Hosea Omole
Sloped sites present many challenges to the landscape designer. The grounds are often unstable; drainage may pose a problem and comfortable movement may not be so obvious. Hence their design should be undertaken with care and understanding of these unique conditions.
Here are a few pointers to help you make the most of your sloped site.
Minimal alteration
Try to match uses to the existing slope conditions so that they fit the site with minimal alteration of the terrain. For instance, a recreational lawn area should ideally be placed in a location that is almost level instead of trying to level a steep section. You can also try and fit uses that require level grounds by orienting them along the slope rather than across it.
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On steeper slopes, you may have to create terraces that are cut into the slope at different elevations. This creates a series of large ‘steps’ on which outdoor uses can be located.
Retaining walls can also be employed as a means of accommodating the different elevations between the spaces. They give a landscape a more architectural appearance and allow spaces to be placed closer together.
Outdoor uses
Creating outdoor use areas on extremely steep sites most often requires a deck. This is a platform built above a slope, allowing the existing terrain underneath to remain essentially the same. Decks work well for spaces of limited size such as outdoor sitting, entertaining and eating.
When all is said and done, however, some outdoor uses may not be possible on steeply sloping site. Outdoor areas that are large in size and require a gentle ground surface, for instance, may need to be eliminated from the scheme altogether.
Accommodate movement
Special attention should be given to movement on steep sites. This is important because movement is frequently difficult and restricted on such sites. Walks or paths should be designed so that they are gentle and easy to use.
To achieve this, walks may need to take a more indirect route between two points. In other words, the elevation difference between the top and bottom of the walk should be spread out over a greater distance in order to reduce the walk gradient. In extreme situations, walks or paths may need to "switch back" up slope to avoid being too steep.
Steps are also a necessity along paths and walks on sloped sites. They provide access between adjacent spaces at different elevations. Where possible, extreme elevation differences between adjoining spaces should be avoided to minimise the number of steps that are required. But whenever they are used, they should be made a little wider than necessary so that the spaces feel more connected. Wide steps allow adjoining spaces to visually flow into each other.
Take advantage of views
Everything possible should be done to take advantage of the inherent views from a sloped site. Take some time and establish what locations on the site have the best views, both toward other areas of the site and to the landscapes beyond. Once that is done, selected uses should be consciously placed in these locations to utilise the views.
The writer is a landscape architect.
