Photo Credit: Maxwell MacKenzie Architectural Photographer
Trendy patio photo in DC Metro

2017 HNA Awards Winner - Segmental Retaining Walls - Residential Contractor: Hedge Landscape LLC Manufacturer: Reading Rock Designer: Hedge Landscape LLC

2018 HNA Awards Winner - Concrete Paver - Residential (size less than 3,000 sf) Contractor: Lindgren Landscape Producer: Belgard Designer: Tim Lindgren The objective was to create a landscape that would enhance the features of the home, while creating privacy and eliminating the multitude of neighborhood noises. A contemporary concrete slab water feature was designed to help reduce the neighborhood noise, and provide an amazing visual from their kitchen windows and doors. Concrete pavers lead the way to a large patio and elevated lounge covered by a custom built shade structure.

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 Lopez Outdoor Living Williamsburg, VA Mid Atlantic Enterprise, Inc. The main objective for this project was to turn this Disabled American Veteran’s useless, hilly backyard into a complete outdoor living destination. This meant created a functional place for the client’s needs while being an exciting place for his young family to play and entertain. A major challenge in this project was altering the terrain to suit the design plan. We had to clear-cut the entire backyard and remove over 3,000 cubic yards of earth. Severe drainage issues also had to be corrected before installing the hardscape. To accommodate the elevation changes of the property and to support the necessary ADA compliant ramp, we had to construct two walls. One wall serves as a freestanding and retaining wall specially constructed on a large concrete footer and reinforced with rebar and concrete. We built everything custom; a new deck and pergola to blend the home and hardscape. This included a fully functional outdoor kitchen to meet the entertaining requirements of the clients, a gunite pool & spa large enough to accommodate the client’s ever-growing family, two fire bowls and a fire pit to add the “wow” factor the clients sought. In addition, a shed was built to complement the home while providing much needed storage space. We installed a full landscape; which included five 25 ft Magnolia trees to provide instant privacy in place of the overgrown woody area that was removed. To provide safety at night, we completed the project with strategically placed landscape lighting.

Although this home appears to be a renovated farm house, it is actually new construction. The design concept behind this home was to capture the character and charm of a turn of the century home while providing the client with all the amenities of a modern home. The materials were selected to be period correct for an early 19th century farm house featuring 1/2 round gutters, actual field stone and board on board batten at the garage to create the authentic character of this home. A Grand ARDA for Custom Home Design goes to Studer Residential Designs, Inc. Designer: Paul Studer From: Cold Spring, Kentucky

Design ideas for a landscaping in Brisbane.

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Example of a transitional family room design in Phoenix

Art Institute of Chicago banner featuring Seurat adorns the wall of what this Illinois resident calls their "Four Seasons Room". Vertical wood paneled, tiled floor and lots of sunlight provide and excellent space for eating, reading or relaxing in any weather. Photo Credit: Nancy R.

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

2018 HNA Awards Winner - Combination of Hardscape Products - Commercial Contractor: C Vargas Construction LLC Producer(s): Belgard & Techo-Bloc Designer: C Vargas Construction LLC In the design, different materials and colors were used and also a combination of masonry work, natural stone, lighting, azek pergola and pavers. The different textures and shapes all come together to create a beautiful unique barn venue. The fireplace, fire pit and lights all give the venue a cozy charming atmosphere.

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Deck photo in Sydney

HNA Hardscape Project Award Winner Mahaz Project Sand Point, Michigan Esch Landscaping LLC This 3,300 square feet project was constructed on the beach of Lake Huron in Michigan. The house and landscape began on an empty lot between two homes using interlocking concrete pavers. The designer addressed elevations, proximity regulations with neighboring homes, and construction deadlines while working with clients living in another state. The owners required an outdoor kitchen, firepit, shower and sun bathing area, shade for comfort when entertaining guests and easy access to the beach. The hardscape team met challenges by coordinating and sharing space with the home construction crews. This project began in March so the wind and weather caused difficult working conditions with site facing the open water.

Boasting amazing city views, this secluded gem of a property was waiting for an exterior space of equal quality and imagination to accompany its prized outlook. 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. To fully maximize this new outdoor space, the pool was completely surrounded by a deck and a new penthouse entertainment area with kitchenette and bathroom, including a full shower. An ARDA for outdoor living design goes to Dixon Projects Designer: Dixon Projects From: New York, New York

Shake siding is used in whole house applications or as an accent, most commonly on gables and dormers. These profiles add distinction to a design and greatly enhance curb appeal. Because of the versatility of the technology, vinyl siding can comprehensively recreate a great variety of shingle profiles in this creative cladding type.

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

2017 HNA Awards Honorable Mention - Combination of Hardscape Products - Residential - Size less than 4,000 sf Contractor: Precision Landscapes Manufacturer: Belgard Designer: Precision Landscapes

The unique feature of this contemporary space is that the first floor area is designed to be a working office and the second floor is a balcony library. The second floor space contains large walls of books stored on milled book shelves and cabinetry matching that of the first floor. The large windows provide stunning views to a meticulously landscaped lake. An ARDA for indoor living goes to Studer Residential Designs, Inc. Designers: Paul Studer with Laurie Doughman From: Cold Spring, Kentucky