Water-conscious Landscaping

By Savitha Hira Photography: Courtesy Ar. Kakoli Sikder

The Water Habitat Retreat at Jodhpur is a laudable exercise in traditional rainwater harvesting, and landscaping this heritage property has effectively brought it into the limelight-

Socially responsible architecture is quietly being practiced by many an architect in various pockets of the globe. Thanks to socially responsive patrons, who make an unwavering commitment in tandem with the architects. Ar. Kakoli Sikder is a landscape architect from Delhi, who has creditably been a significant team member of the Bijolai Palace conservation at Jodhpur.

Water Habitat Retreat was once the famous Bijolai Palace at Jodhpur. It was conserved and restored to house a boutique hospitality venture under the aegis of the Jal Bhagirathi Foundation. It is said that the scenic, sprawling summer palace built in the early 19th century is nestled between the Aravalli Hills surrounded by lakes as an oasis in the desert. With the civil work being completed as far back as 2008, Ar. Kakoli Sikder stepped in to make her valuable contribution to the expansive landscape.

Beginning from the entrance paths – there were two distinct ones – both over a culvert; one towards private quarters and the other towards the admin and hospitality facilities; Kakoli worked on a well-manicured garden, arched jharokhas to frame panoramic views, square paved plazas, lush green palms, circular planters with shade-giving trees and diligently selected native species of -Jaal Peelu’ , -Rohina’ and -Babool’ as the focal planting among other things. Largely, there are three courtyards within the living quarters, which have been designed tastefully as trellised spaces for outdoor seating and occasional dining. As in any landscaping project, the material palette and the selection of flora and fauna have been methodically determined. With the project tabling water as an exemplary rainwater oasis, where it is not only supposed to be entirely self-sufficient of its water needs, but is also said to use 100% recycled rainwater and provide water for the drinking-water needs of severely water-distressed local communities, care has been taken to use plants that require less water, absorbent soil, and loosely laid Jodhpur stone pavers that together aid in recharging the natural water table. The walls, toe walls, retaining walls, etc. are all made of locally available Jodhpur dark stone in random masonry. The paths are made of loose stone chips. The planter coping, plazas, steps, amphitheatre seats and stage are made of polished Jodhpur stone. And as far as the lighting is concerned – wall lights, tree up-lighters and bollards have been strategically used to enhance the mood of this place.

As Kakoli sums up, -The challenge lay in accomplishing heightened aesthetics within a contextual vocabulary, staying grounded in terms of giving back to the project and doing all of this within the limitations of cost-effectiveness.-

to view images click on inditerrain.indiaartndesign.com

Landscaping And Real Estate Value

With the number of people scouting around for innovative and imaginative ways to increase the market price to their home, a lot of individuals are starting to consider landscaping design and hardscaping for added curb appeal. Curb appeal is the first impression that a person’s residence makes whenever it is for sale, and there is no better approach to increase curb appeal than to improve the degree of landscaping and hardscapes around one’s walkway, patio, and external living area in general. There are many techniques one can use to modernize his or her landscaping around the house, nonetheless identifying a quality company to complete most of these needs normally takes a little bit of homework to assure one is getting specifically what you are looking for.

Use Insured and Licensed Contractors

Even though some folks could perhaps believe that landscaping revolves around planting some blooms here and growing a tree there,this isn’t the case. Yard work which will increase genuine curb appeal to someone’s house and increase its valuation ought to be done in a skilled professional approach, which normally depends on specialized tools and equipment the general home owner would not have. Track hoes, Bob-Cats, motorized tamps, and block work are often part of many outdoor projects, and those individuals who run these pieces of equipment ought to be covered with insurance due to the difficult nature of these tools. Gas lines, electric lines and water lines are all part of one’s outdoor lawns, and clipping one of these is not just hazardous but can be extremely expensive. Because of this, one must be certain that the company completing the project is fully insured by asking for a copy of the insurance statements. Also, if that particular state requires certification, one needs to be certain that the required licenses are all current as well.

Projects

There are numerous types of projects you can contract out in order to increase value and curb appeal. If your property has a front door but no walkway, there ought to be some type of paved or rock pathway for people. Installing a pathway is a great way to add value without emptying your wallet. Raised flower beds are becoming very popular in many forms. Probably the most preferred raised flower beds are dry stacked field stone, which is best left to the specialists. A trellis might possibly be a fine addition to string ivy from and is very welcoming to all those entering the house. These kind of jobs are recognized as hardscapes and are money in the bank when it comes time to sell one’s home.

