Site planning with a slope. Suburban area on the slope

Do not be upset, you are facing opportunities that are not available to the owners of ordinary sites. Your imagination and our advice will help you create a distinctive and original example of landscape design.

Positive and negative sides of the slope plot

To begin with, I would like to list all the advantages of the sloping location of the land:

competently and beautifully designed, such a territory can become an extraordinary and picturesque example of landscape art;

the site on the slope is perfectly visible in its entirety, so from the windows of the house you can contemplate all the design elements in the garden;

such land is a great place to create an alpine slide, waterfall or cascade;

if the dacha is located on the southern side of the hill, its territory will be illuminated by the sun as much as possible, and this is an excellent prerequisite for good growth of green spaces and high crop yields.

Nevertheless, in addition to the pros, the dacha on the slope also has disadvantages:

on the ground with a steep enough slope it is problematic to plant a lawn;

registration of such a site will require significantly higher costs than in the case of a flat location of the territory;

planted crops will need frequent watering, since water in the soil will not linger for long, flowing down the hill;

plants on the northern slope may receive insufficient heat and light, which will cause poor flowering and low yields;

the foundation of a house located in the middle or at the bottom of a hillock runs the risk of being flooded with water;

unstable soil areas can lead to erosion and landslides;

daily movement on the slope is physically tiring;

small children should not play on a steep hill, so care must be taken to ensure their safety.

Features of the design of inclined land plots

The villas located on the slope are unlike each other. They all differ in different elevation differences, which makes their landscape unique and distinctive. In this regard, the design of each such site has its own planning solutions and decorative elements. There are certain features in the design of sloping lands:

It is considered optimal if the building in a similar cottage is on top of a hill. This arrangement greatly simplifies the work with the terrain.
The planning of a site on a slope must necessarily take into account the characteristics of the soil and the technical features of the water supply. You also need to take into account the location of the slope relative to the cardinal points and the wind rose.
First of all, you need to plan the location of utility structures and recreation areas, and only after that determine the position of all other structures: terraces, stairs, retaining walls and other elements.
All measurements and calculations should be carried out with special attention and care - this will avoid unnecessary financial costs.
When landscaping a slope, you should be careful with the lower soil layers. They must not be moved or interchanged, as this can lead to soil erosion, which in turn creates a danger to garden structures.

Plot on a slope, landscaping

The significant slope of the suburban area creates the prerequisites for the designer's flight of imagination. The height difference can be beautifully beaten when decorating the site, which will subsequently give an interesting, unusual and unique result.

Too steep slope of the soil makes movement on the territory problematic and creates inconvenience in everyday life. In order to solve such problems and make living in the garden comfortable, terraces, retaining walls and stairs must be built on the slope. Among other things, you should pay attention to soil moisture. In sloping areas, the ground is usually drier and for good plant growth in such a garden, special attention should be paid to irrigation systems. In order to avoid flooding of buildings with storm water, drainage must be laid on the site.

Let's take a closer look at various landscape design activities:

Terracing the site

For the design of lands with a slope of more than 15 °, such a technique as terracing is perfect - the creation of special horizontal platforms reinforced with walls. The size of the plot and the degree of its steepness directly affect the number and height of the terraces. The platforms are connected with each other by means of ladders that are in harmony with the retaining walls.

The creation of terraces requires a lot of work, time and money, but the effort spent will not be wasted: after a while your summer cottage will become a model of beauty and comfort. Before zoning a site using terraces, it is better to consult with specialists by inviting them directly to the work site. Their advice should help you achieve these basic goals:

protecting the soil from soil erosion and creating an optimal system for removing unnecessary moisture;

ensuring convenient and safe movement of the owners of the dacha along the slope;

creation of recreation areas, a garden and a vegetable garden on the site;

construction of high-quality and reliable retaining walls;

arrangement of space for relaxation in a comfortable place.

Terracing of the site is carried out in several stages:

To begin with, determine the degree of steepness of the slope. For this, the difference in height is divided by the horizontal base.
After that, the location of the terraces is marked on the site. The size of each site should be enough to accommodate a house, an outbuilding, a garden, a flower bed or a bed on it.
Then they carry out geoplastics - artificial creation or change of the terrain. At the same time, the upper terraces are first built, gradually dropping down. The ground cut from above is the basis for creating the underlying plots. The height of the terraces can reach 1.5 meters, but do not forget that the creation of high retaining walls will require considerable financial costs.

