An Example of Rural Design
Making the most of the acres they treasure
I had never seen a view like this property gave. The house is positioned just before the land drops away into a large field, reaching out to beautiful trees and mountains in the distance. In the fall, the trees are a blaze of color. In the winter, the mountains are beautiful with their snowy mantles. Spring is full of life. In the summer, the house makes for a refreshing stop in the heat. It is a little bit of paradise, but the owners were interested in a little bit more.
Generational Stewardship
This property had been in the family for generations. There was a lot of heart here. The current owners wanted to see how they could take care of the land even better, and how they could make it more productive. This design included some major changes, while still respecting the legacy their grandparents left behind.
Initial analysis
The first thing to do in any design is an in-depth analysis of the site. This includes walking and observing as much as possible, along with taking measurements and soil samples.
Topography
Knowing the topography of a site is essential in order to understand how water can flow. You cannot have a good design without good water usage.
Sector analysis
Taking note of wildlife traffic, access roads, waterways, sun angles, prevailing wind direction, etc, all must be taken into consideration in order to discover and utilize the natural patterns that will benefit the site.
Zones
In permaculture, zones are important in order to help keep specific elements in the areas they are most needed. Things that need to be worked with often are kept near the house, while things that only need checked on once a year are farther away.
Structures, fences, paths, and waterways
Before looking at plants, it’s important to figure out how to best configure these elements in order to make an easily usable and maintainable design. Note how trenches are used to better utilize the water from the canal to easily water their whole property.
Final design
With this final design, the owners will now be able to comfortably raise their animals, grow their own food and medicinal plants, harvest their own replenishing firewood, and be protected from persistent south-easterly winds. They also have several beautiful locations they can use to enjoy time with their kids, grandkids, and friends.
Closer details
These illustrations show the area around the house in greater detail. Often, this area is more complicated because it is the area most visited. This area is perfect for a garden, berry bushes, a food forest, cooking and medicinal herbs, small livestock, a greenhouse, a fire pit, etc. So much goes on here! But that doesn’t mean it has to feel cluttered. Walking through this area, you would see that each element is elegantly divided so that it feels more like moving between rooms in a house.