Building Green: Sustainable Hardscapes That Define Your Landscape

In the previous "Building Green" story, we explored plant choices for environmental health. Now, the other half of your yard: hardscape—the walkways, decks, paths, planter borders, and retaining walls that architect your land. Lighting and water matter too. Below, conscientious planning promotes healthy existence for these homes.

Paths: Less Is More

Let natural terrain and plant life star. In this Arizona residence, most of the large parcel remains natural landscape. The driveway minimizes width at the street and shares the route with the entrance walk.

Walks: Local Materials, Lower Impact

This Philadelphia garden uses ironstone from nearby Hershey, PA. Local natural materials beat engineered ones (manufacturing downsides) and distant natural ones (shipping energy). Check local sources—you may find unexpected gems.

At a New York beach house, natural dune remains intact, crossed by a wooden boardwalk—a decades-proven, charmingly simple, sustainable solution applicable beyond sand dunes. For outdoor wood, prioritize durability and renewability: choose easily replenished, locally common species.

Planting Borders & Steps: Minimalist & Permeable

Near Austin, TX, Cor-Ten steel plates form planter beds and steps. Gravel paving allows rainfall absorption instead of stormwater shedding. Succulents colonizing the steps are a charming design bonus.

Patios: Stone Over Concrete

In Northern California, stone paving with sand-set joints and gravel gaps absorbs rainwater—far more attractive than a concrete slab.

Decks: Composites Reduce Wood Consumption

All-wood decks are costly and resource-heavy. Composite materials—research brands for environmental credibility—offer alternatives. This deck uses Cali Bamboo composite planks; bamboo's fast growth makes it a plentiful resource.

Driveways: Gravel Beats Asphalt

Gravel driveways enhance design and are environmentally friendlier than black asphalt. In arid climates, decomposed granite works; wetter zones need larger gravel over deeper sand beds.

Rainwater Collection: Capture & Reuse

Retention cisterns address modern development's water issues. 100 acres of suburbia sheds rainwater once absorbed into the water table, causing downstream flooding. Capturing on-site allows slow release for irrigation, reducing municipal demand, replenishing aquifers, and preventing flash runoff.

Fences: Bamboo as a Rapidly Renewable Option

Traditional woods (redwood, cedar, pine) have foresting impacts and rising costs. Block walls and metal panels are pricey. Bamboo—inexpensive, quickly replenished—creates striking effects. Cali Bamboo offers fencing in colors and sizes. Steel fencing is costlier, but design simplicity (shorter runs) can mitigate.

Lighting: Combat Light Pollution

Light pollution = unnecessary night sky illumination. Motion sensors help. Downlight areas and surfaces—uplighting causes eye strain and long-term damage. Wall-washing is more effective than glare; shadowy figures are clearer when softly backlit. Subtle path and downlight fixtures are ideal.

Smart Devices: Automate Conservation

Irrigation systems with smart controls shut off during rain or when soil is wet, avoiding waste.

More Building Green: How to Design a Healthier Landscape | How to Plan Your Site for Healthier Living | How Your Home Ties Into Its Community