Landscaping of countryside hotels or the art of creating a harmonious landscape.
Landscaping of a Country Hotel: Key to its Memorable Atmosphere
Landscaping and landscape design are among the most relevant directions in modern design. They not only enhance the appearance of the hotel grounds but also convey the hotel's story beyond its walls.
While interior decor beautifies the hotel itself, exterior decor captures universal attention. Harmonious landscaping and beautiful landscapes form the first impression of the entire hotel.
Beautiful nature, well-maintained lawns, blooming gardens, and stunning views all attract tourists and create a favorable mood. A well-kept area with beautiful plants, trees, and shrubs is one of the main attractive elements of country hotels. Such an environment creates an atmosphere of tranquility and relaxation, ideal for escaping everyday hustle and stress. Greenery and natural landscapes have a therapeutic effect on individuals, promoting a better mood, reduced stress levels, and improved overall well-being.
Amanzoe Hotel Arrival Pavilion, Peloponnese, Greece
The Landscape Design Concept Should Align with the Overall Hotel Design and Surrounding Natural Environment.
When designing a country hotel, it is essential to consider not only the architectural features of the buildings but also the landscape design of the area. This allows for a harmonious unity between the structures and nature, giving the hotel a unique appearance. The landscape design concept should be carefully thought out and align with the overall hotel design, taking into account the characteristics of the surrounding natural environment. For instance, if the hotel is situated in the mountains, the landscape design should consider the elevation differences, slopes, and vegetation typical of the area. Additionally, climate conditions must be considered, ensuring that the chosen plants and materials are well-adapted to the local climate. A well-conceived and implemented landscape design creates an engaging and fascinating journey.
Landscaping projects, like any other project created by an architect, involve intellectual creative work using small architectural forms, landscape elements, principles of volumetric-spatial composition, and knowledge in dendrology and flora.
Developing a landscaping concept for country hotels, we take inspiration from the overall hotel concept and style, as well as the existing landscape. We aim to create a natural landscape that caters to the preferences of the hotel's guests. Any design should revolve around the business's marketing.
Grand Hotel Polyana, Esto-Sadok, Russia
Connecting the created landscaping with the existing landscape and elevation differences is essential. The design can either draw inspiration from the existing landscape or create one where it does not exist. Natural materials and unique plants can be used to create cascades of waterfalls, dry streams, and more. Throughout our work, we have noticed that the more contrasting the landscape, the more interesting the landscaping becomes.
All new plants, shrubs, and trees should be organically integrated into the existing context, where there may already be some vegetation. Such a landscape will be harmonious and natural, as if nature itself created the composition. The more natural elements, the stronger the visitors' anti-stress sensations.
Creating Waterfall Cascades and Dry Streams Using Natural Terrain Features
To create waterfall cascades and dry streams, natural geographic features such as natural slopes and elevation changes can be utilized. Additionally, artificial elements like rocks, concrete blocks, or ceramic tiles can be used to shape the desired relief, seamlessly integrating with the landscape. It is essential for all landscape elements, including water features, to blend harmoniously with the surrounding nature and align with the overall hotel concept.
One&Only Reethi Rah Resort, Maldives
One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives - This resort is located on a private island in the Maldives, surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. The hotel's grounds feature numerous pools, flowerbeds, palm groves, and decorative fountains.
One&Only Reethi Rah Resort, Maldives
Water Features, such as Pools, Fountains, and Waterfalls, Enhance the Country Hotel Atmosphere
Water features are integral to the design concept of country hotels. Pools, fountains, waterfalls, cascades, ponds, and lakes can create a unique atmosphere and become the main focal points on the hotel's grounds. These elements can vary in shape and size and can be made from different materials, harmonizing with other landscape elements, such as trees, plants, stones, and bridges. For instance, a pool surrounded by palm trees and flowering plants can create the illusion of being on a tropical island, while a fountain against the backdrop of historic buildings can evoke an atmosphere of ancient luxury. Waterfalls and ponds can provide a refreshing oasis on hot summer days and serve as perfect spots for relaxation and meditation. Beautiful water features, combined with other landscape elements, can become true works of art, attracting guests from all around the world.