The construction of terraces is a creative business. You can arrange them in one row, staggered or asymmetrically - the choice depends on the desire of the owner of the land. The design of the plot on the slope, the photo of which is presented below, is an example of asymmetric terraces:

Create retaining walls

Retaining walls are not only a way to strengthen terraces, but also a decorative element. What subtleties need to be considered when building these structures?

In order for the wall to look harmonious and fit into the overall design of the site on the slope, carefully select the materials for its creation and take into account the stylistic orientation of the garden. For example, retaining walls made of beams or logs will perfectly fit into the rustic style. A brick design with wrought iron elements is suitable for a modern-style garden, and a plot with an emphasis on natural beauty will look wonderful in a frame of natural stone.
Materials for creating retaining walls can be very diverse. For structures small in height, sheet metal, wood, stone or reinforced concrete are suitable. Metal and wood must be treated with paint or varnish to protect against moisture.
The stone wall can be dry-folded or a cement mortar can be used to fix it. In the first case, the height of the structure should not exceed 1 m; it is better to lay out higher walls on a mortar.
Another material for creating retaining walls is concrete blocks. The structure made in this way must be protected from moisture in places of contact with the soil. You can also make an exterior wall decoration with paint, tiles or natural stone.
In order for the wall to stand firmly and serve for a long time, at the beginning of its creation, a reinforced concrete or rubble concrete foundation is laid.

Creation of a drainage system

Summer cottages with a slope are subject to soil leaching due to spring floods or heavy rains. In order to avoid such a nuisance, drainage is being laid on the territory. It is a pipe system made of metal or asbestos cement that is laid at the bottom of the wall. Sometimes the pipes are replaced with filtration holes.

You can use water from the drainage system with benefit. For example, accumulate it in suitable containers and water the plants or filter for the pool, if there is one on the site.

Construction of stairs

As a rule, in areas with a steep slope, the terraces are connected to each other using stairs. They not only make movement around the country house comfortable and convenient, but also are an element of the overall design. In order for these structures to harmoniously fit into the overall picture of the garden, you need to pay special attention to their construction.

The dimensions of the steps do not have to be in accordance with accepted standards.
An affordable option can be a staircase made of wooden blocks or boards. In this case, the riser is made of a board installed on the edge, fixed on the sides with wooden pegs, and tightly compacted soil serves as a tread.
A more expensive, but also more beautiful option would be a staircase made of stone, brick or monolithic concrete. In the latter case, you need to additionally make a wooden formwork.
If the staircase turns out to be too steep, a convenient handrail should be installed on at least one of its sides.
Too many steps are best broken into spans of 8-10 pieces, between which there will be rest areas during the ascent. For greater comfort, benches can be placed between the aisles.

The plot on the slope, the photo of which can be seen below, shows an example of a staircase made of stone:

Creating a garden on a slope site

Since the sloping terrain is an excellent viewing platform, a beautiful garden will look especially impressive on it. Alpine slide, various flower arrangements, artificial waterfalls and cascades - all these opportunities open up for the owner of the site on the slope.

Often, the soil of the hills contains a large number of stones and a very thin layer of fertile soil, but this problem is quite solvable. The stones can be used as a natural material for the design of retaining walls, and the land plot itself on the slope can be covered with a layer of imported black soil.

Design ideas for a relief area

In a relief cottage, you can grow a lawn. If the slope of the terrain is too steep, it will be quite difficult to do this, but on the slope, the grass and plants will anchor quite well and will have a spectacular appearance. If the territory is designed in the form of terraces, then there will be no difficulty in growing a lawn. Stepped areas covered with terry green carpet will look impressive when viewed from above.
The sloping terrain is an excellent soil for creating a rockery - an ornamental garden of stones. Here you can also arrange a rock garden or simply beautifully decorated flower beds. All planted crops will grow remarkably on the slope if horizontal holes are made under them, reinforced with boards. On the terraces, the plants will feel even better, and the height differences will provide a beautiful play of sun and colors.
An artificial reservoir is another trump card of the site on the slope. Waterfalls, cascades and streams will fall beautifully from the top of the hill, and a quiet, cozy lake can be located on the terrace area.
Paved landings and staircases winding like a serpentine among the greenery are an important decorative element of the overall composition.
You can use junipers and ground cover crops to decorate the slope. They are able to grow across the territory with a variegated carpet, and also successfully hide construction flaws.

