As builders it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of building a house our clients will cherish, that the space around it becomes an afterthought.

Today we’re joined by Nadia Cole from Platylobium Landscape Design to talk about landscaping and the difference it can make when building an enjoyable, and sustainable, home.

So how can landscaping be sustainable, isn’t planting any plant sustainable?

Well, it’s not that simple. Many common features of our yards, like areas covered with concrete, raise the temperatures of our homes and contribute to environmental degradation. Instead, she strives to design green spaces that cool, provide habitats, and respect local environments. The use of native, and more specifically, indigenous plants—those naturally adapted to the area—decreases the demand for resources and enhances biodiversity.

This made us think about the urban heat island effect, and how trees can help mitigate extreme temperatures. By planting more trees and native flora, we can reduce temperatures significantly, creating cooler and more enjoyable environments that encourage outdoor living. Nadia shared insights from projects that introduce canopy species back into dense urban areas, demonstrating how intentional landscape design can have a profound impact on our urban ecosystems.

So when should landscapers get involved in the construction process?

Nadia says the sooner the better! If you’re considering landscape design from the early stages you’ll get a more harmonious blending of indoor and outdoor spaces!

LINKS:

Connect with Nadia: https://www.platylobium.com.au/

Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram: @sanctumhomes

Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt:

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/