Various Composition Methods are Employed in Landscape Design Projects, with Some Being Particularly Popular
- One of the most common methods is zoning, where the territory is divided into areas with different functional purposes, such as relaxation zones, active leisure zones, sports areas, etc. This method optimizes the use of the territory and creates a sense of order.
- The radial composition method is popular, where major elements are positioned around a central point, creating the impression of being oriented around a focal point. This method is used, for example, in creating parks and gardens.
- The method of geometric shapes is often used, where landscaping elements are placed in specific geometric forms, such as circles, triangles, or rectangles. This method is employed to create a certain symmetry and harmony.
- All the above-mentioned methods can be mixed and used simultaneously to create a more intriguing design.
The Use of Various Small Architectural Forms (SAFs) is a Separate Topic in Landscape Design
Some of these forms include:
- Gazebos - structures with a roof and open sides that provide guests with a shaded area to rest and enjoy nature.
- Benches - comfortable seating options made of wood, metal, plastic, and other materials. They can be placed in open areas or shaded by trees.
- Arches and pergolas - structures made of wood or metal that adorn the territory and provide additional comfort for visitors.
- Sculptures and fountains - decorative elements that can be made from various materials and help create a unique atmosphere.
- Rest and play areas - specially arranged spaces for playing games, holding events, or simply relaxing. These areas can accommodate various activities, such as sports games like tennis, mini football, basketball, or volleyball. They can also include spaces for large campfires or gaming activities with cards, dice, backgammon, or chess. Installing giant chess sets outdoors can be an attractive and active feature for guests, doubling as a free marketing strategy. Unusual elements near places where people gather often serve as photo opportunities for social media, potentially reaching more potential guests. This is an example sketch for one of our projects - a recreational area with chess sets. Larger chess sets for outdoor use can be even more impressive.
KPD.design Project - Fences and barriers - help create private zones on the territory and ensure the safety of visitors. Fences can be made of concrete, metal, or designed in the style of the territory and the hotel. Live hedges of trimmed jasmine or boxwood can serve as natural barriers when planted in rows.
- Lighting - effective illumination of the territory creates a comfortable atmosphere and enhances safety during the evening or nighttime. Lighting elements can include top-lighting street lamps, knee-level street lights that illuminate the path right before one's feet, decorative street lights for highlighting plants, and illuminated SAFs such as benches.
Countryside hotels attract tourists from all over the world with their beauty and unique atmosphere. One example of a successful combination of architecture and nature is Aman Tokyo, located in the heart of the city. The hotel is surrounded by bamboo forests and water features, creating a serene atmosphere in the middle of the metropolis.
Aman Tokyo Hotel, Japan
In France, the Four Seasons Hotel Megève is situated in a mountain resort and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests. The hotel features a private park with flowerbeds, relaxation terraces, and barbecue areas. It also offers a large swimming pool, a spa center, and outdoor restaurants.
Four Seasons Hotel Megève, France
Amanzoe, located on the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece, is surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. The hotel harmoniously blends with the surrounding landscape, providing a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Amanzoe Hotel Walkway, Peloponnese, Greece
Amanzoe Hotel Terrace with Pool, Peloponnese, Greece
These and other countryside hotels are examples of how a well-designed landscape can become the main attraction of a hotel and possibly the main reason for its visitation. Their designs integrate with nature, creating a unique atmosphere that allows guests to enjoy the beauty of the world around them. It is also worth mentioning the astonishingly energetic territory of the Ordgonikidze sanatorium in Sochi.
