GFRC Info: Principles of Landscape Design

Using GFRC Effectively in the Landscape

Fountain at La Quinta Inn, Greenville, TX

About Landscape Design

Landscape design, if done well, meets the owner’s needs, enhances the community, increases the property’s resale value, and minimizes the human impact on the environment.  Considerable thought and planning are necessary if a landscape design is to meet all these goals.

Factors to Consider in Landscape Design

• Making the maximum use of the site — this is not the same as cramming as much building on the lot as you can fit.  Consider traffic patterns, green space needs, and maintenance facilities when deciding what buildings belong on the site, where the sidewalks will be, how to handle the need for vegetation.  This step is crucial.
• Forming a connection between the land and the building — almost everyone has seen buildings that are poorly landscaped and appear plopped on the land.  Gradually moving from the building to the rest of the property through the use of trees, shrubs, benches, fountains, and other intermediate features will improve the appeal of the property.  Stromberg GFRC has many styles of fountains and benches that can link the building to the land throughout your property.
• Minimizing maintenance — Large expanses of lawn are very labor intensive.  The lawn must be cut, fertilized, and cared for.  Flower beds, in contrast, are much less effort after the first year.  Planters made of durable material such as Stromberg GFRC need less maintenance than less durable planters.
• Conserving energy — Trees planted on the side of the building that gets the most sun can reduce energy costs in the summer by shading your house.  If you plant trees that lose their leaves in the fall, then the building will get the full sun to warm it up during the cold months. Of course, using building materials that are recycled, reclaimed, or made locally saves energy as well.  Stromberg GFRC is made of materials from the United States and is durable and low maintenance.  Cladding a building with GFRC insulates it and reduces energy costs, as well.
• Reducing water, fertilizer, and pesticide use – Planting native plants that need little supplemental water after they are established will significantly reduce water costs.  These same plants require less fertilizer and are adapted to survive despite the local pests.

GFRC Projects Featuring Landscape Features

• La Quinta Inn, Greenville, Texas
• Winstar World Casino, Thackerville, OK
• Shalimar, San Jose, CA

Specific Applications of GFRC in the Landscape

• Planters to mark major entry points to the property
• Bollards to control vehicular traffic
• Illuminated bollards to mark pedestrian paths
• Fountains as a focal point for a garden

For More Information on Stromberg GFRC

For more landscape design ideas, consult the professionals at Stromberg Architectural Products or call (903) 454-0904. Stromberg is here to help, and the initial consultation is free.