Landscape Architect Cheat Sheet: How to Write a Shelter Spec

A clear shelter specification reduces ambiguity, keeps bids comparable, and prevents change orders caused by missing assumptions. This cheat sheet is designed for landscape architects writing a park shelter spec for tender packages and for municipalities that want a clean, defensible procurement document.

Table of Contents

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• What a good shelter spec should accomplish
• Shelter spec checklist (specifier-friendly)
  • 1) Shelter type + roof style
  • 2) Footprint + layout intent
  • 3) Materials + finishes
  • 4) Performance + compliance (high level)
  • 5) Documentation requirements
  • 6) Scope clarity: whats included
  • 7) Options and alternates (if you want flexibility)
• Common spec mistakes to avoid
• How Westplay supports specifiers
• Request spec support here

What a good shelter spec should accomplish

A strong pavilion specification should:

• Define the shelter type and performance intent
• Make pricing comparable across bidders
• Reduce coordination gaps (foundations, access, installation)
• Clarify what is included vs excluded

Shelter spec checklist (specifier-friendly)

1) Shelter type + roof style

• Shelter type (hip, gable, cantilever, multi-sided)
• Intended use (picnic, spectator, outdoor classroom)
• Roof style intent and aesthetic notes (if required)

2) Footprint + layout intent

• Approximate footprint (L x W) and clear height intent
• Post layout intent (coordinate with circulation and table plan)
• Clearance requirements for accessible routes and furnishings

3) Materials + finishes

• Frame material and finish intent
• Roof material and finish/colour intent
• Corrosion resistance expectations (site-dependent)

4) Performance + compliance (high level)

• General exposure notes (open field, coastal, etc.)
• Any owner standards or performance expectations

(Engineering and final requirements should be confirmed for the specific project and location.)

5) Documentation requirements

To support coordination and approvals, request: – Spec sheet for the selected shelter model(s) – DWG files or layout drawings (as applicable) – Installation requirements and foundation coordination notes.

6) Scope clarity: whats included

Define who is responsible for:

• Foundations and civil/site prep
• Delivery and staging
• Installation and inspections
• Site restoration and cleanup

7) Options and alternates (if you want flexibility)

If you want a tender that allows value engineering without re-design:

• Specify acceptable alternates (roof style, footprint range)
• Identify must-have vs nice-to-have features

Common spec mistakes to avoid

• Specifying a shelter without defining footprint, post layout intent, or documentation
• Leaving foundations and installation scope unclear
• Missing add-ons that affect layout (tables, benches, lighting)

How Westplay supports specifiers

Westplay supports landscape architects and municipalities with:

• Shelter model recommendations aligned to use case and footprint
• Spec-sheet and drawing intent support (including DWG where applicable)
• Coordination guidance for access, foundations, and installation scope

Request spec support here