Counter height tables are mixed in with table height tables and both are utilizing stools to give a clean modern look to the exterior pool deck. The stamped concrete is a natural brown/grey tone to complement the stack stone columns and let the blue outdoor cabanas stand out

With a focus on simplicity, we have successfully converted this backyard into a versatile and functional space, utilizing a modular and contemporary paver design. By strategically placing architectural slabs within the lawn, we have established distinct outdoor rooms that cater to various activities, all within the convenience of a single backyard. The integration of rusted steel and concrete retaining walls not only levels the lawn but also optimizes the available space, providing ample room for the entire family to enjoy.

This Inner Suburban Cottage is located in Tighes Hill, Newcastle, formerly an industrial area but due to it's proximity to the city is now becoming popular with young families and professionals seeking the inner city lifestyle. The client brief was to replace a rundown two bedroom miners cottage with a modern home for a family of three children and two adults on a 320sqm corner block. The design solution delivered the main house containing open living, dining, kitchen, three bedrooms, main bathroom, laundry and double garage. The large parents retreat comprising of a combined spacious bedroom, lounge and sitting area, seperate kitchen and generous ensuite is located above the double garage, connects to the house via an internal stairway and features a separate entrance to enable the space to be utilised as self-contained guest lodging. The street front facade reflects the original miners cottage with weatherboards, front porch and skillion roof while beyond the street frontage, a stylish transition to finishes such as Colorbond Nail Strip cladding and timber paneling relfect the contemporary style of the young family. Passive solar design was incorporated with north-oriented living, dining, kitchen areas featuring polished concrete slab for thermal mass. Cross-ventilation has been incorporated into the design with strategic window placement throughout. The seamless transition from indoor living areas to covered outdoor entertaining area is achieved through the polished concrete slab continuing from indoors to outdoors, at one level and large sliding stacker doors with screens.

This bathroom presents a bold embrace of modern minimalism, utilizing a monochromatic color scheme that focuses on form and function. The wall-mounted toilet and sleek, matte black fixtures stand out against the textured concrete walls, offering a sophisticated urban look. Built-in shelves provide a practical storage solution, displaying a curated selection of bathroom essentials that adhere to the room's color palette and design ethos.

This custom metal gas fire pit utilizes natural Siloam stone boulders as seating. Photo by Roger Haywood
Photo of a large contemporary full sun and drought-tolerant backyard concrete paver landscaping in Denver with a fire pit for summer.

This project started with the design premise of maximizing the mountain view in combination with utilizing low maintenance and contrasting materials. Orr Concrete was selected as the builder due to technical and planned concrete work. A select grade of Pika-Pika with brown oil finish was chosen for good texture variety and to blend in with the setting.

The guest bath utilizes a floating single undermount sink vanity custom made from walnut with a white-washed grey oil finish. The Caesarstone Airy concrete countertop, with a single undermount Kohler sink, has a soft and textured finish. Lefroy Brooks wall-mounted XO faucet fixtures align precisely on the grey grout lines of the subway tile that faces the entire wall.

2018 HNA Awards Honorable Mention - Outdoor Living Features Contractor: Artisan Exteriors Producer: CST Pavers Designer: Joey Hafner Design: Slate pavers, in a rich Sierra Blend, coupled with Versa-Lok Standard wall units to create multiple outdoor living spaces; masterfully meeting the entertainment requirements of the homeowner. Pavers and wall units, through use of color and texture, provided both definition and an effortless flow – creating a true outdoor oasis. Quality of Construction and Craftsmanship: Expert workmanship is showcased in the precise paver and wall integration with the pool, spa and outdoor living features. Having a large entertainment space was a must for the homeowners, so the team carved out elevated areas to separate spaces for the pool deck, stage, spa and outdoor kitchen. Compatibility with Related Construction Materials and Systems: The pool and coping were in great condition but the existing aggregate concrete pool deck was dangerously damaged. Paver and wall units were selected to replace, complement and expand the outdoor living space. Curved steps, coming off the home’s morning room, were added for visual integration and a welcoming element. Construction Innovation: Vents and basement windows provided several obstacles to construction. To accommodate, designers opted to incorporate a raised patio on a pressure treated lumber frame and utilize the Silca System. To capitalize on the elevation, a portable spa was incorporated into the raised patio. Overall Excellence: What began as a refurbishment of an existing swimming pool; evolved into a total backyard transformation. Slate pavers and Versa-Lok wall units helped create an outdoor paradise for family and entertainment use with a new pool deck, raised fire pit, raised stage to host musicians, outdoor kitchen and more.

