Hardscapes: Hardscape Structures

Question 1

What are the qualities of transport hardscapes and five common transport hardscape structures?

Answer 1

Transport hardscape structures are the most common type of hardscape structure. They facilitate pedestrian and vehicle travel.

Examples include driveways, walkways, steps, ramps, and bridges.

Question 2

What are the eight categories of hardscape structure?

Answer 2

1. Transport
2. Retention
3. Gathering/Resting
4. Transition
5. Edging
6. Water Features
7. Furniture & Finishing
8. Art & Sculpture

Question 3

What should you consider when designing a driveway?

Answer 3

1. Driveways should accommodate both family vehicles and service vehicles.
2. Driveways should be wide enough for car doors to open fully.
3. Driveways should link to the garage (if any) and other house access points, such as the front door.

Question 4

What should you consider when designing a walkway?

Answer 4

1. Walkways should be 4’ to 6’ wide and made of a hard, smooth surface.
2. However, maintenance walkways can be narrower.
3. There are primary and secondary walkways.
4. Primary walkways facilitate foot travel to main destinations.
5. Secondary walkways act as shortcuts, maintenance routes, or scenic areas.

Question 5

What should you consider when designing steps?

Answer 5

1. Each step uses the total formula 2R+T = 26 inches, where R is the height of the step and T is the depth of the bit you step on.
2. Informal areas or secondary walkways do not need to conform to this formula.

Question 6

What should you consider when designing ramps?

Answer 6

1. Ramps must be a minimum of 36” (3’) wide between inner edges of the handrails - and they should have handrails.
2. The maximum slope is a ratio of 1:12 - 12’ of horizontal length for each 1’ foot of vertical rise. The slope should almost always been less steep than this, however.
3. You should design a flat area every 30” of rise, for rest.

Question 7

What should you consider when designing bridges?

Answer 7

1. Small pedestrian bridges are appropriate for a landscape designer, but anything bigger needs a competent engineer.
2. Bridges can act as attractive focal points in the landscape.

Question 8

What are the qualities of retention hardscape structures?

Answer 8

Retention structures hold back soil and create terraces, aka they are retaining walls.
1. Retention structures reduce erosion, they increase the area of usable land, and imo they look great.
2. The design and installation often involves professionals, as poorly designed retaining walls are dangerous.
3. Permits are typically required over 48”.
4. Materials typically used for retaining walls include retaining blocks, dry stone, timber, and metal panels.

Question 9

What are nine common examples of gathering & resting hardscape structures?

Answer 9

1. Porches
2. Patios
3. Decks
4. Pool Decks
5. Pergolas
6. Gazebos
7. Outdoor Kitchens
8. Fire Pits & FIreplaces
9. Potting Sheds

Question 10

What should you consider when designing a porch?

Answer 10

1. Porches are typically connected to the house.
2. Consider views from the porch.
3. Consider how the owner uses the porch.

Question 11

What should you consider when designing a patio?

Answer 11

1. Patios are paved or concrete areas, typically flush with or slightly raised from the ground.
2. Patios can be attached or detached from structures.
3. If attached, patios should have a 1-2% slope AWAY from the attached structure, for drainage.
4. Patios may be covered or open.

Question 12

What should you consider when designing a deck?

Answer 12

1. Decks are platforms that raised above ground level and typically attached to a larger structure (like the house).
2. Decks are designed for relaxing and spending time, and so typically have furniture.
3. Decks are nearly always made of wood.

Question 13

What should you consider when designing a pool deck?

Answer 13

1. Pool decks tend to be located in full sun.
2. They are typically designed and installed by a specialist, not the landscape designer.
3. Pool decks require a non-slip surface.
4. Pool decks typically require permits.

Question 14

What should you consider when designing a pergola?

Answer 14

1. Pergolas consist of upright posts with an open roof structure.
2. Pergolas may be partially shaded.
3. Climbing vines may be grown on a pergola.
4. Pergolas are typically made of wood or metal.

Question 15

What should you consider when designing a gazebo?

Answer 15

1. Gazebos consist of upright posts or columns with a solid roof.
2. Gazebos can be flush with the ground or raised.
3. Gazebos may have screens and a door for protection from insects.
4. Gazebos make a good focal point in landscape composition.

Question 16

What should you consider when designing an outdoor kitchen?

Answer 16

1. It’s a kitchen… outside.
2. Outdoor kitchens are typically part of a patio and made using the same materials.
3. Counters, appliances (ex. grill, oven), and plumbing (ex. sinks) must be able to withstand the weather.

Question 17

What should you consider when designing a fire pit or outdoor fireplace?

Answer 17

1. Both fire pits and outdoor fireplaces uses burning wood or other fuel.
2. Remember to check the fire codes and zoning codes before installation to ensure compliance.
3. They are typically made of stone or brick.
4. Leave space for furniture.

Question 18

What should you consider when placing a potting shed?

Answer 18

1. Potting sheds are for gardeners to store gardening equipment.
2. They should be tucked away into the landscape, not typically a focal point.

Question 19

What are five common examples of transitional hardscape features?

Answer 19

1. Fences
2. Walls
3. Gates
4. Arches & Arbors
5. Colonnades & Loggias

Question 20

What qualities do fences, walls, and gates have in common?

Answer 20

1. They offer security and privacy.
2. They protect children and pets.
3. They transition between areas.
4. They provide a vertical surface for plant growth.
5. Permits are typically required to install them if they are 4’ or taller.
6. You need to know the exact location of property lines if installing them at the perimeter.

Question 21

What should you consider when designing or installing fences?

Answer 21

1. The material of fences can vary - wood, metal, and plastic are common.
2. Open fences are somewhat welcoming while still protecting children and large pets.
3. Solid fences provide great privacy, but will experience extra force from high winds.

Question 22

What should you consider when installing walls?

Answer 22

1. Walls are typically made of brick or stone.
2. Walls can be high or low.
3. High walls provide privacy.
4. Low walls divide areas and can be used as seating.
5. Walls are expensive.

Question 23

What should you consider when installing arches or arbors?

Answer 23

1. They can support plants.
2. They can frame a view.
3. They provide a focal point in landscape composition.
4. They can be made of stone, wood, metal, or vinyl.

Question 24

What are the differences between arches and arbors?

Answer 24

1. Arches have two legs and simple structures.
2. Arbors have four or more legs and trellis work for plants.

Question 25

What is the difference between a colonnade and a loggia?

Answer 25

1. A colonnade is a length of columns on two side with a covered roof between them.
2. A loggia has columns on one side, supporting a roof that connects to a building.

Question 26

What is edging, and what are the two categories of edging?

Answer 26

Edging is used to define areas with clean lines. They create a neat, orderly appearance.

Edging comes in two types: a Trench or Cut Edge, and a Hardscape Edge.

Question 27

What are the qualities of a trench or cut edge?

Answer 27

Trench Edges (or cut edges) are a cut into the soil to create a line.
Trench edges are inexpensive and can withstand foot traffic if the soil is thick with healthy roots. However, they require regular maintenance.

Question 28

What are the qualities of hardscape edges?

Answer 28

Hardscape edges are lines made from hardscape materials. They’re useful for weak turf, sandy soil, or areas with lots of foot traffic.