The difference between a site on a slope and a flat landscape is that its development involves a thorough study and consideration of natural features directly related to the relief.

Inclined areas have undoubted advantages - as a rule, there is no problem of high groundwater here, and such a site cannot be called boring, and there are some disadvantages. These include the large amount of excavation required and less freedom in choosing where to place the buildings. In order for the result of creating landscape design to please you for many years, you need to approach its creation thoroughly.

It is especially important to consider the following terrain characteristics:

The orientation of the slope to the cardinal points.
Slope angle.
The direction and strength of the prevailing winds.

The first item on this list will tell you about the illumination of the site. Precisely what light regime is established on your slope will play a decisive role in the choice of plants. The southern slope is illuminated by the sun from morning to late evening. Here the snow melts early, but the soil dries up more, and many plants in the southern latitudes suffer from the scalding heat. The northern slope is the least prone to insolation, and this limits the use of light-loving plants. The western and eastern slopes are quite favorable for the placement of green spaces, it is only necessary to take into account the direction of the shade.

The slope angle largely dictates the zoning of the site, and the need for stairs, terraces, retaining walls. These engineering structures not only make the site harmonious and comfortable. The higher the slope, the stronger the soil erosion when the top fertile layer is washed down. The creation of steps interferes with this process.

An unpleasant feature of inclined terrain is the movement of air masses along the slope. Cold air flows down, stagnating in natural or artificially created hollows. In these places, late frosts are possible. The warm wind, rising upward, dries up the soil during the hot months. It is necessary to arrange buildings and recreation areas on a site on a slope taking into account the prevailing winds.

How to start developing a slope

It is very difficult to imagine in subtleties an inclined section, simply by drawing its plan on paper. It is much clearer to create its volumetric layout. This can be done using ordinary plasticine. Having given the layout of the site the most realistic shape of the relief and the slope angle, you will clearly see its features, determine the most appropriate location of the house and other buildings, paths, parking and recreation areas. At this stage, correlating the relief with the trajectory of the sun, it is worth considering the optimal location of the garden, tall trees, and vegetable garden zones. Be sure to resolve the issue of organizing the movement of people around the site - you may need to arrange stairs. And now it is worth planning the most advantageous places for placing a rockery or an alpine slide, a dry stream - these decoration elements are most appropriate and look very advantageous on areas with difficult terrain.

Design of a summer cottage on a slope - photo

Then comes the turn to design communications. Particular attention should be paid to water supply and sewerage issues. An inclined section does not always imply the presence of secluded, hidden from view corners, therefore, all engineering structures must be aesthetically perfect. At the same stage, the issue with the organization of drainage is resolved. Water flows must be directed into specially designated channels for them, otherwise the relief of the site will undergo changes over time. Some areas located on the slopes are swampy in the lower part. This problem is solved by arranging a pond or digging a ditch.

They start planning the terraces. They are flat areas of various widths located at different levels. From below, the terrace can be bordered by a specially erected retaining wall, but in large areas, terracing is sometimes done without them. In this case, the steep slope between the terraces should be protected with geotextiles.

Features of the choice of plants

Of course, the final choice of plants for green spaces is dictated by the tastes of the site owners. But it is imperative to take into account the compliance of the selected trees and shrubs with the climatic features of the area and give preference to the most hardy species with a well-developed root system. Here are the principles for selecting plants for the slope:

The complex topography of the site also implies a complex species composition of plants. This means that there must be a place on the slope for both coniferous and deciduous trees, low shrubs and an even lawn. This variety will give the site a natural look.
In addition to the decorative, the plants perform the function of strengthening the slope. The dense sod holds the soil, the shrubbery across the slope prevents landslides.
Plants living on slopes must tolerate a lack of moisture. Choose species that naturally inhabit hills and mountain slopes.

If we talk about the areas located on the hills in central Russia, then the conifers feel good here - cedar, mountain pine, junipers, varieties of spruce. From deciduous trees, birch, hazel, microbiota should be preferred, in humid climates - willow. There are many shrubs suitable for growing on the slopes. For example, barberry, white dogwood, lilac, elderberry, broom - a variety of shapes and colors will already allow you to create an excellent composition. Deciduous flowering plants are irreplaceable - hosts, daylilies, irises. The fescue will create an excellent turf. And, of course, the retaining walls will be decorated with all kinds of plants for rockeries - sedums, sedum, hardy.

