The Landscape Construction & Material course provides learners with a strong foundation in the principles, methods, and materials used in landscape construction. Designing outdoor spaces goes beyond aesthetics—it requires practical knowledge of how landscapes are built, the materials that make them durable, and the techniques that ensure functionality, safety, and sustainability.
In this course, students will explore the construction processes of landscape elements, including pathways, pavements, decks, retaining walls, water features, pergolas, and outdoor furniture. They will also learn about the properties, applications, and performance of key landscape materials such as stone, wood, concrete, metal, composites, and sustainable alternatives.
The program emphasizes the relationship between design intent and construction reality, showing how materials and techniques affect the longevity, maintenance, and usability of outdoor environments. Case studies and practical exercises will allow learners to apply construction principles to real-world projects, preparing them to collaborate effectively with contractors, suppliers, and consultants.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to select appropriate materials, understand construction methods, and integrate technical knowledge into landscape designs, ensuring that their projects are both visually appealing and structurally sound.
The Landscape Construction & Material course introduces students to the practical and technical aspects of building outdoor environments, focusing on how design ideas are transformed into durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing spaces. It bridges the gap between creative landscape design and the construction knowledge required to bring those designs to life.
Learners will study the construction techniques of key landscape elements such as walkways, decks, retaining walls, water features, pergolas, and outdoor furniture, while also exploring the properties and applications of materials like stone, timber, concrete, metal, composites, and sustainable alternatives. The course highlights how material choices and construction methods impact durability, maintenance, safety, and sustainability in landscape projects.
With a strong emphasis on real-world practice, students will analyze case studies and undertake hands-on exercises to understand how construction principles align with design goals. By the end of the program, participants will be equipped with the knowledge to select suitable materials, apply construction techniques, and collaborate effectively with contractors and suppliers, ensuring that their landscape designs are both visually compelling and structurally sound.
Learn the fundamentals of landscape construction and how design intent translates into construction feasibility. Explore key materials such as stone, timber, concrete, metal, and composites, focusing on their properties—strength, durability, sustainability, and cost. Review case studies comparing material selection in residential and public landscapes.
Understand construction methods for pathways, pavements, and decks, along with retaining walls, fences, and edging systems. Learn the use of concrete, stone, and modular materials in hardscape design, with an emphasis on proper drainage. Workshop: draft detailing drawings for a walkway or deck.
Explore how planting beds integrate with constructed elements. Learn the basics of irrigation systems, soil preparation, and water feature construction (ponds, fountains, pools). Study design and detailing for pergolas, gazebos, and outdoor furniture. Workshop: select materials and construction methods for a garden project.
Gain knowledge in sourcing materials, estimating costs, and collaborating with suppliers. Consider maintenance, lifespan, and sustainable construction practices, including green material alternatives. Final Project: develop a complete landscape construction and material plan for a design brief, with presentations and critiques.
4-Day Short Course: Landscape Construction & Material
Day 1: Introduction to Landscape Construction & Materials
Overview of landscape construction in design practice
Relationship between design intent and construction feasibility
Introduction to key materials: stone, timber, concrete, metal, composites
Material properties: strength, durability, sustainability, and cost
Case studies: material selection in residential vs. public landscapes
Day 2: Construction Techniques for Hardscape Elements
Methods for building pathways, pavements, and decks
Construction of retaining walls, fences, and edging systems
Use of concrete, stone, and modular materials in hardscapes
Drainage considerations in outdoor construction
Workshop: drafting detailing drawings for a walkway or deck
Day 3: Softscape & Specialty Features
Integration of planting beds with constructed elements
Irrigation systems and soil preparation techniques
Water features: ponds, fountains, and pools—construction basics
Pergolas, gazebos, and outdoor furniture: design and detailing
Workshop: selecting materials and construction methods for a garden project
Day 4: Practical Application & Project Workshop
Material sourcing, cost estimation, and supplier collaboration
Maintenance and lifespan considerations of landscape materials
Sustainable construction practices and green material alternatives
Final Project: developing a landscape construction and material plan for a design brief
Presentation and critique of student projects
Landscape Designer
Landscape Architect Assistant
Hardscape Designer
Landscape Construction Supervisor
Site Supervisor (Landscape Projects)
Garden & Outdoor Furniture Designer
Sustainable Landscape Consultant
Landscape Project Coordinator
201901011352 (1320680-K)
