Despite the billion-dollar views, premium homes are scant atop the Palisades. When the designer set out to create the perfect Palisades aerie, complete with a private pool, it proved to be quiet the undertaking. This property is situated just behind the cliff's edge with fantastic views, but equally as many challenges. After nearly three years of arduous renovations and improvements, it's now a sophisticated retreat with modern, industrial finishes throughout. Without a doubt, the crowning achievement of this spectacular renovation is the 10 foot by 12 foot stainless steel pool and hot tub situated on the roof. A Grand ARDA for Renovation Design goes to Dixon Projects Design: Dixon Projects From: New York, New York

2018 HNA Awards Honorable Mention - Concrete Paver - Residential (size more than 3,000 sf) Contractor: Heath Landscaping Producer: Eagle Bay Hardscapes The client wanted everything to flow well, so rather than using sand to fill the gaps between the pavers and the natural stone, each paver was ground to fit perfectly. The result is a seamless transition between natural elements and pavers. The quality-over-quantity approach helps show that craftsmanship is extremely important. It sets this project apart and shows the client that a certain level of care is ensured. This project was completed using Chatham Natural, Chatham XL, BrikStone and EssexStone. The homeowner owns and frequently uses a lot of heavy equipment, so the foundation of the paver system was given much attention. There are 8-12 inches of base, focused on durability. This outdoor area was EssexStone in the Bull Run color. The homeowners have plans for an outdoor kitchen made entirely of natural stone, so this project has been completed in phases. The custom-shaping of the pavers made the installation process tedious.

Architect Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, San Francisco, CA Landscape Architect Bernard Trainor and Associates, Monterey, CA Stone Installers Jamey DeMaria Masonry, Carmel, CA Stone Quarry Finger Lakes Stone Company, Conklin, NY

Photo Credit: © Johnsen Schmaling Architects
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HNA Hardscape Project Award Winner Virginia Street Residence Omaha, NE Paver Designs, LLC This project was built in two stages. The front patio area was finished for a family wedding, and the driveway was added after the wedding. The driveway was excavated to a depth of 16-18 in. and the patio is 12 in. deep. Crushed recycled concrete was used for the base with one inch of paver sand placed on top. After the concrete pavers were laid, another inch of base was added for the concrete paver areas. Three round seats were built next to the water feature and pebble designs were created in the center of each. Columns for the freestanding wall were designed with recessed areas for lights and for use as planters. Three by six inch concrete pavers were cut in half for the triple border in the narrower areas of the patio. The front paver entrance is gently ramped with no step for handicapped accessibility if the need should arise. Probably the most difficult stage of this project was drawing over 20 diverse designs over the winter months and then making a final selection. Using our basement floor as a drawing board, the "Y" shaped designs were drawn on Masonite at appropriate angles and distances so that the mirrored pairs nearly touched, and a template was made from this. After laying the field of concrete pavers, we marked the mosaic areas with the template. These pavers were cut out one at a time. All of the colored pavers were cut into thirds, and then angles were cut to follow curves. The template was moved and traced twelve times; each triple-row design took eight hours to complete, an approximate total time of 96 house (just) for the mosaic patterns. Many additional hours were spent cutting and installing the fish, triple borders, etc. The pavers in the mosaic, as well as the koi and borders, were coated with corresponding colors of sealer. These colors are amazingly rich and bright, well worth the extra time and effort! The two sets of koi are different as our designs are constantly evolving. A color booster in matte finish was applied to the pavers on the driveway.

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To facilitate the builder's desire to create a successful model home in this large site development with expansive natural preserves, this design creates a sense of presence far greater than its actual size. This was accomplished by a wide yet shallow layout that allows most rooms to look out to rear of home and preserve views beyond. Designed with a West Indies flavor, this thoroughly modern home's layout flows seamlessly from space to space. Each room is bright with lots of natural light, creating a home that takes fullest potential of this unique site. An ARDA for Model Home Design goes to The Stater Group, Inc. Designer: The Sater Group, Inc. From: Bonita Springs, Florida

The designer was engaged by a client to create a ranch that would be used for hosting corporate retreats and private or small group instruction. The scope of work included a stable, a covered round ring, a tractor/equipment barn, a caretakers house, hay barn, main private residence, open arena with viewing, a small round open arena with viewing, multiple horse shelters, paddocks, accessory structures, and pavilions. A Grand ARDA for Outdoor Living Design goes to Mountainworks Designers: Travis Mileti, Marie Mileti, Valerie Chastain, and Nick Mileti From: Cashiers, North Carolina

