Pexel (cropped)

Well cared for lawns, trees, bushes, flowers, and other shrubbery are often only part of what makes an outdoor space beautiful and welcoming to guests or visitors. However, without complementary hardscaping, commercial, public, and residential landscape exteriors may be inaccessible and uninviting. 

The Basics of Hardscaping

Hardscaping is the non-living components of a landscape design that provides a foundation for the softscape (also known as the landscape of an area) and can be made using various materials such as stone, wood, concrete, metal, or brick. It can complement and enhance the functionality and beauty of the area through the use of decorative elements such as fountains and statues as well as pathways, retaining walls, patios, and more.

Hardscaping in Commercial, Public, and Residential Use

Everywhere you look, there is hardscaping. This is especially true in cities and towns where roads and sidewalks had to be planned and built. Similarly, pathways, walls, and decorative features can be seen used in various ways.

Pexel (cropped)

Public Hardscaping

There is no shortage of examples of hardscaping used in public spaces. Hardscaping is used in urban planning to integrate accessibility and aesthetics into public walkways as well as plazas, parks, and seating areas to name a few. This allows architects to create functional spaces that can be used for community activities for group gathering and leisure. Often, the hardscape will support stormwater management for proper drainage and erosion control by using interlocking pavers and retaining walls. Integrating hardscape in these areas also saves on maintenance costs compared to softscaping.

Commercial Hardscaping

Similar to hardscaping used in public areas, hardscaping created for commercial properties is used for both functional and aesthetic purposes. The biggest difference is that the areas are not meant for leisure. Instead, they are constructed with the understanding that these areas will have high traffic going to and from the adjacent buildings. This type of hardscape tends to be made of durable materials able to withstand large amounts of foot traffic, with walkways for accessibility. It may also include patios, retaining walls, and water features to beautify the area.

Besides building accessibility, the main purpose of commercial hardscape is to enhance curb appeal and present a professional image for the company that owns the building. They may do this through a feature fountain, arches or pillars, a statue, eco-friendly designs, or a sign with the company logo. These elements immediately tell visitors what company owns the building and may give them an impression of what to expect from the company. 

Residential Hardscaping

Like commercial hardscape designs, residential hardscaping can increase the curb appeal, functionality, and property value of the residence by creating a feature element like a stone or wooden patio. Hardscape can also be used to create unique flowerbeds and floral arches. However, even simple hardscapes like driveways and walkways can achieve this if done right. Variety in the materials used can also give the home a unique charm.

Hardscaping can also transform the backyard into an oasis through the inclusion of water fixtures, decorative stone paths, wooden pergolas, or gazebos. But if entertaining friends and family is more to the homeowner’s style, a deck with an outdoor kitchen and fire pit can add to the home and the homeowner’s quality of life. Whichever their preference, the right hardscaping can help homeowners get the most out of their outdoor spaces with the added benefit of low maintenance for easier upkeep.

Design Principles in Hardscaping

Whether used in public, commercial, or residential spaces, hardscapes should be paired with the right softscape for a balanced aesthetic that is sustainable, durable, and accessible to all who may use the place.

Accessibility

When designing a landscape, architects should design paths and surfaces that allow ease of movement for all community members. This is especially important in public and commercial spaces where physically or mentally impaired members may have difficulty navigating the space otherwise.

Durability

Architects should also be aware of the local environment they are designing for to ensure their selection of materials is suited to the climate as well as the usage demands of the space.

Sustainability

Likewise, certain materials will allow for better water runoff management, while others, like wood, degrade faster over time. Wood and metal are also more susceptible to deterioration from rain and weather, while stone is more likely to withstand the elements. However, all these materials are still more sustainable and easier to care for than softscaping, like flowers and trees.

Hardscaping Usage in Our Society

Hardscaping is the foundation of all residential, commercial, and public landscape projects. It takes the beautiful softscapes of trees, flowers, and shrubbery and enriches them by complementing them with elements like water features, creating an environment that is aesthetically pleasing and accessible to all members of the community. It adds functionality and sustainability to the landscape while enhancing the appeal of the building or area. When architects and property owners incorporate hardscape into their landscaping designs, they maximize the area’s potential.