The slope, for all its complexity, allows you to create a unique and original design of the site. The main thing is to take into account natural factors, overcome soil erosion, equip a convenient zoning and populate the site with suitable plants.

Video - landscape design of a site on a slope

In this article, we will offer you ideas to help you equip a site that has a noticeable slope. We hope that our tips will help you turn the presence of a slope from a disadvantage into an advantage of the site, its zest and the most noticeable element of landscape design.

Usually, flat terrain is positioned as the main advantage of the local area. In fact, on such an allotment it is easier to carry out construction, carry out the arrangement of landscape design, you can choose any project you like.

However, if your piece of land has a noticeable slope, you should not give up and assume that nothing can be done about it. There are several options for turning the slope into the most beautiful piece of clothing. The most interesting of them we will offer you in this article.

When equipping a site with a slope, one should not forget about convenient travel routes. If the slope is very noticeable, of course, you cannot do without ladders and steps

1. Deck

Above the slope, you can build a real deck with decking. This deck will offer a beautiful view, and the deck itself will be an ideal place to relax in the fresh air. Most often, such sites are set up near the house, but they can be built in any part of the garden with a different slope.

The deck can be supported by pillars or a solid concrete foundation. A terrace board is used, which perfectly withstands all temperature drops and is not afraid of moisture

The deck overlooking the site will of course be fitted with garden furniture, which will transform the outdoor area into a cozy area for family dining in the fresh air.

2. Alpine slide

This element of landscape design traditionally rises above the site and when arranging an alpine slide, you usually have to make an embankment. So why not use the natural slope, which is the ideal location for such a "stone flower bed".

To create an alpine slide, flowers are used that feel good on rocky soil and slopes, and strengthen the earth. This arrangement will emphasize the "rocky flowerbed", highlighting it from the surrounding space

3. Terracing

Have you ever seen paddy fields located on the slopes on separate steps? The same method can be used in the country. Experts advise to create three to four terraces on sites with a height difference of about three meters. For their arrangement, retaining walls made of concrete, reinforced mesh, stones or boards are used.

Each such terrace can have its own function - on one there will be beds with vegetables, on the second - shrubs, on the third - a flower bed. These will be pronounced separate zones with their own boundaries, united, for example, by an inclined path, stone or wooden steps. Terracing is done across the slope.

The disadvantage of terracing is that the retaining walls themselves will take up a lot of space, so there is less land left for flower beds and beds.

Experts advise building the outer side of each terrace with a slope towards the slope in order to ensure a natural runoff of water during heavy rains.

Metal plates can also serve as retaining walls. In this case, professionals advise adding natural materials and elements, for example, large boulders, which will soften the coldness of the metal.

Gabions can be used as a retaining wall in an area with a slope

4. Stream and waterfall

If your site has a slope, this is a great opportunity to create an artificial stream or waterfall. To do this, you do not have to equip the embankment and worry about the flow of water, everything will happen naturally. The water cascade can also decorate the retaining wall supporting one of the terraces.

The slope is already there, it remains to take care of the bed of the future stream and think exactly where your future river will flow

A cascade stream on a slope, surrounded by lush thickets of juniper, looks very natural, it seems created by nature itself

5. Vertical garden

In an area with a slope, the most visible part will, of course, be the top wall or fence. Special attention should be paid to its design, for example, to create a beautiful vertical garden.

Along the most noticeable, located at the top of the wall of the site, tall plants can be placed in flowerpots or pots. You can use vertical gardening techniques on the wall itself. Climbing plants such as maiden grapes, honeysuckle, ivy or vici grapes are ideal

6. Observation deck with a bench

A slope site usually does not offer a place to rest - only terraces and connecting paths with steps. Select one terrace for a small seating area - plant a tree there, and install a bench in its shade. You will end up with a beautiful observation deck, where it will be so pleasant to sit with a book or just admire your lush garden. Of course, for arranging the observation area, it is better to choose one of the upper terraces in order to provide a beautiful view.

Find a place on the site for a sofa-swing or an ordinary bench and you will get an excellent relaxation corner with a view of the entire lower part of the site

7. Ornamental garden

Even a plot with a strong slope is not a reason to abandon the cultivation of herbs, spices and vegetables. True, you will have to take additional care of arranging the beds. High beds in special flowerpots are perfect.

