Building and equipping a dacha plot with your own hands is no easy task. Designing an 8-acre garden plot with buildings and plantings requires ingenuity when planning. Sometimes it seems impossible to build everything the owner wants on 8-acre plots, but this is not true. With a plot this size, you can build an affordable house. With some effort and creativity, even on a small plot of land, you can fit several buildings, a vegetable garden, and a recreation area.
Where to start planning
When planning, consider the shape of your site. It can be:
- triangular;
- trapezoid;
- rectangular;
- incorrect.
The owner is often given a rectangular plot of land, approximately 40 x 20 cm in size. One side may be bordered by a street, and the other three by neighboring houses.
The layout of objects must be planned according to accepted regulations. In a small area, in addition to the house, you may see:
- recreation area;
- children's play area;
- garden with a vegetable garden;
- septic tank area;
- water well;
- garage;
- outbuildings.
Depending on the shape and layout of the property, the owner decides what amenities they need. If the dacha is intended for relaxation, more space is allocated for it. Homeowners who enjoy gardening or vegetable gardening pay more attention to the placement of their beds and flowers. Others dream of creating a fruit tree garden around the house, and a barbecue and pool are unimportant to them. A dacha plot of 800 square meters (2,800 square feet) allows for a cozy space for both relaxation and gardening.
You may be interested in:Introduction to the regulatory framework
Before building a dacha, you need to study the regulatory framework. It contains rules and regulations for the location of buildings and looks like this:
- the minimum distance between a residential building and a fence is 3 m;
- distance from the fence to outbuildings - 1 m;
- the distance from the house to the bathhouse is not less than 8 m;
- a summer toilet must be located 12 m from a residential building;
- stone structures should be located 6 m from each other;
- the distance between wooden structures is 15 m.
These standards are established to ensure the safety of other structures in the event of a fire in one of them. The distances between buildings also take into account sanitary regulations. Without them, the best designs may be considered unsuccessful, so it's best to plan your dacha construction according to the regulations.
Zoning of the territory
Proper zoning will help ensure your plan complies with regulations. Proper zoning will help you understand where certain objects should be located. Zoning can be accomplished in several ways:
- Visualize the space. By visually zoning the area, you economically divide the space into several parts. A simple example: summer residents often connect a playground or terrace with the living space by covering these areas with a light plastic roof or throwing an awning over them;
- they are laying pathsThis type of zoning looks cozy and neat. Paths and walkways divide the area into several sections. They can be laid with paving slabs, stone, or decorated with multicolored gravel. Gravel is convenient because the stones can be shaped into any shape, for example, a river or stream flowing through the area. Sometimes paths are laid using wood slices. This is an environmentally friendly material, the only drawback being that it does not tolerate moisture well and darkens quickly. For preventative purposes, wood slices are varnished or painted with durable acrylic paint. They can also be treated with antiseptic compounds.
- Plant a hedge. A hedge is a convenient way to divide any plot, regardless of its size or shape. Climbing vegetation beautifies the area, protects it from wind and drafts, and creates cool shade. Hedges are made from grapes, ivy, climbing roses, and clematis.
- Fences are installed. Fences can be built from wood, metal, or concrete. Summer residents often use corrugated metal. When installed correctly, it lasts for many years. Wood is beautiful and offers plenty of scope for creativity. Metal is durable and can be used to create intricate elements using forging techniques. A solid concrete fence will provide reliable protection from inclement weather and vandals.
When zoning an area, use popular photos on the internet as a guide, as they show clear examples.
Configuration of the territory and placement of objects
The shape of the property influences how buildings are arranged. If the plot is eight hundred square meters (800 square meters), a linear principle is used in the layout. One of the short sides of the elongated rectangle is chosen and the entrance to the house is located there. A recreation area is designated behind the house, planned so that it is not located close to the road. Separating the "cultural" area of the dacha from the utility area is achieved by constructing several outbuildings for utility purposes. A vegetable garden is established at the far edge of the plot, and fruit trees and shrubs are planted along the remaining perimeter.
If you have a square plot of land with nearly equal sides, place the house in the center, leaving a small space in front. This area can be paved with tiles or stone, or a small flower garden can be planted there. Sometimes a small garage is built there for gardening tools. A square plot is convenient because the seating area and garden beds can be symmetrically placed on the right and left sides of the house. Each person can do what they want without disturbing others. A greenhouse or sheds are placed behind the house.
A permanent garage is rarely built at a dacha because it takes up too much space. Typically, dacha owners know each other well and are comfortable parking near the house or using the shared parking lot provided by the gardening community.
Where to place the house and bathhouse
The house is the main feature of a dacha property, and its location is marked on the plan from the very beginning. If the site lacks any features that could affect the house's location, it is built taking into account regulations and landscape design. The size of the residential "building footprint" should be approximately 10% of the total land area. It is best to calculate the dacha plot layout based on house dimensions of 8x10 or 9x9 m².