This ICF (Integrated Concrete Forms) cottage is based on Bob Chatham’s “Fairhope Green Home” design. The owners liked the design and floor plan of the Green Home cottage and Bob adapted the plans to meet their needs and lifestyle. The overall goal of the project was to build a house that was congruent with Fairhope's traditional cottage-style designs and was structurally certified to withstand a Category 5 Hurricane. The owners also wanted to incorporate the most energy efficient HVAC, lighting and appliances available in order to have a truly energy efficient home. Additional goals included utilizing repurposed and reclaimed materials and existing pine and pecan trees on the one-acre lot for outside and inside wood trim and shelving. The house has a 3 ton WaterFurnace Geothermal heat pump HVAC system, 10+ inches of Demilec soy based spray foam insulation in the roof.

This 5,000 square-foot project consisted of a new barn structure on a sloping waterfront property. The structure itself is tucked into the hillside to allow direct access to an upper level space by driveway. The forms and details of the barn are in keeping with the existing, century-old main residence, located down-slope, and adjacent to the water’s edge. The program included a lower-level three-bay garage, and an upper-level multi-use room both sporting polished concrete floors. Strong dedication to material quality and style provided the chance to introduce modern touches while maintaining the maturity of the site. Combining steel and timber framing brought the two styles together and offered the chance to utilize durable wood paneling on the interior and create an air-craft cable metal staircase linking the two levels. Whether using the space for work or play, this one-of-a-kind structure showcases all aspects of a personalized, functional barn. Photographer: MTA

Solus contemporary drinks ring accessory for the Hemi fire bowl shown here at Predator Ridge resort, BC, Canada. Hemi fire bowl available in sizes 26" 36" and 48" The Solus thin elegant profile adds an artistic architectural element to any outdoor space. At 16.5” ( 415mm ) tall, the fire bowl creates an instant gathering place, providing warmth and atmosphere for relaxed conversation, al fresco dining or having outdoor time with the family ( kids love it ! ). The standard Fire pit Hemi 36 is available with a natural gas/lp or bio fuel burner. We offer manual lit and electronic ignition which produces substantial heat for any outdoor space. Should it be a requirement for a residence, hotel or restaurant an additional glass protective shield can be ordered. The Firebowl Hemi 36 is available in 10 Solus High Performance Concrete colours. Solus has also designed a custom hardwood table top and all metal tops which can be utilized on those days that you need a table and not a roaring fire. An all weather cover custom fabricated for Solus is an option which greatly extends the warranty of all Solus fire pits.

Our client spared no expense on this beautiful project, using massive rock slab steps on both sides of the house leading to the expansive back yard. The front utilizes natural rock for accents, address rock, and raised planters. We also used concrete edge as well as imported a 20mm aggregate from a quarry in BC for the beds to better match the house. A large paver patio in the back is the foundation for the gas custom fire pit and a dry river bed at the low spot carries any sheet drainage out the back to the natural area outside the property.

