Topics for Thought – Page 5 – Ask the plantician

The term "Garden Apartment" can mean two different home designs, depending on who you ask and where they're located. A garden apartment in the city is different from a garden apartment in a more suburban area. A garden apartment in the city area refers to the ground floor or basement level of an apartment building. This includes low and high rise buildings. The apartments on the ground floor are referred to as garden apartments because, instead of a balcony, they have a small backyard or patio area. A garden apartment in the suburban environment refers to an apartment complex that consists of low-rise buildings, usually no more than three stories high. These buildings are collectively referred to as garden apartments because they share a common garden area, which includes an open lawn, park, play area, and other green landscapes. This article explores the suburban garden apartments in more detail (second definition) and why one wants to live in these apartments. Features of suburban garden apartments Garden apartment complexes can be identified by their prominent use of greenery (shrubs, hedges, trees, and plants) in the layout. The rooms are studio, one, two, or three bedrooms. These apartments are within a cluster of other apartments where the buildings are no more than four stories high. The units on the ground level usually have patios as their backyard, while the upper floors have private decks or balconies. The common areas of garden apartments typically include the lawns, landscapes, and pathways. Some communities have amenities such as pools, playgrounds for the kids, laundry rooms, and gyms. The shared parking lot is outside rather than underground, like city apartments. Due to these apartments' low-density and garden style, these apartment complexes are usually found in suburban and rural areas. These low-rise apartments do not always have an elevator. The residences of garden apartments are generally more spread out. This might be ideal for introverts who prefer less noise and human traffic. With so much greenery outdoors, one could go outside for a stroll and read a good book on a bench. If you're considering living in a garden apartment, consider the following pros and cons. Pros of a garden apartment Access to green spaces and amenities Garden apartments have direct access to lots of green fields and pathways surrounded by plants and flowers. Having easy and close access to the lawn makes it attractive for tenants with kids to run around and dogs to do their business. A good management company will keep the garden looking sharp and maintained. Some garden apartments also have interior courtyards. Quietness As garden apartments are generally of low density and buildings more spaced apart, there would mean that there's less noise among the neighbors. In high-rise apartments, hundreds of tenants are closely compacted, sharing the same common areas, lobby, and elevators. This can be a real problem if you're unlucky and have troubled relationships and screaming kids next door. The probability of these issues in garden apartments is less due to the low-rise nature of these buildings. More accessible Many ground-floor garden apartments have direct access without having to walk through a common area. So, you'd get from the car park, up the stairs, and into the apartment. Nice views Garden apartments often have lovely views outside the window, overlooking a scenic landscape, shrubbery, and trees. Surrounding oneself by nature is good for mental health, reduces stress, and boosts mood. Most garden apartments have a patio that links directly into the garden. Compare this view with city apartments where you could be overlooking streets and buildings. More spread out from neighbors The buildings in garden apartment complexes are generally more spread out. This means less noise from the neighbors and, therefore, more peaceful living. As apartments are less congested, you're less likely to hear your neighbors singing or screaming. Less human traffic along the common areas means that the overall apartment appearance will be tidier. However, this depends on the behavior of your neighbors. Cooler living Residences that have more greenery are not as hot as residences comprised mostly of concrete and steel. These materials store heat from the sun. Soaring temperatures during the summer season can be uncomfortable and a burden to your electricity bill to run the air conditioning. By living in apartments surrounded by natural coolants such as trees, hedges, shrubs, and vines, you can enjoy summer at a lower cost. Cons of a garden apartment Not for extroverts Garden apartment living is not for extroverts who enjoy being around large crowds, buzzing markets, and entertainment. It's also not suitable for those who want the convenience of having close access to restaurants for late-night takeaway. Garden apartments are often further from the centers of cities and central shopping districts. Higher risk of intruders Tenants of ground-floor garden apartments will have direct access to their homes from the outside. While this can be convenient for the household, the easy access means that the apartment is an easier target for intrusion. A shared common door lock may protect the other flats in higher levels. If choosing to live on the ground floor, you must consider installing a security system, or if you're planning on renting, speak with the landlord to install one. Usually outdoor parking The design of garden apartments usually has the parking lot outside, rather than underground, as with most city apartments. Parking the car outside increases the cosmetic damage caused by the sun. Excessive sun exposure causes car paint to oxidize, which leads to fade and to peel. The car is also prone to bird droppings, bug residues, and dropping tree saps. These all add to the additional stress of the car's paint. The car also has many rubber parts, including the wiper blades, pipes, and hoses. Exposure to the constantly changing temperatures of sun, rain, wind, and cold will cause these rubber parts to wear out prematurely. Shared space The public landscapes of garden apartments are all shared spaces, which means that you cannot have your privacy. A family might use the lawns with kids playing or a group of neighboring friends having a picnic. The public garden will not be the same as having your private yard in a house. Not suitable for people with mobility issues Garden apartments might not be suitable for those who use a wheelchair or the elderly who struggle with the stairs. Most garden apartments do not have an elevator. Even those units on the ground floor may have a few stairs leading to the residence. Final words Garden apartments provide a unique living experience for those who enjoy a greener environment. The benefits of living in a more peaceful residence and surrounded by natural beauty bring wonders for the introvert. However, one must consider the potential downfalls of living in these shared spaces where privacy might be compromised.