How to Adapt Landscape Designs to Unexpected Site Conditions During Construction
Unexpected challenges during landscape construction can turn even the most meticulously planned designs upside down. This article explores practical solutions for adapting to unforeseen site conditions, from relocating fire pits to rethinking plant selections. Drawing on insights from industry experts, readers will discover how to transform potential setbacks into opportunities for creating even more stunning and functional outdoor spaces.
- Redesigning Fire Pit Location for Safety
- Adapting Plant Selection to Home Exterior
- Transforming Soil Challenges into Garden Features
Redesigning Fire Pit Location for Safety
When I was a younger landscape designer early in my career, I mistakenly designed a wood-burning masonry fire pit to be encompassed by a wood/composite deck. The homeowner loved the design and hired us. The design was submitted to the city building department for approval. It passed the permitting process, and we began building the deck and fire pit.
Upon our first on-site inspection, the inspector realized what we were doing and explained to me that we couldn't proceed with our intended plan because it did not meet fire code. He said it must have accidentally gotten through the permitting process by mistake. Ultimately, I had to have a difficult conversation with an eager homeowner and convince him to let us move the fire pit further out into the yard, away from any combustible structures, at our expense.
It was an expensive lesson to learn, but one I'll never forget or make the mistake of implementing again.
Adapting Plant Selection to Home Exterior
People often don't realize the impact that the color of their home's exterior can have on their landscaping. A while back, I was renovating my own home and installing dark natural stone along a section of my home's exterior. I realized shortly after that the plants I was growing right in front of that area were not thriving because the dark stone was attracting more sun and heat. As a result, I ended up transplanting those plants to a different spot and selecting more suitable plants that thrived in heat and sun to put in their place.
Transforming Soil Challenges into Garden Features
On one residential project in Norway, we initially planned a traditional landscape with a flat lawn area. During excavation, we discovered a layer of unstable soil and higher groundwater levels than expected. Instead of forcing the original design, we adapted by introducing raised planting beds and a tiered garden layout. This allowed us to stabilize the soil, manage drainage naturally, and still deliver an attractive outdoor space. What could have been a costly setback turned into a feature the client loved, because it gave the garden more dimension and character. For me, flexibility and problem-solving are the most valuable skills in construction and landscape work.
- Denis Batjala, Construction Project Manager, UniEngineering AS / Founder, EcoBuild Construction LLC
