Tips for compound designing

_____________________

Mike Gitta, an interior and compound designer, says compound design is done in two phases: landscape design and its implementation. The landscape design phase begins during the creation of the house plan, providing a clear visual representation of the final product. It is at this stage that one can determine the cost of the project.

“We take pictures of the site or house and also study the architectural plan to get the exact measurements of the exterior,” explains Gitta.

He says after ascertaining the house’s location, they embark on designing the exterior, which is a 3D-concept. “The project takes about three weeks for an average house and six weeks for bigger ones.” This is followed with the presentation of the design to the homeowner for alterations, if any, before implementation. The 3D concept helps the client visualise the project before it is implemented.

“You get to know what the garden will look like 10 years later,” he says. He adds that it is easier and cheaper to make changes on the computer rather than on the ground. This is only possible with a 3D-concept. With the concept, the homeowner is able to supervise the work at different stages.

It also makes it easier to make quotations for the bill of quantities. “You can see how many trees are needed, the square meters of paving, and other features,” he adds. Gitta says the concept also shows the scale of work to be done, without depending on assumptions. “When designing the compound, you do not just put together anything that comes your way,” says Isma Kambugu, another compound designer.

(Courtesy)

Below are some of the factors to consider.

Simplicity

The design should not be complicated. The simpler, the better. For instance, have a tree here, flowers there, etc. Plant trees along the driveway while eliminating wastage like massive paving. Look for particular corners and put flowers.

Plant habits

The plants’ root systems or branches are studied. If a tree has many branches, it should not be planted near the house because its root growth is directly proportional to the branches. Such roots cause cracks on walls.

Functionality

Here, one considers the size of the family and how much space they will need outside, how many cars will need parking space, visitors, etc. “If the family needs a large space, optimise the hard surface.

Accessibility

In the case of a garden, have a hedge and leave an area for accessing it. This also applies to the parking lot. There should be clear walkways leading to the house and garden.

What is in vogue?

The use of artistic features is the in-thing. It is not just plain greenery, but many things added to create unity. Items like gazebos, artistic walkway slabs, grass, stones, pavers, concrete casts, and fountains are creatively used together.