Architecture Term
Hardscape
The built exterior landscape: drives, terraces, walls, steps, and pool surrounds. In covenant communities, hardscape usually requires review.
Architectural terms describe the massing, materials, and detail that define estate homes in the European vocabularies used throughout Skyecroft.
Hardscape in Skyecroft practice
Terraces, walls, drives, and pool decks change drainage and appearance, so they typically require review in Skyecroft and may need county or town permits. On sloped estate lots, retaining walls and drainage are as important as finish materials. Ask whether existing hardscape was approved, because unapproved work can surface during resale.
What to verify
- Review approval on file for existing hardscape.
- Drainage and easement conflicts for planned work.
- Permit requirements for walls above certain heights.
Where this term matters in the guide
For the wider treatment of this subject, read Architectural Styles. Definitions here are general editorial explanations of common usage — they are not legal definitions and do not interpret any specific recorded document. See Disclosures.
Nearby Language
Related terms.
- Massing
The overall three-dimensional composition of a building — the arrangement and relative size of its volumes. Estate archi…
- Elevation
A scaled drawing of one exterior face of a building. In review, all four elevations matter, not just the street-facing o…
- Four-Sided Architecture
The design standard requiring the same quality of material and detail on every face of a home, rather than a rich front …
- Porte-Cochère
A roofed structure extending over a drive, allowing passage from a vehicle under cover. A recurring motif in French- and…
- Quoin
The dressed stone or masonry units that emphasize a building's outside corners, common in Georgian and French Country vo…
- Dormer
A roofed projection with a window, set into a sloping roof. Dormer rhythm and proportion strongly signal architectural s…
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