| TECHNIQUES FOR SMALL SPACE DESIGNS: |
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| • focus on detail; • less variety; • create topography (e.g. steps, walkways, outdoor rooms and multi-levels); • use colour theory; • limit noise pollution; • extend the living space; • simple designs, unity and proportion. |
One cohesive unit
Another emerging trend in small space design is combining plunge pools, hot spas and swim spas into one unit. When considering this design solution, packaged commercial acrylic units are available from a variety of manufacturers, while clients with larger budgets can opt for concrete vessels, which can accommodate virtually every option contained in larger aquatic designs.
The lower water volume of these plunge pools, combined with a large heater or heat exchanger, allows them to be converted to a hot spa at the simple touch of a button. By adding benches and jets to a typical plunge pool, the client has the option of heating them up to spa temperature for weekends or parties. Another option is to have a relatively small hot spa attached to the plunge pool or as a combined spill-over spa.
Elevating elements
The addition of fire features, spillways, glass tile and interesting designs can also be used to further enhance a small space project. By combining these elements, the client can have all of the features of a larger space, while taking advantage of their small yard.
Small-space projects can use high-end materials while still remaining affordable, as the square footage is relatively lower, contractors can incorporate more exotic materials than on a typical large-scale project.
These projects appeal to high-end clients who want a unique showpiece. For example, the ability to control the yard and aquatic functions via automation or remote control is appealing to most clients. Whether linked to their home automation system or controlled via their smartphone and the Internet, the ability to warm up a hot tub on the way home from work is an amazing convenience.
Run-off containers
Many municipalities are concerned with hardscaping coverage and the ability to control surface water and run-off. However, this can be controlled by constructing concrete, raised-wall planters, which adds soft-space coverage to small yards, while also helping to control water run-off.
By choosing the appropriate plant material, the volume of water retained can be managed, while also slowing down the initial run-off after a storm. This issue can be critical in a small yard with a large house, as the water from the roof that gets dumped into the yard must be controlled, contained or channelled.
Further, swales separating adjacent lots must be precisely graded and free of plant material that will restrict the engineered flow of water through neighbourhoods. Swales are often blocked by homeowners or irresponsible landscapers who plant rows of screenings on the property’s lot line. Typical swale setbacks of 0.3 to 1 m (12 to 39.4 in.) must be maintained. One solution is to construct a narrow cast-in-place, or interlocking retaining wall at the setback limit. The planting bed can then be installed to give the desired screen effect without interfering with the neighbourhood drainage plan.
Another solution is to install a surge tank or water collection device on the property, under the hardscape deck. The surge tank will capture run-off water, which can then be used for irrigation, or treated and used for pool/spa make-up water. In areas with limited water resources this may be the best ‘green’ solution for the yard.
