How to build a serene vacation home around existing on-site trees.
Being provided with abundant trees and vegetation on your land is a gift to you by nature. These matured existing trees have the power to turn any vacation rental into a serene and tranquil setting. And that's good new for yourselves and your guests to relax and unwind.
Source: Architecture Brio
However, it is very important to consider the specific characteristics of your land and the existing trees and vegetation. For example, if the property is located in a forested area, it may be necessary to work with an arborist to assess the health and stability of these trees. The arborist might as well be able to determine which trees can be safely incorporated into the design. This will ensure the structure is built in a way that protects and preserves each tree. Besides, the last thing you want to do is damage the precious plants during construction!
Things to consider while working with Existing trees on site
1. Document the existing trees’ location, and design around them:
Generally, your designer or contractor will come up with a plan or a design first. And then they'll find ways to get rid of everything that comes in the way. Making your site a clean slate. This includes existing trees, existing waterbodies, etc. And they will propose planting new trees in place of the matured old ones. It is almost as if you are killing a baby to replace it by giving birth to another.
The ideal thing would be to document each and every existing feature of your land and then design your vacation house around it. Incorporate various techniques including cantilevering your home above the roots of the existing trees or leaving a good offset between your house and the trees to achieve this. Working this way you can preserve the natural and unique features of your land creating an experience that stands out from the rest.
2. Using matured existing trees as the core of your vacation home:
The design of your vacation home can also revolve around these trees entirely. And you may create a beautiful balance between the indoors and the outdoors. Like a tree house, the trunk of these existing trees can support your home along with other secondary supports. This way you won’t have to worry about making deep foundations and excavations in the ground. These processes might damage the root system of these existing trees.
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3. Structure’s impact on the existing trees and the ecosystem:
Building a vacation home or a holiday rental doesn't end with just the foundation and the building itself. You will have to take care of the services like drainage, and water supply which can come in the way of the roots of these existing trees. It will be critical to install drainage systems in a way that ensures that the roots of the trees are not damaged by water runoff from the building. Additionally, it's essential to use sustainable building practices and materials. This includes locally sourced and renewable resources to minimize the environmental impact of the structure.
4. Protecting the Existing trees:
Carrying out construction is a messy job. There are numerous processes and people involved. Make sure that these processes don't cause any harm to the existing trees. Take the necessary steps to protect them. The good news is that most trees will survive construction if they can be kept separate from activity. And to be successful, all phases of construction need to include the protection of existing trees. Some of these steps include
a. Pruning the trees: When it’s time to bring in the construction equipment, you might want to prune your trees to make more space. But, if you’re not 100% sure how to trim the branches, this simple move may cause significant harm. That’s why it’s crucial to practice proper tree pruning techniques in the presence of an arborist or an experienced gardener.
b. Evaluating the existing trees: Evaluating an existing tree before construction will help you save money by determining which tree to preserve and which to remove. Just as it is financially foolish to kill a healthy tree that can be saved, it is foolish to spend money trying to save a tree that should be removed. Trees marked for preservation should have a good chance to survive construction activities, adapt well to the new environment, and look good in the new landscape.
c. Taking care of the roots: Trees are the biggest organisms on earth and are twice as large as they appear. We only see branches, leaves, and stems, which are the aboveground parts of a tree. Construction activities usually cause less damage to the aboveground parts because the damage is visible. At that point, it is easy to determine which contractor is accountable. But, most construction-related damage is inflicted belowground on the root system. Root damage usually goes unseen and without knowledge of its occurrence from both the contractors and owner.
d. Using protective fencing: Ideally, a tree protection zone should be established using protective fencing at the drip line. There should be zero tolerance for any construction activity within this zone.
Advantages of preserving Existing trees and vegetation
1. Makes your property experientially rich:
Lush green existing trees add a beautiful character to your vacation house. They afford greater opportunities to build a stronger connection between indoors and nature while adding an aesthetic appeal to your property. Moreover, you never travel to places to live in a boxed house. Rather, you want a deeper and better connection with nature to enhance your experience. When looked at from a rental’s point of view, it also generates high prices for your stay.
2. Provides shade and keeps your house cool:
In addition to the aesthetic and ecological benefits, building a vacation rental around existing trees and vegetation can also have practical benefits for your guests. For example, matured trees can provide shade and reduce cooling costs in the summer. Evergreens can also provide privacy and protection from the wind during the cold winters.
3. Reaps fruits and edibles in some cases:
If you are lucky to have fruit or vegetable trees among the existing trees on your land, you have the advantage to cultivate your own food. You can pick and cook them to be served fresh to your guests. Your guests will absolutely love this. And if there's surplus, you can also sell or distribute it to your loved ones. You can also gift these to your guests. Who does not love a local goodie bag to take back home?
Overall, building a vacation rental around existing trees and vegetation can be quite a rewarding and sustainable approach to creating a unique and memorable getaway experience for yourself and your guests.
By taking into account the specific characteristics of the site and the surrounding ecosystem, by using sustainable building practices and materials, it's possible to create a beautiful and functional vacation rental that harmoniously integrates into the natural landscape.
If you are facing trouble identifying the healthy trees and the ways to design your farmhouse around them, get in touch with us by clicking on the button below.
DHOOL DESIGN STUDIO
Huzefa Bandukwala
Vacation Rental Design Strategist
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