SHRUBLAND
The shrublands consist mostly of shrubs, short trees, acacia, little grasses, herbs and geophytes thriving on flat or generally steep, rocky slopes. It experiences mediterranean-tropical climate type, usually not enough rain to support tall trees. Shrublands are extensive in regions of the globe near the equator. Generally are unsuitable for human habitation because of the danger of fire.


Associated context (graphic 1) shows that the component of sky plays almost 50 percent of the role as shrublands are not surrounded by any other typology, element or habitat. In some cases mountains play as a backdrop to it
Case Study 1
Sinbad Creek Residence
Sunol, California, USA

Native and mediterranean grasses, shrubs and perennials reflect the local region of this modern house.The landscape, designed by Huettl Landscape Architecture, is an enhanced version of the regional flora including various grass species that reflect the adjacent hillside. Hardscape elements, including integrally colored concrete paths, flush hardwood decking, and a walk-across water feature, have been designed to extend the interior living spaces out into the landscape.
The shrubs and bushes are composed in a way keeping in mind the design of the house such that big openings faces towards the major clusters of softscape and the pool; thus bringing the outside in.

Case Study 2
Matorral, Chile

Matorral is typically characterized by a temperate Mediterranean climate and is an ecoregion found globally. This is one of the types of shrublands in which the same species of shrub is repeated over a vast area unlike other shrublands which are varied and have heterogeneous composition. The region is prone to catching fire and hence gets germinated after burning down. The shrubs here have developed fire resistant aspects.