Serge van der Voo Landscapes

By working with nature we can maximize sustainable growth and human comfort.

Every project site has its own conditional set of microclimates.  Designing and building in-harmony with site conditions such as seasonal weather patterns (wind, drainage, sun/shade, hot-humid-arid pattens), soil types, native plant material, rooftop, and impervious surfaces can increase sustainability and decrease home and facility energy costs.

Some selected design and construction techniques that encourage ecological sustainability and energy conservation:

• Plant wind screens with multi-row pattens (wind break).
• Grade to divert water, winds, and moist humid air (landforms)
• Use pourous pavement surfaces for driveways, walks, and seating areas (silt/gravel blend).
• Plant native species to best fit the conditions of the site such as water-emergent plant materials in lower wet areas (rain garden).
• If space and sunny conditions permit grow and harvest herbs, vegetables, honey, and fruit in your own yard (sustainable farming/permaculture).
• Apply current home and facility design methods and building materials for items such as building orientation, windows, overhangs, walls, solar panels, rainwater barrels or cisterns, and green roofs (green architecture).