This site has a strong slope, but this did not prevent the owners from equipping a vegetable garden, which looks attractive, and the harvest will bring good

In the cramped space between the two retaining walls of stone, there will always be enough space for cabbage and greenery

8. "Wild" slope

It is not at all necessary to bring your site with a strong slope in perfect order. It is quite possible to leave it in its natural state, providing only a convenient descent and ascent in the form of steps or stairs. And on the sides of the path, let such plants that do not require constant care grow, such as crocuses, botanical tulips, mint and lemon balm, bells, St. John's wort, Ayuga.

By the way, all ground cover plants perfectly strengthen the slopes. In addition, for this purpose, you can plant sea buckthorn, brooms, rose hips, lilacs, cotoneaster, Japanese quince - all these shrubs do not require special care and feel great on an inclined surface, holding the soil with their roots.

Who said that a site on a slope must be decorated with regular flower beds with their clear boundaries, have a "sleek" civilized look? Are natural slopes with their wildflowers and shrubs less attractive?

In conclusion, we note that landscape design specialists are confident that it is easier to arrange a plot with a slope when the house is on a hill. However, if there is no other way out and the cottage had to be located at the very bottom of the slope, do not despair - many of our tips can be used for such a location, which is considered the most disadvantageous.

In general, many professionals are convinced that even terrain is too boring, but the natural slope can be used “to the fullest”, turning it into an unusually beautiful place. Try it, perhaps after the completion of the work, you will also be convinced of their correctness!

Positive and negative sides of the slope plot

To begin with, I would like to list all the advantages of the sloping location of the land:

competently and beautifully designed, such a territory can become an extraordinary and picturesque example of landscape art;

the site on the slope is perfectly visible in its entirety, so from the windows of the house you can contemplate all the design elements in the garden;

such land is a great place to create an alpine slide, waterfall or cascade;

if the dacha is located on the southern side of the hill, its territory will be illuminated by the sun as much as possible, and this is an excellent prerequisite for good growth of green spaces and high crop yields.

Nevertheless, in addition to the pros, the dacha on the slope also has disadvantages:

on the ground with a steep enough slope it is problematic to plant a lawn;

registration of such a site will require significantly higher costs than in the case of a flat location of the territory;

planted crops will need frequent watering, since water in the soil will not linger for long, flowing down the hill;

plants on the northern slope may receive insufficient heat and light, which will cause poor flowering and low yields;

the foundation of a house located in the middle or at the bottom of a hillock runs the risk of being flooded with water;

unstable soil areas can lead to erosion and landslides;

daily movement on the slope is physically tiring;

small children should not play on a steep hill, so care must be taken to ensure their safety.

Features of the design of inclined land plots

It is considered optimal if the building in a similar cottage is on top of a hill. This arrangement greatly simplifies the work with the terrain.
The planning of a site on a slope must necessarily take into account the characteristics of the soil and the technical features of the water supply. You also need to take into account the location of the slope relative to the cardinal points and the wind rose.
First of all, you need to plan the location of utility structures and recreation areas, and only after that determine the position of all other structures: terraces, stairs, retaining walls and other elements.
All measurements and calculations should be carried out with special attention and care - this will avoid unnecessary financial costs.
When landscaping a slope, you should be careful with the lower soil layers. They must not be moved or interchanged, as this can lead to soil erosion, which in turn creates a danger to garden structures.

Plot on a slope, landscaping

The significant slope of the suburban area creates the preconditions for the designer's flight of imagination. The difference in height can be beautifully beaten when decorating the site, which will subsequently give an interesting, unusual and unique result.

Too steep slope of the soil makes it difficult to move around the territory and creates inconvenience in everyday life. In order to solve such problems and make living in the garden comfortable, terraces, retaining walls and stairs must be built on the slope. Among other things, you should pay attention to soil moisture. In sloping areas, the ground is usually drier and for good plant growth in such a garden, special attention should be paid to irrigation systems. In order to avoid flooding of buildings with storm water, drainage must be laid on the site.

Let's take a closer look at various landscape design activities:

Terracing the site

protecting the soil from soil erosion and creating an optimal system for removing unnecessary moisture;

ensuring convenient and safe movement of the owners of the dacha along the slope;

creation of recreation areas, a garden and a vegetable garden on the site;

construction of high-quality and reliable retaining walls;

arrangement of space for relaxation in a comfortable place.