When building, it's important to consider the house's landing. There are three types of landing:
- front;
- deep;
- central.
With a front-mounted garden, the house is built close to a fence separating it from the road. Behind the house is an area designated for the backyard. With a center-mounted garden, the house is placed in the center of the lot, leaving equal space for the front entrance and the backyard. If you use a deep-mounted garden, the house will be located near the fence at the rear, and the yard will be in front of the building.
When locating a house, several factors are taken into account:
- cardinal direction;
- features of the neighboring territories;
- total number of buildings erected;
- designer decoration ideas.
When planning a bathhouse, remember that the distance between it and any property line should be at least 5 meters, and 8 meters from the house. If the house is located in the center, finding a suitable location for a bathhouse that meets all regulations will be difficult. It's best to plan for front or rear planting in advance.
Choosing a location for communications and a garage
The location of the well is designed with several considerations in mind. If the site is steep, the well is drilled at its highest point. If the well is drilled in a low-lying area, it will always be drained by meltwater and rainwater. This will quickly lead to problems with clean water. When there are beautiful, tall trees on the property, owners don't want to cut them down. If they want to preserve the tree, the well should be drilled at a safe distance from it. If the well is located close to a large tree, leaves will fall into the well, and the root system will grow inside.
The minimum distance between the well and the house is 5 meters. Rabbit cages, chicken coops, and other buildings housing small animals should not be located near the well. Before drilling, clear the area of old debris and leave as much space as possible for heavy equipment.
The septic tank should be located as far away from clean water as possible, at least 2 meters from the neighboring property's fence. It shouldn't be placed in a "nook" (or "cave"), as the sewage truck won't be able to reach it.
To save space, a garage is often attached to the house. If the house is set deep, it can be built separately, closer to the road. The garage should be positioned so that the driveway doesn't take up too much space, otherwise there won't be room for other structures.
Location of the recreation area
A recreation area can be set up in the front or back yard. Its location depends on the house's elevation. The recreation area can include:
- terrace;
- gazebo;
- pool;
- place for children to play;
- barbecue area.
Landscape design elements are often incorporated into the recreation area to enhance its beauty. Flowerbeds or rock gardens are created. If space is limited, it can be decorated with garden figurines, outdoor lamps, or beautiful paths made from various materials. Even a small gazebo can be used to entertain guests and set up a table. Barbecue enthusiasts can install special equipment on their property. It is placed on the ground or on a pre-prepared area.
A unique small pool always beautifies the area and adds a special touch. Children's playgrounds are often equipped with slides, benches, and playhouses. These can be purchased at home improvement stores or built at home. The play area should be positioned so that children can be observed from any point: a window, a seating area, or the garden.
Garden and vegetable garden design
Vegetable gardens and orchards are established on the ground next to fences. When situating crops, their light requirements must be taken into account. Non-fruit-bearing trees are grown in the shade, and they thrive with minimal light.
Garden beds are best placed in the northeast direction—where a sauna is typically located. This will allow plants and vegetables to receive 12 hours of sunlight per day. Fruit-bearing shrubs should be planted in the north or south. Shade-loving shrubs should be planted on the north side, while sun-loving plants should be placed in the south. Fruit trees should be planted along the perimeter of the property, as far away from the septic tank and compost heaps as possible. Non-fruit-bearing trees thrive near the septic tank, while conifers should be planted in the north or on the side of the property facing the road.
Shrubs They should be planted at a distance of 1 m from the fence, medium-sized trees should be planted at a distance of at least 2 m. Tall trees should be located 4 meters from the fence.
Landscaping and decoration of the site
Once all the buildings are erected, you can begin landscaping the area. Before landscaping, you need to:
- to supply water for watering the garden, vegetable patch and household needs;
- arrange a way to illuminate the area;
- study the composition of the soil, remove debris, uproot stumps and roots, apply fertilizer;
- assess the relief, fill in lowlands or build elevations;
- study the light and shadow (this is important for fruit trees).
Landscaping requires a tailored approach. It depends on the shape of the site, as well as the soil and climate in your region. If the soil hasn't been cultivated for years and is depleted loam, it will require a lot of work. Bringing in sand, peat, compost, and other fertilizers takes time, effort, and money. It's also important to select suitable crops and trees.
Planting garden crops begins only after thoroughly preparing the soil. After planting trees, shrubs, and other plants, you can decorate the dacha area, creating a cozy atmosphere. Gardeners love climbing flowers and plants, which they plant in large vases and place in the seating area. Low-maintenance garden flowers such as begonias, pansies, and violets are most often planted. The vases are placed on either side of the front door or hung from the porch canopy.
Decorative garden sculptures are everywhere. A sculpture placed in a garden bed will repel birds. Flower shops always have a variety of sculptures in the form of animals, gnomes, and birds. If you're handy with plaster, you can make a few figurines yourself and paint them with durable paints. A barrel used for collecting rainwater can also be painted in different colors, making it a worthy addition to your yard.
