2017 HNA Awards - Combination of Hardscape Products - Residential - Size more than 4,000 sf Contractor: Darlington Designs Manufacturer: EP Henry Designer: Darlington Designs

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

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

This brownstone had been left vacant long enough that a large family of 40 cats had taken up residence. Designed in 1878 and fully gutted along the way, this diamond in the rough left an open shell with very little original detail. After gently re-homing the kitty interlopers, building up and out was the primary goal of the owner in order to maximize the buildable area of the lot. While many of the home’s historical features had been destroyed, the owner sought to retain these features where possible. Of the original grand staircase, only one piece, the newel post, could be salvaged and restored. A Grand ARDA for Renovation Design goes to Dixon Projects Design: Dixon Projects From: New York, New York

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

HNA Hardscape Project Award Winner Stark Residence Davey, Nebraska Paver Designs LLC The pool deck and entertainment area required three different levels, with several retaining walls to support each level. 72 LED ledge lights illuminate walls, columns and steps. Light colored pavers were used to minimize heat. The minimum base depth for this project was 12 inches with the pavers placed over bedding sand. The mosaic "Koi fish" were made using hollandstone pavers. A sealer was applied to the pavers to enrich their colors. The fish were selected by the homeowners from several sketches and the swirls were hand drawn with chalk until they were just right. They were then individually cut into the pool deck.

Minimalist exterior home photo

This sunny design aims to capture amazing views as well as every ray of sunlight throughout the day. Architectural accents of the past give this modern barn-inspired design a historical look and importance. Custom details enhance both the exterior and interior, giving this home real curb appeal. Decorative brackets and large windows surround the main entrance, welcoming friends and family to the handsome board and batten exterior, which also features a solid stone foundation, varying symmetrical roof lines with interesting pitches, trusses, and a charming cupola over the garage. An ARDA for Published Designs goes to Visbeen Architects, Inc. Designers: Visbeen Architects, Inc. with Vision Interiors by Visbeen From: East Grand Rapids, Michigan

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

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

With mature family buyers and empty-nesters in mind, this home has been inspired by an Italian lifestyle embodying the importance of family and friends. The exterior and the interior are tied together. The cottage elevation radiates a nostalgic charm and continues inside the home. The designers used a mood palette to create continuity making the home comfortable and relaxing. The interiors are designed to welcome family and friends with a warm atmosphere that transmits peace and serenity. A Grand ARDA for Model Home Design goes to Ashton Woods Designers: Centro Stile From: Roswell, Georgia

Andreas and Naomi Kunert of Ancient Art of Stone created the stone artwork “Memories Surround Me.” This unique, fully functioning natural stone fireplace created in their studio on Vancouver Island was delivered to the clients’ new home 450 miles away in Spokane, Washington. The completed 22' tall commission was delivered in two pieces on Christmas Eve as an anniversary gift to the client’s wife. The clients requested Kunert to design an artwork which captured the essence of their 50 years together and that filled the required space within the design of the great room while not overwhelming it. They wished the piece to represent their passion for fly fishing, their love of the movement and patterns in the waters, and the stones experienced, both large and small. Kunert envisioned and proposed a scale drawing, suggesting the artwork rise from the “still waters” of polished basalt, with sandstone blocks on either side carved into shorelines, creating the desired secret caverns for their use. This cradles a lifetime of stories and adventures that rise into the all-encompassing Fibonacci sequence of life, a swirl of stones. A hybrid concrete substructure supported the tons of stone being secured to it and then moved. It was then enveloped in sandstone blocks which were carved, adding a granite mantle and glacial erratics, ascending into an astonishingly complex pattern of Sacred Geometry. Giving movement to the stone was intensely challenging, yet imperative in giving the piece a feeling of lightness and spiritual grace. The final challenge was to lift the piece by crane from the low bed onto the foundation within the initial framing of the house, which was set within an exclusive residential neighborhood in sub-zero temperatures. Ancient Art of Stone was intimately involved in every aspect of the project. They designed the artwork, sourced the stone, created the commission in their studio, and delivered and oversaw the final installation into the client’s home.

Photo Credit: Maxwell MacKenzie Architectural Photographer
Patio - contemporary backyard patio idea in DC Metro

This design is a Gulf-side 2nd home in a historically designated area. The simple goals for the home are to create a small interior 3 bedroom 2 bath house, efficient in space and low on maintenance, while maximizing the exterior spaces. The more complicated goals include designing a house that can be open when occupied and closed when not as it is 300’ from the Gulf of Mexico and must be secure from storms. The clients requested that the house could be boarded up as part of the design. They wanted the house to look inviting even when it was closed for a storm. A Grand ARDA for Custom Home Design goes to emerymcclure architecture Designers: Michael McClure and Ursula Emery McClure with Sarah Young From: Lafayette, Louisiana

HNA Hardscape Project Award Winner Savageau Residence Omaha, Nebraska Paver Designs, LLC Paver Designs LLC developed a renovation plan of the patio and pool deck which was a mishmash of stamped concrete, concrete pavers, and clay pavers. A rotting cedar tie wall also needed to be replaced. A plan included a water/fire feature flowing into the pool, a grill/bar island, stone fire place, and a fire boulder. The homeowners concrete pavers and stone for the walls. Planters were cut into the walls to create character and soften the hardscape. A flowing inlay that connected the patio "nook" area to the pool deck was hand drawn onto the field with chalk. Once all agreed on the design, the pavers were cut and a sealer was used to differentiate colors to the inlay. LED uplights highlight the walls and fire features.

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.

Pool - pool idea in Central Coast

2018 HNA Awards Honorable Mention - Combination of Hardscape Products - Commercial Contractor: Monello Landscape Industries, LLC Producer: Techo-Bloc Designer: Joe Monello The design featured ADA compliant sensory gardens and bistro tables for the residents. Additionally, an outdoor kitchen with a television and audio and lighting system was installed. Monello also incorporated two water features and different textured pavers along with pergolas, seat walls and a custom company logo. The entire courtyard was installed to ICPI and NCMA guidelines. Monello also coordinated with multiple trades and specialists for their insight and knowledge of specific installation practices. Monello decided to incorporate two different pavers, smooth pavers for wheelchairs and textures pavers for designated areas (kitchens, seating areas, sensory gardens). Raised planters at ADA height, featuring a centered three core-drilled basalt stones. Includes inlay and a color-complimented border. The outdoor kitchen has a lowered granite section specifically for residents in wheelchairs. This section of the kitchen is also mirrored by the Techo Bloc Villagio paver border around this inlay. Additionally, the company extended the pergola runners to create more shade for the people sitting at the kitchen. This featured area of the courtyard is located under a massive pergola. The central water feature creates a serene sitting environment and serves as an oasis in the center of this enclosed courtyard complete with the sounds of running water, beautiful plantings, and complementing lights.

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. The 2017 Global Choice ARDA goes to Dixon Projects Designer: Dixon Projects From: New York, New York