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Using Landscape Architecture to Take Advantage of a Stunning View

A breathtaking view is an incredible asset and can add to both the aesthetic and monetary value of your Islip, NY home. Here are just a few ways a landscape can be reshaped in order to truly take advantage of the value of a sweeping vista.

Using Landscape Architecture to Take Advantage of a Stunning View Islip NY

Install a broad patio

What good is a view without a place from which to enjoy it? And when it comes to enjoying a panorama, the wider the patio the better. A patio running parallel to the view helps provide a platform from which to enjoy the scene from a multitude of different angles. The width ensures that the air-space is kept clear of visual obstacles that could obscure the view while enhancing the openness of the space and connectedness to the distant landscape. In other words, a broad patio  increases the perception of flow between the foreground and background and creates a wider angle of vision to enjoy the scenery.

Place multiple levels

A multi-leveled patio, or even a backyard with spaces spread out over multiple levels, not only provides visual interest to your landscape by incorporating a sense of three dimensions, it also provides multiple spaces that can be used as vantage points to the scenery. A multi-leveled patio offers an element of height that can be used to overcome obstructions to the view and provide a more breathtaking vantage point.

RELATED: LANDSCAPE DESIGN POSSIBILITIES FOR HILLY OR SLOPING YARDS

Install an infinity pool

An infinity pool provides a seamless edge between pool and surrounds where water overflows into a catch-basin installed on a lower level. This creates the illusion of your pool extending into a distant point on the horizon and blending into the scenic backdrop or sky in the distance. An infinity pool is the perfect way to take full advantage of a home with an excellent view, and allows for an absolutely stunning viewpoint.

Related: Which Pool Shape is Best for Your Landscape Design?

Limit vertical structures

It goes without saying that if you want to capitalize on a view, you should avoid obstructing it with vertical structures. These may include tall trees, outdoor fireplaces, decking or overhead covering supports, and high walls. Instead, subtler landscape features or structures that run closer to the ground can be used as substitutes. Low growing shrubs or small trees can be used instead of green giants, providing greenery while enhancing the sense of the scale of the backdrop. Rather than an outdoor fireplace that dominates a space, blocks visibility and detracts from the landscape by becoming an automatic central feature, opt instead for a placement that is out of the way, or go with a low-lying fire pit instead. A fire pit creates a more open environment, so is better suited to enjoying and connecting with a view.

To limit obstruction created by support beams, decking and overhead covering can be scaled back, or alternative support structures can be engineered. These might include cantilevered platforms or bracket systems to provide structural support without pillars. High walls pose another intrusion on a landscape view. Solutions include scaling down the walls or, alternatively, raising the levels of patios or viewpoints in order to overcome the height of the wall.