If there is free space near the garden paths, they are laid out flower bedsFlower plantings are arranged so that late blooms always follow early ones. By following this simple technique, the flowerbed will always look festive and elegant.
Examples of landscape design
Even if you have a small plot, nothing can stop you from decorating it in any style. You can invite an experienced designer and choose a design option. Summer residents who have spent years decorating their "country residences" can offer advice just as good as a professional designer. There are many good examples of summer cottages decorated in various styles online:
- village;
- English;
- eastern;
- European.
Each of them is unique, and you can give preference to any of them.
Country-style dacha
The rustic style of a dacha offers a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, creating a unique atmosphere of peace and quiet. The windows of such a house are low-slung, and the roof is thatched. Large flowers and climbing plants are planted near the house. Country life is unimaginable without fruit trees planted near the house. If possible, create a cozy garden and place a bench or table in the shade of a large tree. Plant bellflowers, ferns, and gladioli in the flowerbeds.
English fairy tale
If you can design your dacha in English style, a fairytale atmosphere will always accompany you and your guests. Building a house in English style may require the help of an experienced designer. A plot of 8 acres (0.8 acres) will accommodate a compact two-story structure with a moss-covered roof. If there are large trees on the property, they will perfectly complement the fairytale English atmosphere. Hang a beautiful lantern at the entrance and light it every evening. You can have several lanterns, often placed near flowerbeds or scattered throughout the house.
An "English" dacha is unimaginable without a small fountain, which would fit seamlessly into an 800-square-meter plot. The path leading to the fountain is best artificially aged and decorated with plaster or concrete flower vases. Grass and flowers are planted in the yard, and the house is surrounded by a low fence covered with green climbing plants.
Eastern flavor
A dacha on eight hundred square meters can be transformed into a true samurai's home. Create a wide path covered with gravel and decorated with rounded boulders. Plant boxwood, juniper, and other evergreens in the yard. For an oriental touch, decorate the area with a miniature tower in the shape of an oriental temple or pagoda. If the area has ample water supply, create an artificial pond, lining its bottom with colorful pebbles. Fine gravel can be used instead of pebbles, and the pond can be decorated with large rocks overgrown with moss.
You may be interested in:European comfort
One of the hallmarks of European culture is the ability to preserve the past while calmly accepting any innovation. This is reflected in architecture and landscape design. A Mediterranean style of landscaping can be used as a benchmark for European comfort. Light-colored stone is used for the terrace base, low fencing, and outdoor fireplace. Place light-colored furniture near the fireplace, such as compact sofas and a wooden table. A large awning or umbrella can be placed over the seating area for sun protection.
The European-style relaxation area is surrounded by trees and shrubs. Everything here is dedicated solely to relaxation and entertaining guests.
Some useful tips
When implementing your project, it would be helpful to heed the advice of professionals. While creating buildings, a garden, vegetable beds, and a recreation area, people often forget about the driveway to their summer house. This becomes a problem when the garage is already built, but the owner still doesn't have time to create a driveway. The access route to the house should be planned early in the construction process.
Even if a garage isn't part of your plans, make sure the driveway to your dacha doesn't feel like a slog through a swampy area. Place the driveway as close to the fence or gate as possible. This saves space and will prevent many problems down the road.
A garden and vegetable patch should be laid out on a sunny side—the further from the house, the better, so that the beds aren't in the shade of a building. The same considerations apply when placing a hotbed or greenhouse on the property. Seedlings growing in hotbeds require plenty of sunlight. If there's not enough, the interior will become damp and cold, and the plants may quickly die.
The slope of the land should also be considered when planning any construction. If a section of the land is located in a low-lying area, remember that with the arrival of spring, meltwater and rainwater will inevitably accumulate there. Planting vegetation in this area is not recommended. It's better to improve the area by building a terrace there, having first created a secure platform for it. A low-lying area is a good spot for a barbecue.
Sometimes a gardener is left with a "bad" plot of land, located entirely in a lowland. In this case, it will be necessary to put in the effort and artificially raise the soil. This is done by creating dense mounds. This can raise the beds and improve the yield of crops. In lowlands, it is essential to install a good drainage system.
Wind direction is an important factor that gardeners often overlook. When planting delicate and sensitive flowers, they are often placed near the walls of the house and other buildings. The location of a barbecue or grill also depends on the wind direction.
Eight hundred square meters is a small area, so to visually expand it, it's a good idea to plant climbing plants near the fences. This will decorate the fence and create a cozy atmosphere.
Planning a summer cottage requires time, effort, and ingenuity. If you do everything correctly and take your time, it will save you from having to rebuild anything in the future. By following the regulations and applying helpful tips, you will become the owner of a well-built summer cottage and a landscaped area around it.