SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIES
At Blasen Landscape Architecture, we often talk about “editing the landscape.” We like to be inspired by the unique location and natural features of each site, so when you walk through a finished project, it feels unforced – as if it had always been there. For us, sustainability is not just about preserving natural resources and maintaining ecological balance, it is also about optimizing that gracious ease we feel when we connect with nature.
The sustainability strategies that are integrated into our design process include:
SITING & PLANNING
We study the topography, views, light, wind and water conditions of the property to site buildings and landscape elements in ways that enrich the client’s experience while minimizing disturbance to the land. We also analyze the distribution of valuable existing trees and potential fire threats, integrating this analysis into our planting and building plans.
VEGETATION
• Protect as many significant trees as possible and incorporate them into the new design
• Control and remove invasive species like French Broom to limit damage to local ecosystems
• With substantial horticultural expertise and knowledge of local plant communities, use native and drought-tolerant plants that are both beautiful and sure to thrive on specific sites and in microclimates.
• Collect seeds from native plants on site prior to construction for use in planting design.
SOILS
• Protect as many significant trees as possible and incorporate them into the new design
• Control and remove invasive species like French Broom to limit damage to local ecosystems
• With substantial horticultural expertise and knowledge of local plant communities, use native and drought-tolerant plants that are both beautiful and sure to thrive on specific sites and in microclimates.
• Collect seeds from native plants on site prior to construction for use in planting design.
MATERIALS
• Harvest stone from site when possible.
• Purchase wood, stone, other hardscape materials and plants from local and sustainably-produced sources when possible.
• Site solar panels and geothermal pumps to maximize energy efficiency and appropriate fit within the landscape.
HYDROLOGY
• Minimize or eliminate the use of potable water for landscape irrigation by using native, drought-tolerant plant species and seeding areas in the fall when the rainy season begins.
• Balance need for paved areas with the need to slow and capture water by using gravel, decomposed granite and specialty permeable pavers.
• Collect and direct all rain water to a bio-retention area.
• Develop a drainage system for aquifer recharge that allows the groundwater to be replenished on a project site.
HEALTH AND WELL BEING
• Work with architects to site new buildings to optimize the client’s experience of their views, along with sun and wind conditions.
• Provide spaces that encourage physical activity, e.g. creative play spaces for children, custom-designed pools, bocce, basketball and tennis courts, walking and running paths.
• Provide beautiful, rich spaces that are conducive to mental restoration and social interaction.
• Include “working garden” elements such as edible garden beds, herbal and medicinal gardens, chicken coops and bee hives, which bring clients into more direct relationship with their food sources and the land.
FIRE PROTECTION DEFENSIBLE SPACE
• Collaborate with local fire officials and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection on Vegetation Management Plans.
• Creating defensible space from wildfire as well as a rich and functional landscape with the addition of new plants and features.
• Clear fire-prone plant species, dead trees and vegetation, as well as branches that overhang the house.
• Maintain a defensible space zone directly around the buildings by planting and irrigating only approved “fire wise” species.
• Avoid using fire-prone plant species (such as Eucalyptus and bamboo) anywhere on the property.
• Keep a minimum distance between trees and shrubs, reduce the density of ladder fuels, and create fire breaks when possible with hardscape to minimize the risk of fire quickly expanding.
• Specify that trees and shrubs be trimmed to maintain vertical clearance along the driveway for fire apparatus access.
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