Benefits of Modern Landscape Walling Solutions

When planning your self build, it’s important to look at the relationship between the building and its surroundings. The house and garden should interact, providing a flow between spaces.

Get it wrong, and your home will sit awkwardly in its surroundings; but get it right, and the outdoor zone becomes an extension to your home’s living areas.

Landscaping Budgets

Understandably, many self builders use up their contingency budget completing the house itself. This can mean there’s nothing left for the gardens. Ringfencing a landscaping budget at the start won’t necessarily save you money, but it will ensure you have the funds available when you need them and give you the best chance of being able to enjoy your finished home to its fullest.

One of the first aspects to look at is where the house would best sit on the plot. If areas need privacy from the street or neighbouring properties, or you want to avoid an unsightly view, then you might need to include screening in your budget.

Furthermore, if the structure of your plot needs changing due to uneven ground or stability issues, the landscaping costs will be significant – so it’s important to understand these up front when pricing your project. The initial survey and design phase should indicate whether retaining walls (physical barriers that hold back earth) are required to prevent movement during the project or after completion.

Do I Need Retaining Walls?

If your plot is on a slope, then it will be crucial to stabilise the land and plan garden areas. Here, the retaining wall’s job is more than just aesthetic; it also needs to be up to the job of managing ground movement.

Good building plots can be difficult to find and they don’t come cheap, so including a basement living space could help you maximise your site’s potential. At Glatthaar Keller, we work with many clients who have designed a basement into their projects; as well as some who find they need to excavate deeper due to unstable ground, which makes a basement a cost-effective solution.

In both cases, good ground management enables better access – for instance via a lowered courtyard – and brings the opportunity for better natural daylight, optimising the basement.