The extensive renovation of this Colonial Revival influenced residence aimed to blend historic period details with modern amenities. Challenges for this project were that the existing front entry porch and side sunroom were structurally unsound with considerable settling, water damage and damage to the shingle roof structure. This necessitated the total demolition and rebuilding of these spaces, but with modern materials that resemble the existing characteristics of this residence. A new flat roof structure with ornamental railing systems were utilized in place of the original roof design. An ARDA for Renovation Design goes to Roney Design Group, LLC Designers: Tim Roney with Interior Design by HomeOwner, Florida's Finest From: St. Petersburg, Florida

Originally submitted for the Model Homes category, the judges felt this entry deserved an ARDA in Design Detail. This particular home was designed to meet the demands of empty nesters, seeking a low maintenance home close to everything. This design is located in a neighborhood with strict design guidelines. The garage was required to be setback 35 feet from the front of the home. Small lot constraints with a public access path on one side presented challenges fitting all requests into a single level. Coming in at just over 1,600 square foot, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with expansive great room accomplished the designer's goals. An ARDA for Design Details goes to Muddy River Design Designer: Adam R Peterson From: Bend, Oregon

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Purchased by the current owner in 2013, this property had been gutted to exposed brick and subfloors, leaving nothing but an open shell behind. While an extensive remodeling project was undertaken across the property as a whole, a brand-new cozy cocoon was meticulously crafted within the property’s cellar. The centerpiece of this space is the Badu Swimjet saltwater pool and adjoining hot tub that allows for both lap swimming and deep-soaking relaxation. An ARDA for Design Details goes to Dixon Projects Designer: Dixon Projects From: New York, New York

HNA Hardscape Project Award Winner Virginia Street Residence Omaha, NE Paver Designs, LLC This project was built in two stages. The front patio area was finished for a family wedding, and the driveway was added after the wedding. The driveway was excavated to a depth of 16-18 in. and the patio is 12 in. deep. Crushed recycled concrete was used for the base with one inch of paver sand placed on top. After the concrete pavers were laid, another inch of base was added for the concrete paver areas. Three round seats were built next to the water feature and pebble designs were created in the center of each. Columns for the freestanding wall were designed with recessed areas for lights and for use as planters. Three by six inch concrete pavers were cut in half for the triple border in the narrower areas of the patio. The front paver entrance is gently ramped with no step for handicapped accessibility if the need should arise. Probably the most difficult stage of this project was drawing over 20 diverse designs over the winter months and then making a final selection. Using our basement floor as a drawing board, the "Y" shaped designs were drawn on Masonite at appropriate angles and distances so that the mirrored pairs nearly touched, and a template was made from this. After laying the field of concrete pavers, we marked the mosaic areas with the template. These pavers were cut out one at a time. All of the colored pavers were cut into thirds, and then angles were cut to follow curves. The template was moved and traced twelve times; each triple-row design took eight hours to complete, an approximate total time of 96 house (just) for the mosaic patterns. Many additional hours were spent cutting and installing the fish, triple borders, etc. The pavers in the mosaic, as well as the koi and borders, were coated with corresponding colors of sealer. These colors are amazingly rich and bright, well worth the extra time and effort! The two sets of koi are different as our designs are constantly evolving. A color booster in matte finish was applied to the pavers on the driveway.

The best of the past and present meet in this distinguished design. Custom craftsmanship and distinctive detailing give this lakefront residence its vintage flavor while an open and light-filled floor plan clearly marks it as contemporary. With its interesting shingled rooflines, abundant windows with decorative brackets and welcoming porch, the exterior takes in surrounding views while the interior meets and exceeds contemporary expectations of ease and comfort. A Grand ARDA for Custom Home Design goes to Visbeen Architects, Inc. Designers: Visbeen Architects, Inc.with Vision Interiors by Visbeen From: East Grand Rapids, Michigan

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The extensive renovation of this Colonial Revival influenced residence aimed to blend historic period details with modern amenities. Challenges for this project were that the existing front entry porch and side sunroom were structurally unsound with considerable settling, water damage and damage to the shingle roof structure. This necessitated the total demolition and rebuilding of these spaces, but with modern materials that resemble the existing characteristics of this residence. A new flat roof structure with ornamental railing systems were utilized in place of the original roof design. An ARDA for Renovation Design goes to Roney Design Group, LLC Designers: Tim Roney with Interior Design by HomeOwner, Florida's Finest From: St. Petersburg, Florida

This completed home boasts a HERS index of zero. The most noteworthy energy efficient features are the air tightness of the thermal shell and the use of solar energy. Using a 17.1 kW Photovoltaic system and Tesla Powerwall, the solar system provides approximately 100% of the annual electrical energy needs. In addition, an innovative “pod” floor plan design allows each separate pod to be closed off for minimal HVAC use when unused. A Grand ARDA for Green Design goes to Phil Kean Design Group Designer: Phil Kean Design Group From: Winter Park, Florida

Patrick Wong
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