Terracing of the site is carried out in several stages:

To begin with, determine the degree of steepness of the slope. For this, the difference in height is divided by the horizontal base.
After that, the location of the terraces is marked on the site. The size of each site should be enough to accommodate a house, an outbuilding, a garden, a flower bed or a bed on it.
Then they carry out geoplastics - artificial creation or change of the terrain. At the same time, the upper terraces are first built, gradually dropping down. The ground cut from above is the basis for creating the underlying plots. The height of the terraces can reach 1.5 meters, but do not forget that the creation of high retaining walls will require considerable financial costs.

The construction of terraces is a creative business. You can arrange them in one row, staggered or asymmetrically - the choice depends on the desire of the owner of the land. The design of the site on the slope, the photo of which is presented below, is an example of asymmetric terraces:

Create retaining walls

Retaining walls are not only a way to strengthen terraces, but also a decorative element. What subtleties need to be considered when building these structures?

In order for the wall to look harmonious and fit into the overall design of the site on the slope, carefully select the materials for its creation and take into account the stylistic orientation of the garden. For example, retaining walls made of beams or logs will perfectly fit into the rustic style. A brick design with wrought iron elements is suitable for a modern-style garden, and a plot with an emphasis on natural beauty will look wonderful in a frame of natural stone.
Materials for creating retaining walls can be very diverse. For structures small in height, sheet metal, wood, stone or reinforced concrete are suitable. Metal and wood must be treated with paint or varnish to protect against moisture.
The stone wall can be dry-folded or a cement mortar can be used to fix it. In the first case, the height of the structure should not exceed 1 m; it is better to lay out higher walls on a mortar.
Another material for creating retaining walls is concrete blocks. The structure made in this way must be protected from moisture in places of contact with the soil. You can also make an exterior wall decoration with paint, tiles or natural stone.
In order for the wall to stand firmly and serve for a long time, at the beginning of its creation, a reinforced concrete or rubble concrete foundation is laid.

Creation of a drainage system

Summer cottages with a slope are susceptible to soil leaching due to spring floods or heavy rains. In order to avoid such a nuisance, drainage is being laid on the territory. It is a pipe system made of metal or asbestos cement that is laid at the bottom of the wall. Sometimes the pipes are replaced with filtration holes.

You can use water from the drainage system with benefit. For example, accumulate it in suitable containers and water the plants or filter for the pool, if there is one on the site.

Construction of stairs

The dimensions of the steps do not have to be in accordance with accepted standards.
An affordable option can be a staircase made of wooden blocks or boards. In this case, the riser is made of a board installed on the edge, fixed on the sides with wooden pegs, and tightly compacted soil serves as a tread.
A more expensive, but also more beautiful option would be a staircase made of stone, brick or monolithic concrete. In the latter case, you need to additionally make a wooden formwork.
If the staircase turns out to be too steep, a convenient handrail should be installed on at least one of its sides.
Too many steps are best broken into spans of 8-10 pieces, between which there will be rest areas during the ascent. For greater comfort, benches can be placed between the aisles.

The plot on the slope, the photo of which can be seen below, shows an example of a staircase made of stone:

Creating a garden on a slope site

Design ideas for a relief area

In a relief cottage, you can grow a lawn. If the slope of the terrain is too steep, it will be quite difficult to do this, but on the slope, the grass and plants will anchor quite well and will have a spectacular appearance. If the territory is designed in the form of terraces, then there will be no difficulty in growing a lawn. Stepped areas covered with terry green carpet will look impressive when viewed from above.
The sloping terrain is an excellent soil for creating a rockery - an ornamental garden of stones. Here you can also arrange a rock garden or simply beautifully decorated flower beds. All planted crops will grow remarkably on the slope if horizontal holes are made under them, reinforced with boards. On the terraces, the plants will feel even better, and the height differences will provide a beautiful play of sun and colors.
An artificial reservoir is another trump card of the site on the slope. Waterfalls, cascades and streams will fall beautifully from the top of the hill, and a quiet, cozy lake can be located on the terrace area.
Paved landings and staircases winding like a serpentine among the greenery are an important decorative element of the overall composition.
You can use junipers and ground cover crops to decorate the slope. They are able to grow across the territory with a variegated carpet, and also successfully hide construction flaws.

