HNA Hardscape Project Award Winner Reno's Circular Whirlwind Reno, Nevada Hain Enterprises Late in 2013 in the pastoral horse country just west of Reno, Nevada, a homeowner challenged his contractor to design a patio environment incorporating as many circles as possible that would flow seamlessly from one to another and create a unique visual experience for family and guests. The contractor took up the challenge. He and his crews designed and installed one-of-a-kind patios, walls and planting areas, utilizing concrete paver circle kits. The kits spin off one another and linked two separate patio areas and adjacent walkways, without interrupting the flow of each circle. One of many design challenges of this project was deciding how to incorporate the existing drains into the design. The solution: use the drain grates as centers for the circles. Another challenge was determining how to continue the arc of the varying size circles onto and through the connecting pathways. To accomplish this, the contractor installed only curvilinear courses of pavers that appear to run off the pathways and rejoin later. In total, the contractor used 14 paver circle kits and approximately 3,600 square feet of pavement. Included in this project were freestanding seat walls and accent planting areas, creating the outdoor entertainment environment the customer envisioned.

Example of an exterior home design in Sydney

You’ll never lack for style or sunshine in this inspired transitional design perfect for a growing family. The timeless design merges a variety of classic architectural influences and fits perfectly into any neighborhood. A farmhouse feel can be seen in the exterior’s peaked roof, while the shingled accents reference the ever-popular Craftsman style. Inside, an abundance of windows flood the openplan interior with light. An ARDA for Model Home Design goes to Visbeen Architects, Inc. Designers: Visbeen Architects, Inc. with Benchmark Design Studio From: East Grand Rapids, Michigan

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

HNA Hardscape Project Award Winner Carter Residence Council Bluffs, Iowa Paver Designs, LLC This project was built by Jim and Justin Hampton of Paver Designs LLC, a father and son company with no other employees. This multi-level patio/entertainment area is approximately 2,200 square feet. Pavers were placed over one inch of bedding sand and 9 in. of crushed, recycled concrete base. Designs were laid out on the pavers, all cut individually, then filled in with red and gold pavers. A sealer was the applied to the paver surface to enrich its colors. A polymeric joint sand stabilizer was used during the final compaction. A fireplace, wood boxes, and grill island were installed in lower patio area. The two level backyard patio is connected by sidewalks to a front courtyard.

French country home design photo in Delhi

Inspiration for a landscaping in Sydney.

Photography by Mariko Reed Nestled in the hills of Mill Valley, California, this spectacular custom home is on track to be the first LEED for Homes certified house in Marin County, and the second LEED Platinum house in Northern California. This project represents the collaborative efforts of a visionary group of partner companies, who have come together to bring this first-of-its-kind project to Marin County. Scott Lee, President & Principal of SB Architects, designed this home as his own residence and in the process produced a definitive statement of what is possible in combining high design with high sustainability. The steep hillside site necessitated a very vertical design, balanced by strong horizontal elements and details. A striking stairway core vertically links the spaces, while the efficiently designed spaces and attention to detail create a home that lives much larger than its footprint. Balconies and covered terraces off of every room promote an indoor/outdoor lifestyle, connection with the site and sense of serenity reminiscent of a luxury resort, and capitalize upon the stunning views of the trees, San Francisco Bay and city skyline.

2017 HNA Awards Honorable Mention - Combination of Hardscape Products - Commercial - Size less than 20,000 sf Contractor: Monello Landscape Industries Manufacturer: Techo-Bloc Designer: Monello Landscape Industries

2017 HNA Awards Winner - Concrete Paver - Residential - Size more than 3,000 sf Contractor: Bahler Brothers Manufacturer: Techo-Bloc Designer: Bahler Brothers

To banish shadows in this design, bright columns of light were fashioned, flooding the home with light and anchoring the home's industrial-meets-organic design scheme. An ingenious center light-well, topped with a massive skylight and wrapped in glass handrails, provides a breathtaking focal point accentuated by a stunning three-globe light fixture that spans the space’s height. Nearby, a glass and steel elevator whisks residents from the parlor level to the roof. A Grand ARDA for Design Details goes to Dixon Projects Designer: Dixon Projects From: New York, New York

Architect Architects Luc Bouliane, Toronto, ON Stone Installer D. L. Engineering Inc., Richmond Hill, ON Gentile Stone, Stouffville, ON Stone Suppliers Owen Sound Ledgerock Ltd., Georgian Bluffs, ON Stone-Tile International, Toronto, ON

Founders, Melinda Joy Miller (author of the Shamanic Gardening: Timeless Techniques for the Modern Sustainable Garden) and Kim Colwell, her daughter and interior designer collaborated on this special garden project. See press for 5 page spread in Pasadena Magazine and interviews with the partners. Each gardening project utilizes their background as feng shui masters, as well as Kim's background as an interior designer. The special sauce in our projects are Melinda Joy's extensive and comprehensive approach to gardening which includes her being a medicine woman, cultural anthropologist, and expert in permaculture, sustainable gardening, and herbology.

This large estate house was carefully crafted to compliment the rolling hillsides of the Midwest. Horizontal board & batten facades are sheltered by long runs of hipped roofs and are divided down the middle by the homes singular gabled wall. At the foyer, this gable takes the form of a classic three-part archway. Subtle earth-toned wall colors, white trim, and natural wood floors serve as a perfect canvas to showcase patterned upholstery, black hardware, and colorful paintings. A Grand ARDA for Custom Home Design goes to Visbeen Architects, Inc. Designers: Visbeen Architects, Inc. with Laura Davidson From: East Grand Rapids, Michigan

This narrow lot villa was designed for the empty nester second home market. It caters to those possibly downsizing or just wanting a maintenance free second home. It’s width from the street is immediately brought to suspicion by an expansive Great Room. The spacious kitchen with island and serving bar open onto the view beyond. The Master Suite is entered through a double doored private Foyer. Rounding out this homes many features is the “L” shaped outdoor Patio with outdoor kitchen. sThis home truly defies what many believe are the limiting factors of narrow lot home plans. An ARDA for Model Home Design goes to The Stater Group, Inc. Designer: The Sater Group, Inc. From: Bonita Springs, Florida

Inspiration for a patio remodel in Sydney

Inspiration for a landscaping in Central Coast.

The designer spent time crafting this home that aims to delight and charm, where whimsical elegance and clever details abound. The clients for this project wanted an accessible retirement home built for ease and one level living, but also built to entertain and enchant. The floor plan boasts all the amenities a discerning homeowner craves, with plenty of space for privacy as well as room to entertain. Through charming details and architectural romance, this home delivers on its promise of living happily ever after. A Grand ARDA for Working Drawings goes to LGA Studios Designers: Michelle D. Williams with Larry Gilland and Barbara Saville Designs From: Colorado Springs, Colorado