Carmel Building and Design : Site Use and Landscaping

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Site Use and Landscaping
How can we minimize the impact of a house on its site and community? This requires some thought about the effects of construction and landscaping activities on soil, plants, and wildlife immediately adjacent to the “footprint” of the house, as well as on the neighborhood and beyond, including local waterways. We also need to consider the impact of the site on the house, including drainage patterns, potential pest problems, and the presence or absence of shade trees. Here are some ways in which we can minimize the site-related impacts of a building project:

• Build a house appropriate for the lot and the neighborhood
• Select a building site near work, public transit, and community services
• Avoid building near sensitive habitats or in flood plains
• Protect and enrich topsoil, and avoid erosion on slopes
• Minimize the amount of disturbance to the site, and minimize/mitigate compaction
• Protect trees and other plant life during construction
• Minimize runoff through flow control, pervious hardscaping, and catchments; install proper drainage
• Consider installing a green roof (see below), or choose a roof that will not contaminate rainwater
• Buffer excessive winds with buildings or landscape elements
• Use building and landscaping methods that eliminate pest intrusion
• Plant shade trees for passive cooling of the house and landscape
• Minimize thirsty turf areas, and select water-wise/low-maintenance plants; native plants are often a good choice, as are plants from other areas with a Mediterranean climate
• Install efficient irrigation systems (or avoid irrigation if possible)
• Avoid invasive plants
• Install on-site composting units for yard and kitchen waste
• Minimize the use of toxic chemicals in your home and landscape

Green roofs are one of the most aesthetically pleasing, eco-friendly options. They temper stormwater runoff, reduce water contamination, and decrease flooding, erosion, and pollution. They can also provide thermal and sound insulation, reduce the cooling load of a house, and reduce the heat island effect of a community. Green roofs also provide habitat for beneficial birds, insects, and native plants, and can extend the life of a roof by protecting it from extreme temperatures. Extensive green roofs (2-6 inches of soil) cost around $8 per square foot and can be as light as 10 lbs per square foot when saturated with water. “A roof assembly that is covered with a green roof can be expected to outlast a comparable roof without a green roof by a factor of at least two, and often three.” -Whole Building Design Guide

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