You can learn more about decorating a summer house on a slope by watching the following video:

The land plot with difficult terrain is considered by many owners as a punishment. But any flaw can be easily turned into a virtue. To do this, you do not need to call a grader for leveling. Competently played out the height difference will demonstrate all the charm of a non-standard landscape. Of course, construction on a relief site, as well as its arrangement, will be fraught with difficulties. But the end result will give satisfaction with the work done and arouse the envy of the neighbors. The article will focus on the correct arrangement of a site with a slope.

Binding a house to a plot with a slope

There are 2 ways to bind a building to a plot with a slope - without changing and with changing the existing landscape. A typical project is being developed on the assumption that construction will be carried out on a flat area.

A house under construction in an area with natural conditions, requires processing of the underground and basement parts. Thus, the housing will have specific features, fit the site.

The slopes of the site are subdivided:

on plains, where the slope is up to 3%;
with a low slope (up to 8%);
with an average slope (up to 20%);
steep (over 20%).

On the slopes, not only the construction of buildings is difficult, but also the arrangement of access roads. Retaining walls, embankments and other reinforcing structures are installed on slopes with a height difference of 1: 2.

Project of a plot with a slope

Vertical layout of a plot with a slope

Landscaping work with a complex "character" includes:

the maximum possible leveling of the relief, by removing soil in one place and filling it in another;
organization of storm drains, which can be both hidden and open;
determination of the optimal location of the main house, gazebo, summer shower, vegetable garden, garden trees;
correction of small irregularities, using the terracing method, with steep drops - arrangement of retaining walls.

This approach will help not only to competently divide the territory into functional zones, but also make it possible to design it in an original way.

Drainage system in an area with a slope

The organization of the drainage system should be given due attention. Drainage will allow you to regulate the water balance, will provide a quick drainage of water formed after precipitation or melting snow.
Rainwater and melt water form gullies. And the steeper the elevation difference, the greater the likelihood of destruction of the slope. Since even small streams can create large ravines, lead to landslides of ground masses.
The arrangement of the drain begins after all the main earthworks and the laying of communications. Knowing at least the approximate location of the main buildings, green plantings will help to properly stretch the drainage system.
The stacking method can be open or closed. The main advantage of the concealed drainage system is space saving. Since the canals run underground, it is possible to organize access roads and paths over them.
Trenches are dug along the slope of the entire site to the intake manifold. Efficient drainage is laid in the form of a "herringbone", where additional bends are adjacent to the main line at an acute angle. With this method, the center trench should be just below the auxiliary channels.

The depth of the trenches can be from 30 cm to 1 meter. The slope should not be less than 2 mm per linear meter of length. This parameter is important even in areas with a slope, because part of the system can also pass over a flat area.
A 10 cm layer of sand is poured into the bottom of the trench and rammed. Geotextile is laid on top of it, the edges of which should cover the walls of the channel with a margin. Next, crushed stone is poured, with a layer thickness of 10-20 cm.
Perforated polymer pipes are laid on a gravel bed and connected. The pipes are covered with a layer of rubble, and the finished system is covered with geotextiles. The whole "cake" is covered with sand and soil.

Plot design with a slope

Mastering a complex landscape is fraught with certain difficulties. But this should not be an obstacle. A competent approach to landscaping work will lead to an enchanting result.

Plot with bias photo

Elevation differences make it possible to embody the most daring, original ideas. Alpine design is best suited for this purpose. The highlight of this style is the use of rough hewn stones and a large number of delicate and bright colors. With the help of these 2 elements, the maximum of the assigned tasks is solved:
- the site is zoning;
- boulders and plants serve as fortification of slopes;
- contribute to snow retention;
- perfectly decorate the entire space.
Planting green spaces should be carried out according to the rule - the lower the point, the higher the plant. That is, on the upper part of the slope, undersized varieties are planted, in the lowlands - shrubs and trees. This placement will help to visually level the relief.

