What a detailed design for outdoor spaces includes

The detailed design turns the approved concept into information for building, measuring and controlling the works.

The content varies with the scheme. A simple garden may need few documents; a property with walls, water, irrigation, lighting and large trees needs more development and coordination.

The aim is to reduce improvised decisions on the ground and allow different tenders to be compared on the same basis.

The general plan brings together setting out, boundaries, levels and the relationship between the elements.

It is the reference for overlaying materials, services and vegetation.

It should show clearly what exists, what is removed and what is proposed.

The scale needs to suit the level of detail.

Where necessary, a plan identifies the paving, structures, vegetation and services to be removed or protected.

Existing trees are given protection zones.

The stages of topsoil stripping, topsoil storage and preparation of the site compound are also shown.

These decisions avoid losing elements that the design intended to keep.

Plans and sections define levels, falls, platforms, banks and walls.

Ground modelling is coordinated with entrances, interior floor levels, swimming pools and drainage.

Earthworks are estimated and materials classified according to whether they can be reused.

Planting soil is not treated as structural fill.

The network shows how water is collected, conveyed and where it goes.

Surface falls, gratings, channels, chambers, drains and outfalls are sized by the appropriate specialist disciplines.

The design should allow for maintenance and cleaning.

Permeable solutions are coordinated with the layers beneath.

The plan distinguishes materials, patterns, joints, levels and edge details.

The details show bases, thicknesses and junctions with buildings, trees and drainage.

The choice considers slip resistance, ageing, loads and maintenance.

The look of the finish does not replace the construction solution.

Sections and details show geometry, foundations, drainage, copings and facings.

Elements with a structural function are developed by qualified professionals.

The relationship between steps, ramps and accessibility is checked.

Guardrails and handrails follow the applicable requirements.

The design defines source, pressure, zones, pipework, valves, emitters and control.

Trees, shrubs, perennials and lawn are given zones that match their needs.

Chambers stay accessible and away from trunks and paths.

The sizing confirms flow rates and simultaneous demand.

The plan locates luminaires, circuits, controls and effects.

The equipment is chosen for outdoor use, with a suitable ingress protection rating and maintenance.

Light should not dazzle or interfere unnecessarily with wildlife and neighbours.

Future vegetation is considered, because it may hide the beam or be lit by it.

Specialist designs define structure, waterproofing, hydraulics, filtration and plant room.

The landscape design coordinates levels, edges, paving, vegetation and access.

Overflows and discharges feed into the general drainage.

Natural swimming pools and ponds need systems consistent with the water quality intended.

The plan identifies trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses and ground cover.

The key includes botanical name, cultivar, form, size, rootball or container, quantity and spacing.

Mature trees are given orientation, planting hole, staking and logistical requirements where necessary.

Density is set by mature size and the time to close up.

The details show the level of the root collar, preparation, watering, mulch and staking.

They should not impose a universal solution without a note on adapting it to the soil.

Diaplant rootballs keep their certified hessian and wire mesh, in line with the method defined.

The specifications explain the acceptance criteria.

The design statement describes principles, materials and methods.

The technical conditions define quality, samples, workmanship, tests and responsibilities.

The schedule of works organises items for pricing and measurement.

These documents cover information that the drawing cannot represent.

Quantities are calculated from the drawings.

They allow tenders to be compared, but they depend on assumptions and should be checked on site.

Design changes update the measured quantities and the cost.

Vague items make it hard to compare contractors and control extras.

All the disciplines are overlaid.

Clashes are looked for between trees, foundations, pipework, chambers, luminaires, drains and structures.

The sequence of the build and access for equipment are confirmed too.

Resolving it in the design costs less than moving a mature tree on the day of unloading.

The documents for planning consent and for construction can have different contents and purposes.

The municipal procedure does not replace construction detail. An approved design may still be insufficient for pricing and building to a good standard.

The scope should state what is included at each stage.

The documents carry a date, a number and a record of changes.

On site, only approved versions are used.

Changes are incorporated into as-built drawings for maintenance.

A detailed design does not eliminate the unexpected, but it creates a common basis for resolving it without losing the intention.

• How to read a planting plan
• How to coordinate services
• The stages of a landscaping build

1. Principles for documenting and coordinating landscape architecture projects.
2. Diaplant’s method for detailed design.
3. RJUE (Portugal’s legal framework for urban development and building) and the technical regulations applicable to each operation.