Designing the Sustainable Site Integrated Design Strategies for Small Scale Sites and Residential Landscapes

Designing the Sustainable Residential Landscape is a design manual for those interested in gaining the knowledge and skills necessary for achieving sustainability in residential settings. The book introduces the concept of regenerative design whereby built landscapes sustain and restore vital ecological functions. It guides readers through a design process relevant to new or retrofit residential landscapes that not only minimizes environmental damage, but help repair it. Focus on regional context and guidance helps readers identify and prioritize the strategies that will be the most beneficial for their clients and local communities. Photos, sketches and case studies from built projects will illustrate concepts and practices. An important theme throughout the text is the idea that single design elements can have multiple and far-reaching benefits. This multiplier effect is the indication that sustainable practices are valuable and achievable on projects of any size and budget.

Using her background in landscape architecture and ecological restoration, Heather Venhaus works with teams of scientists, designers, and educators to develop sustainable and regenerative design solutions. Ms. Venhaus facilitated and led the development of The Sustainable Sites Initiative: Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks 2009, the nation's first rating system for landscapes, and has held multiple leadership positions in the U.S. Green Building Council and the American Society of Landscape Architects. Heather is the founding principal of Regenerative Environmental Design and lives in Austin, Texas.