Value Engineering Landscape Design Effectively

Value Engineering Landscape Design: Optimizing Planter Edging and Seating

As landscape architects, achieving a balance between aesthetics, quality, compliance, and budget is a constant challenge. When it comes to planter edging and seating, understanding cost factors empowers you to make informed decisions for value-driven design and procurement. This article explores key aspects to consider for effective value engineering in your projects.

Importantly, good design choices can mean exceptional spaces are still achieved.    If you’d like to discuss a specific project, contact our Technical Team.

The Value of Amenity Space

Before we jump into some practical advice, let’s briefly cover the value that amenity spaces bring to developments.

Increased property value: Well-designed amenities can significantly boost property values by attracting tenants and buyers who prioritize lifestyle and convenience.

Enhanced resident/employee satisfaction: Amenity spaces foster a sense of community, belonging, and well-being, leading to higher levels of satisfaction and retention.

Improved physical and mental health: Access to recreational facilities, outdoor spaces, and social gathering areas promotes physical activity, reduces stress, and improves overall mental health.

Attracting and retaining tenants/employees: A strong amenity package can be a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining tenants or employees.

Boosted economic activity: Amenity spaces can stimulate local economies by attracting visitors and encouraging spending.

Biodiversity Net Gain: Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) mandates developers to create or enhance more natural habitats than they destroy, ensuring development leaves the environment in a measurably better state.  Amenity spaces are a crucial aspect of meeting this regulation.

Prioritizing Value Over Cost Cutting

Value engineering landscape designs goes beyond mere cost reduction. It’s about optimizing the relationship between cost, function, and aesthetics. This ensures you deliver the best possible project outcome within budget constraints. Safety, compliance, and best practices must always remain top priorities.

Understanding Cost Drivers: Planter Edging and Seating

Several factors influence the cost of planter edging and seating. Here’s how to strategically navigate them for better value:

• Timber Selection: Opting for timber species that are grown in the UK cuts down on the costs and environmental impact of long-distance transport.  UK-grown timber is a more cost-effective choice.  There are both hard and soft wood timbers available that have been grown in the UK.  Durability, the environment, expected lifespan and aesthetics are all important considerations.
• Standardized Planter Heights: Working with standardized heights allows manufacturers to optimize steel usage, minimizing material waste and lowering the overall cost. Collaborate with a specialist to find the most efficient heights for your design.
• Strategic Lighting Design: Simple lighting options like inset or up-lighting minimize production complexity and keep costs down.
• Curved Sections: Achieving curved shapes can be achieved using straight panels, creating a faceted design that’s more budget-friendly. Discuss this option with your team to understand its aesthetic impact on the space.
• Powder Coated Metal Finish:  Choosing a powder-coated finish for planter panels is a more cost-effective option compared to finishes such as weathering steel or bespoke options.  Whilst the lifespan of the planter edging will not drastically change, there is a significant difference in aesthetics between the finishes.

Conclusion:

By understanding cost drivers and employing effective value engineering principles, you can make informed decisions on planter edging and seating. This ensures your landscape designs strike the perfect balance between aesthetics, quality, compliance, and budget. Remember, collaboration with manufacturers and open communication with all project stakeholders is key to successful value engineering.