Ordgonikidze Sanatorium, Sochi, Russia
The abandoned Ordgonikidze Sanatorium in Sochi is situated in a picturesque location surrounded by mountains and the sea. This sanatorium was one of the largest on the Black Sea coast, featuring over 400 rooms and numerous sports, medical, and entertainment facilities. Today, the sanatorium buildings are in disuse, but the territory maintains its attractiveness and popularity among tourists, photographers, fashion bloggers, and TikTokers.
A beautiful route around the sanatorium's buildings includes a walk through a park, where various landscaping elements can be seen, such as fountains, wrought iron fences, monuments, benches, and more. Notably, there is also a lake beautifully adorned with stones and trees, as well as a viewing platform with panoramic views of the sea and mountains. This place offers opportunities to spend a few enjoyable hours simply observing well-designed "working" scenes.
The history of the Ordgonikidze Sanatorium began in 1936 when a decision was made to build a large medical institution in this location. In the 1950s, the sanatorium was rebuilt and expanded, becoming a popular holiday destination for industrial workers and government officials for many years. In the 1990s, the sanatorium faced difficulties and closed, but since then, it has remained abandoned, yet one of the most visited spots for tourists due to its territory.
Ordgonikidze Sanatorium, Sochi, Russia
The popularity of the beautiful territory of the non-functioning sanatorium is easily explained. Scientists from the Institute for Research on Psychological Disorders and Disorders in the United States note that when a person observes something that brings them pleasure, their brain subconsciously signals a feeling of satisfaction. This can manifest in an accelerated heart rate, improved breathing rhythm, muscle relaxation, and even burning of extra calories. All of this explains why landscaping and the landscape attract us. A created landscape can not only provide pleasure but also improve a person's health. We strive to return to places where we felt good.
Visitors call the Brief Garden in Sri Lanka a piece of paradise on Earth, created by Bevis Bawa in his estate. It is an amazing place where nature and art reunite. Here, one can enjoy the beauty of the landscape, including exotic plants and stunning garden compositions created by a talented landscape architect. Brief Garden is a true fairy tale, where every corner is filled with astonishing discoveries and inspiration for all nature and art enthusiasts. The history of the garden tells me that you can create a mesmerizing landscape without a project, but with a project, it might have happened faster. Any property, no matter where it is located, requires care. It's an endless process of maintenance or construction. By engaging professionals, you can expedite this process, or, like Bevis Bawa, become a landscape architect.
Brief Garden Entrance
Bevis Bawa - a self-taught landscape architect, Sri Lankan rubber planter, reserve officer, and adjutant to 4 governors of Sri Lanka during the British rule. The history of the house and the garden called Brief (from English - resume, concise presentation, laconic) began with a childhood friend, a theatrical actor, who advised to design the garden as if it were a stage set.
After leaving the army, Bevis dedicated himself to the house. He worked on it for nearly 40 years, from 1942 to 1989, constantly adding and modernizing. He had his own plant nursery. He sold plants from his garden and was invited to design other gardens, having learned on his own. Brief Garden was visited by Vivien Leigh, Peter Finch, Queen Ingrid of Denmark, and the writer Agatha Christie at different times.
Brief Garden Arch
The house is filled with art pieces that were gifted to Bevis Bawa by his friends. Australian artist Donald Friend, who came to Sri Lanka for a week, ended up staying for 5 years and created his most extraordinary works, which are still preserved there. Bawa himself began to explore sculpting under Friend's influence. The garden is adorned with sensual sculptures created by the owner.
Brief Garden Cascade
The house is a traditional tropical bungalow designed in a colonial style. Everything is very functional, with no unnecessary objects, but bright colors - yellow walls and blue doors - and an anticipation of some kind of wonder. Nothing ordinary - that's how design should affect the observer. In everything present in the house, there is a sense of love for life. This is what attracts visitors from all over the world, to come and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of this tropical paradise.
Bevis didn't have a project. He learned on his own house and created his nirvana for 40 years. With a project, it might have happened faster, but perhaps without such a story.
There are 2 Approaches to Design or Reconstruction of a Country Hotel (Resort, Guesthouse). You can read about them in this ARTICLE.
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