Terraced garden

A terraced garden is created by levelling a sloping site in steps. The ground is split into flat platforms separated by retaining walls or planted banks, and each terrace can take a different use: a seating and dining area on one, lawn on another, vegetables or fruit on a third. Terracing has long been used in farming to stop soil washing off hillsides; in landscape design it brings both function and a strong sense of space. In Turkish practice the term is “kademe ve teras bahçe”.

What matters in design

Terrace heights and widths follow the slope and the intended use. Tall walls need structural design, while lower, more frequent steps are often cheaper and look gentler. Stairs and ramps connect the levels, and an accessible route should be considered. Each terrace needs its own drainage so water does not collect behind the wall below. Plants trailing over and in front of walls soften the hard lines. Levels and falls should be based on a topographic survey and resolved together with the building’s entrances.

Terraced gardens in visualization

Terraced gardens bring depth and layering to a render. An eye-level camera looking up makes the terraces feel taller, while an aerial view explains the whole arrangement. For setting up exterior scenes well, see the exterior architectural visualization guide.