Investing in green space
Technology is integral to new home construction, but developers are also paying more attention to landscaping
T“Landscaping ... is not an afterthought; clients see green spaces as a major advantage.” Marco Consentini
here’s no question that condominium developments are becoming increasingly complex. From home automation systems to on-site gyms and swimming pools, condo projects now offer their residents a multitude of perks designed to simplify and improve their lives. But as the buildings become more technologically advanced, there has also been a return to something much more basic: greenery.
Condo developments are required to adhere to regulations established by cities to include a certain amount of green space, said Marco Cosentini, project developer at Groupe Quorum.
“The trend of including more green spaces started because of these requirements, but developers go way beyond what’s necessary now,” he said. “Clients want these elements, and builders have responded accordingly.”
Buyers are educated about what they expect from developments, Cosentini continued.
“People want to know about the kind of landscaping and outdoor common spaces develop- ments offer before they purchase. It’s not an afterthought; clients see green spaces as a major advantage.”
Because of the demand for it, developers have made a point to invest in the landscaping on the grounds of their projects.
“Offering clients the best possible product includes an attractive environment,” Cosentini said. “So now maximizing on green spaces is giving developments a competitive edge.”
Ross Gregory, vice-president and founding owner of Groupe Paramount, isn’t surprised by the trend.
“People feel more at home when they’re surrounded by green spaces,” said the landscaping expert. “No one wants to see a cement courtyard when they look out of their window.”
That’s precisely why cities have regulations in place.
“Cities are very conscious about the density of green space relative to the size and number of buildings within their territory,” Gregory said. “They don’t want cement cities.”
When developers are designing a project, they’re given clear requirements by the city early on in the planning. From there, architectural landscapers are contracted to create design options for the property.
“It’s amazing how detailed the designs are,” Cosentini said. “They’re specific about everything; we work with them to define a layout that completes the project and creates harmony.”
Once the developer and landscapers have finalized the design, it’s submitted to t he city for approval. After it receives the goahead from the powers that be, the plan is put into action.
There are currently several distinct trends in condominium development landscaping.
“One of the biggest things we’re seeing now is the demand for more mature trees,” Gregory said. “Among developers, planting at a minimum used to be commonplace. Now they’re often planting larger, mature trees and shrubs for instant appeal.”
Larger landscaping projects have become popular as well.
“Rather than just having a minimal number of plants to satisfy requirements, developers are including extensive plantations in their projects,” Gregory said. “This includes large outdoor common areas containing seating, walking paths, green courtyards and rooftops.”
The M sur la Montagne condo development on Côte-des-Neiges Rd. exemplifies the trend of emphasizing green space.
“The development contains 750,000 square feet of green space for 100 condos and there’s a big effort to keep it natural,” Gregory said. “Our landscape plan for that project is to preserve existing trees, add more, and create installations so that residents can enjoy the outdoors on the property.”
In addition to such elements, several developers have incorporated an underground parking structure into their projects in order to convert the area that would’ve been allocated to parking into green space.
“We’re seeing a lot of that,” Gregory said. “It’s very convenient for developers because they’re able to create more greenery without sacrificing any parking spaces.”
The trend in elaborate landscaping is going beyond condo buildings. Other new developments, such as townhouses and semi-detached properties, are following suit.
“They’re all creating attractive, livable outdoor spaces for people to enjoy,” Gregory said. “The curb appeal is huge.
“Looking at l ush greenery from the street changes the whole feel of any property.
“I’m not surprised at all with its popularity; I think the inclusion of elaborate green space is here to stay.”