Weather & Site Design

Introduction

Weather has the largest effect on a building's overall form and exterior design. Active systems are able to overcome any shortcoming a building may have— heating it in extreme cold, or cooling when needed. However, it is best practice to allow the context of the site to influence the building's design. This means taking heed of the cardinal directions, solar exposure, wind direction, etc; in order to allow the weather and conditions to influence the site design.

One of the main starting points is to understand where the site is and what energy requirements will influence the design of the building by code.

Site Plantings

General Overview and Strategy

All types of plants and vegetation are considered in “site plantings”; including grass, shrubs, ground cover, as well as trees and flowers. The planting should be looked at as a functional component to the overall design and enhance the design and experience of its users. In addition to providing purely aesthetic qualities, landscaping can improve energy conservation, moderate noise, block (increase privacy) views, frame views, create outdoor rooms, provide shade, retard erosion, and visually help a building situate better into its site, or purposefully accentuate it.

• Some communities in suburbs, including HOA, may have requirements for certain required or limited plantings in their zoning ordinances.

Unlike building components, a plant is alive and therefore needs constant nurturing and care. They need the right sun, soil, temperature, etc. It's always best to consider native plants when designing a space, as these plants are known to survive in the area without further, or drastic resource care and needs. This helps cut down on the required maintenance of a particular species, but also helps fool proof the landscape design.

Plants are the only design element that are alive, and therefore will change over time. The plants will grow over time and therefore the full mature plant size and condition should be considered when placing and designing space. The final result should be planned for, not the current or immediate satisfaction.

• Trees and sensitive plantings will need protection during construction if near the work.