’s play areas,
- rock gardens,
- water features,
- container