2018 HNA Awards Honorable Mention - Concrete Paver - Commercial (size more than 15,000 sf) Contractor: B&D Contractors Inc. Producer: Keystone Hardscapes Designer: OJB Landscape Architects Once modest and tucked away off a dead end road, Levy Park received a revitalization to re-engage the local community. CityStone, Holland, Roman Cobble and Verona pavers were chosen in the design to help separate different areas of the park, add a sense of playfulness and accentuate natural features. The transformation included native landscaping, interactive water features, a dog park, garden, park pavilion and children’s play area. Pavers helped create and define each of these spaces through use of colors, shapes and inlay patterns. Variegated and whimsical paver patterns invoke a sense of spirited movement and fun. The use of multiple paver shapes, colors, and upgraded textures added depth and beauty to this cunningly conceived urban space, by accenting native grass areas and designating different park sections. The central grand walkways gracefully arc throughout the space with large plank style pavers, creating a modern boardwalk feel. Recognizing the park’s development history dating back to 1941, incorporating new design elements while maintaining original aspects was important to the redesign. The chosen pavers were able to integrate with the longstanding historical elements, while adding an artful refresh to the park. A local resident stated, “This is hands down the most gorgeous and well-designed park I’ve ever seen. I fell in love the second I stepped foot into it.” Through thoughtful design and paver choices utilizing different shapes, colors and textures, Levy Park is now a community hot spot.

This 5,000 square-foot project consisted of a new barn structure on a sloping waterfront property. The structure itself is tucked into the hillside to allow direct access to an upper level space by driveway. The forms and details of the barn are in keeping with the existing, century-old main residence, located down-slope, and adjacent to the water’s edge. The program included a lower-level three-bay garage, and an upper-level multi-use room both sporting polished concrete floors. Strong dedication to material quality and style provided the chance to introduce modern touches while maintaining the maturity of the site. Combining steel and timber framing brought the two styles together and offered the chance to utilize durable wood paneling on the interior and create an air-craft cable metal staircase linking the two levels. Whether using the space for work or play, this one-of-a-kind structure showcases all aspects of a personalized, functional barn. Photographer: MTA

This commercial tenant improvement was completed in 2016 for locally based international safe manufacturer and retailer. The improvements focused on representing the company’s deep local roots utilizing barnwood and other traditional materials while also representing its forward thinking vision with the creative use of metals, historical safes and polished concrete. Featuring reclaimed wood walls & trim, concrete floors, Zodiaq Astral Pearl, semi-private cubicles and reclaimed wood barn door. McCandless & Associates Architects Photography by: Farrell Scott

Our client hired us to renovate their yard that had an old patio that was installed incorrectly years previous. They wanted as maintenance free as possible but with a definite budget in mind. Lastly, they wanted to begin to grow a lot of vegetables at home and therefore wanted some raised cedar planters to suit their needs. We utilized rundle for the bedding areas and concrete edges for ease of maintaining the property in their retirement years. Great project!!

Mark Hoyle 2008 SC HBA Pinnacle Award Winner. home features a main and lower level symmetrical plan featuring outdoor living area with desires of capturing lake views. Upon entering this 6800 square foot residence a wall of glass shelves displaying pottery and sculpture greets guests as it visually separates the foyer from the dining room. Beyond you will notice the dual sided stone fireplace that extends 22 feet to the ceiling. It is intended to be the centerpiece to the home’s symmetrical form as it draws your eye to the clerestory windows that allow natural light to flood the grand living and dining space. The home also features a large screened porch that extends across the lakeside of the home. This porch is utilized for entertaining as well as acting as exterior connector for the interior spaces. The lower level, although spacious, creates a cozy atmosphere with stacked stone archways, stained concrete flooring, and a sunken media room. The views of the lake are captured from almost every room in the home with its unique form and layout.

Utilizing the same wall tiles for the sink backsplash and shower niche, we were able to tie in the design and overall zen feel of this bathroom.
Inspiration for a mid-sized brown tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and brown floor corner shower remodel in Los Angeles with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, an undermount sink, concrete countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Laguna Granite Stone utilized diamond abrasive tools to grind, polish and restore this terrazzo floor and applied a lithium silicate sealant to treat and protect the finished floor.