Enhance your Reputation with Outdoor Landscaping Services in Vista


Landscaping in a broader term will include four different phases namely
design, construction, installation and maintenance. Landscaping is
actually designing and maintenance of landscape and garden especially by
the professionals. Designing a landscape is completely based upon some
simple principles regarding unity, decor, color, simplicity, natural
transition, surroundings, size and many more. While designing the
landscape, it is important to think and craft practically; so that not
only does it look good but can also be made more artistic for proper
maintenance and up keeping. Proper drainage and water passages are
equally important under such services. Your landscape should look
beautiful not only from within the house but also from outside it.


Landscaping services in Vista can be found with great satisfaction as
the professionals indulged in such services will bring beautiful
landscape around your home that will perfectly match your lifestyle and
will successively impress your guests to greater extent.

A
well-designed landscape must be a perfect combo of construction and
plant materials. Landscape services will include construction of brick
walls, overhead structures, paved surface, on-site parking, outdoor step
design, drains & benches and earth molding. Installations of
irrigation and water features, patios, lighting facilities, drainage
systems, walls and other constructions are key elements of landscape
services. Besides that, landscaping services will also include
construction of man-made structures such as walkways, arbors, patios,
waterfalls, ponds, barbecues, fountains etc with the soft capes- the
plants, trees, shrubs, flowers is what creates the outdoor living space
of your imagination. You can get fantastic ideas from the landscapers to
select the species that will work in your climate area and on your
property and will also recommend you what not to use and what to avoid.


For obtaining impressive patios surrounded by small potted trees or
shrubs will be constructed with stone slabs on a hard surface. Water
features will include fountains, ponds and pools, which are generally
installed to attract birds and beauty and serenity to your home to get a
complete renovation of your outdoors.


Significantly, for added values to your landscape waterfalls can act
magical where such outdoor waterfalls may come in all shapes and sizes
and vary from being very cheap to rather elaborate and expensive.
Landscape designers generally try to exploit any slope if it is present
in the garden. But even you can install a waterfall in your garden if
you are not planning on something elaborate and have access to natural
rocks.

Further, a sustainable irrigation plan will bring
successful planting. Irrigation needs are unique dependent upon every
region, soil conditions, temperature and foliage, so a one-size-fits-all
approach will not work everywhere. Irrigation is undoubtedly one of the
most important efforts of landscaping in Vista.

Professionals,
especially in case of landscapes are available at every part of the
world including Vista and Oceanside. You can equally contact landscaping
services for Oceanside area. An outstanding landscape will enhance your
image in the community and your property’s value where perfect
maintenance practices and other landscape services will protect your
landscape investments.

Landscaping Tips For Your Property

Aside from home improvement and adding value to the property, landscaping brings so many rewarding advantages to homeowners. The inner peace, security, and contentment are some of the priceless rewards that landscaping can offer. How do you really plan this project so that you can have a whole year round superb yard?

1. If you live in a county with four seasons, it is important to consider it in your plans. You will have to choose various types of plants and build additional structures that should be functional at anytime in any season. Use synthetic grass for this project to save you from the hassles of weather and maintenance. The texture, appearance, and warming feeling it provides can match the real turf.

2. Research well so that you will know which materials and items will suit your preferences. You can use both artificial and real plants in your project so that you can be sure that no matter what season will come, you can maintain the superb look of your area.

3. Know the main purpose of your project and know every function of the things that you will input in the project so that you can build them and place them in their right places. Having a theme will also help make the construction fast and easy.

4. If things get confusing, hire an expert who can help you decorate and make your landscaping plans come true. Use brick pavers for a sleek and elegant look. Brick pavers can withstand any type of weather and can handle traffic very well. Every breath-taking landscape in this modern day and time includes brick pavers for a dramatic look.

5. If you are planning to add a man-made waterfalls or a lagoon, you can use stone cladding for it. You will find so many types of beautiful stones in the market that you can use for your construction. You can also use stone cladding for your walls for a tasteful view. Use natural stone pavers in areas where there’s water for a harmonious feel.

6. Find an online company that can supply you with limitless stone, brick, grass, and paving products so that you will only have a single supplier that will also make everything a breeze for you. Make sure that they operate in your area for a smooth transaction. Know their credibility and background by reading blogs and feedbacks from their previous customers.

7. Hire credible, experienced, and friendly tradies. This will help you have an efficient communication and smooth update from your builders for a successful outcome of your landscaping project. Make sure that they are from a reputable company so that you can be sure of their workmanship, speed, and attitude.