As a natural material, concrete is an increasingly popular choice in exterior design, thanks to its versatile properties, durability and functionality. Here, Paul Lees, head of commercial at Tarmac, takes a look at how housebuilders and property developers can use concrete to add value and buyer appeal.
An eye-catching, functional garden can make all the difference when selling a property. In fact, a recent survey of 2,000 UK adults from the HomeOwners Alliance found that 67% of respondents thought a tidy and well-kept front garden was one of the most important factors when they first view a house from the outside.
With this in mind, landscaping can be a key selling point for buyers, especially with a design and material that works well with the property. Currently, one of the biggest trends in landscaping is to create permanent, functional features which are low maintenance, and cost effective. So, what are the best looks that housebuilders can incorporate across projects.
Vertical pocket gardens
One of the most recent trends in landscaping is the addition of vertical pocket gardens: building plants into the wall to create vertical green spaces. Whether a garden is tight on space or simply want to create some privacy screening for a patio space, a vertical pocket garden will take centre stage and can also attract wildlife.
In April 2023, the Horticultural Trades Association has reported an increase in sales for bedding plants (10%), hardy plants, shrubs and trees (20%) and seeds (30%) over the last year as increasing numbers of people turn to plants to create more attractive outdoor spaces. And, in properties where there is not enough footprint for plants, vertical living walls provide a fantastic solution.
For real visual impact, turning an old wall into a vertical garden can provide additional space to grow flowers. By simply building forms and pouring a high-strength product such as Tarmac Blue Circle High Strength Concrete (40N), builders can create easy dividers in the garden with real impact.
In its simplest form, a vertical wall can be trailing or climbing plants planted in wall-mounted containers. Lower maintenance solutions, such as tiered wood shelving planters or vertical frames with hanging plant pots can also be used, providing a cost-effective vertical growing option.
More is more
More people are treating their garden as an extension of the home and are making smart decisions on how to use their outdoor space. As a result, the maximalism trend is seeing traction with bold designs, dramatic structures and plenty of colour. For landscaping projects, look to create layers of colours, textures and patterns with polished concrete for garden elements such as planters, pathways and patios. To further enhance the design, adding unique elements such as coloured glass can further complement its simplicity.
The polishing process involves using progressively finer grinding tools until you reach the desired texture. For high-traffic areas such as walkways or patios, it’s best to use a high-strength concrete and you should only polish these areas up to three times in order to maintain a safe slip rating of R10. For decorative planters, you can grind up to nine times to achieve a completely smooth and polished finish.
Hard landscaping
Potential buyers are also looking for properties which have kerb appeal while still being easy to maintain. A practical trend this year is hardscaping. This involves large concrete slabs which are a more permanent feature and could even feature geometric patterns or unique shapes.
From rectangles for a minimalist look, to circles creating a steppingstone effect or a bold geometric pattern, concrete castings can be produced in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, enabling you to get creative with designs that are not only functional but also hard-wearing. Alternatively, there are pre-existing moulds with products like Blue Circle High Strength to also create the desired look.
Gardens and landscaping have always been a key selling point for many new homes. More than ever, taking the time to understand those trends which will appeal to purchasers, could be the difference between achieving a sale or not.
For more information, visit: www.tarmac-bluecircle.co.uk.