The entire area of \u200b\u200bthe site must be planted. A lawn or ground cover plants (ivy, barberry, Japanese quince) are planted between the beds and fruit trees in empty areas. In addition to the aesthetic component, they will protect the soil from washing out.
In hilly terrain, it is impossible to do without paths and stairs. They should be as comfortable as possible, since you will have to move along them more than once during the day. The width of the paths and the height of the steps of the stairs are recommended to be the same throughout the territory, this approach will help to avoid injuries.
The paths are arranged on a conditionally flat surface. To visually smooth out the difference in heights, they are made winding.
Ladders, steps are necessary on steep slopes. If the slope is very large, then at least one side is equipped with a railing. The optimal tread width is 25-30 cm, the riser height is 15 cm. The slope of the entire structure should not exceed 45 °.
If the flight of the stairs is large, then rest platforms are constructed, from which the direction of the ascent can be changed. More than 10 steps require a concrete base that will provide stability and prevent the entire staircase from slipping.
Terracing will help to competently equip the site with slopes. The size and shape of the sites is based on their purpose, so one width is needed for a garden, and another width for a gazebo with a barbecue.
The zoning of the site is made taking into account its location relative to the cardinal points. Shade is also taken into account, shade-loving plants are planted in such places, you can install a bench for reading.
When planning, it should be remembered that the more terraces are organized on the territory, the lower the height of the fortification walls. Accordingly, their construction is easier. Each terrace should ideally be equipped with its own drainage system.

Strengthening the slopes

Preventing the loose mass of rocks from slipping is carried out by means of various fortification structures. The method of soil consolidation depends on the steepness of the relief.

Natural strengthening. For relatively gentle slopes (up to 30 °), creeping plants are used to form a decorative cover. Branched roots create a natural framework. Willow, lilac, and wild rose are planted in the lowlands. Over time, the developing roots of the shrubs will also hold the soil firmly together.
Geomaterial. An excellent solution would be a geotextile or geogrid. The material is spread on the site and covered with soil. Over time, the soil twitches and greens. Such a strengthening does not imply a change in relief. The protective layer covering the material is resistant to adverse weather conditions and chemical influences. The service life of the product is 50 years.

Embankment. Reinforcement measures can be carried out by means of an embankment. But when implementing them, it should be remembered that the embankment occupies a useful area, so it is rational to use it in spacious areas. Another disadvantage is regular pouring, that is, after a certain period of time, the soil is selected at the sole and poured on top of the slope.
Retaining walls. Walls made of natural materials (stone, wood) look advantageous and practical. The fortification will protect the slope from destruction and delimit the space through terracing. They can be installed in hilly terrain with any height differences.
Low walls (up to 80 cm), which play more a decorative role than a functional one, are equipped on their own. The construction of a massive structure, designed to a greater extent to prevent a landslide of soil masses, should be entrusted to professionals.
Gabions.Modular designs are widely used by landscape designers. Gabions are easy to install, they are filled with pebbles, coarse crushed stone, rubble stone. In the voids between the material, you can lay the ground, and then in the spring, an unaesthetic mesh with cobblestones will hide behind the green growth. Modules are purchased from the manufacturer or made from wire yourself. Stone walls, with piercing sprouts, give the territory a nobility, a visual aged look.

When designing reinforcing structures, the forces acting on overturning and shearing are calculated. Strength and durability of the walls is given by means of a foundation, the thickness and depth of which depends on the height of the supporting wall, its purpose and the type of soil.
The supporting part of the wall resists vertical loads. The presence of a drainage system during the construction of walls is mandatory. It will prevent rain and melt water from undermining the base of the wall.
Stone is a frequently used material for building walls. Artificial or natural boulders are placed both on the mortar and without it. With the "dry" method of laying, soil is laid in the voids, which is sown with seeds. Unfortunately, the lack of mortar makes the wall not a particularly reliable structure during prolonged rains and during spring floods.

Brick is also very popular. Clinker masonry can be sparse or deaf. The material allows you to build walls of any configuration, winding and zigzag shapes.
Wooden elements harmoniously fit into the surrounding landscape, but due to their special characteristics, their use as a fortification structure is not advisable. Of course, treatment with special preparations will extend the life of the wood, but again, this is only temporary protection. This design requires regular maintenance.
If, when erecting walls made of stone and brick, the height of the structure should not exceed 70 cm, then the use of concrete allows a similar indicator equal to 3 m.Here you can use concrete slabs made at the factory, or pour concrete mixture into the prepared formwork.

In conclusion, I would like to summarize some results:

a land plot with difficult terrain will be cheaper, but at the same time the costs of its arrangement will be much higher than that of a flat area. Conclusion: there is no savings;
the voluminous work of tying a residential building to the relief, the location of recreation areas and beds is fully compensated by the general original view of the site. Conclusion: the difference in heights gives more opportunities to implement non-standard ideas than flat terrain.

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