A scenic view from home

Developers in Chennai join hands with landscape architects to create sophisticated outdoor spaces in residential projects

Landscaping is increasingly becoming a key focus in residential projects in Chennai, with innovative elements such as forests and waterbodies being integrated into the designs. Whether they are mid-range apartments, luxury residences or individual homes, there is a growing emphasis on attractive outdoor areas. Developers in Chennai are engaging top landscape architects to add value and expertise to their projects, while also strengthening their internal landscaping teams.

According to real estate players, well-designed landscaping boosts the visual appeal of residential areas, fostering a pleasant and inviting atmosphere. Homes with attractive landscaping often see increased property values, enhancing both rental and resale potential. “Plants and trees in landscaping contribute to a healthier environment by absorbing carbon dioxide, producing oxygen, and reducing air pollution. They also help to control soil erosion and improve water quality by filtering rainwater,” says G. Diliban, Managing Director of Etica Developers, a firm that primarily focuses on the luxury segment.

Landscape architects say that currently, 70-80% of ongoing and upcoming real estate projects in Chennai are allocating a major portion of their land for landscaping purposes. Even individuals setting up homes in smaller plots prefer landscaping, by collaborating with less formal, or unorganised service providers.

Rohit Marol, founder and principal of Terra Firma, a landscape architect who recently completed the World Trade Centre project on Old Mahabalipuram Road says, “Traditionally, we found Chennai to be a very conservative market not willing to see the tangible and intangible benefits of designed outdoor spaces. Maybe the hot humid climate added to this. In a way, the pandemic helped in seeing the outdoors as healthier, cleaner and safer. Today, we see people finding a lot of comfort in outdoor relaxation areas, work zones and dining spaces. There has also been a thrust towards sustainable development practices due to depleting natural resources and climate change. Landscape architecture is playing a key role in managing water and energy resources, besides improving air quality.”

Citing examples of some of her landscaping works, Arati Chari, Principal Landscape Architect, Genius Loci, says that at a Brigade Xanadu 33-acre township in Chennai, a Miyawaki forest runs through the project creating a thick green belt all around. Rainwater harvesting and many other sustainable features were made a part of the landscape design. In another project for Appaswamy Real Estates, a natural stream or nullah that ran through the site initially was retained in the project design as a water feature.

Chari says, “It is good to see more developers and builders these days creating not just pretty landscapes as a commodity, but landscape as a value system for environmental health, and social and emotional wellbeing.”

On an average, developers invest ₹60 to ₹150 per sq.ft. for landscaping. The amount varies depending on location and landscaping products used. A substantial amount of money is spent every month on maintenance. High-end developers often update their landscapes regularly to reflect the latest trends.