Award

C O M P A N Y P R O F I L E B E L G A R D A contemporary, custom outdoor living space is ideal for most homeowners. They want their outdoor spaces to reflect their personalities and complement their existing home style. The demand for more custom applications, however, can present challenges for contractors. Creating fully custom designs can involve many complexities, both from the design and installation perspectives. This can be on top of increased demand and workloads, causing added stress on teams. Fortunately, modular design and products are making it easier to create custom designs that make clients happy and cut down on installation time. "Modular design works off of common nominal sizing, which allows you to create intricate designs with more speed and precision," says Joe Raboine, Vice President of Design, Oldcastle APG. "You can pair various shapes and sizes together, creating custom patterns or blending different color palettes together. We've seen modularity in outdoor kitchens for several years now, but it has moved into all areas of outdoor design, bringing contractors and clients more flexibility." Simplifying Design and Application Modular pavers bring more ease to the design and installation processes, thanks to their innovative structure. Working off the common nominal sizing Raboine mentioned reduces the number of cuts needed to create custom patterns and designs. "Contractors have much more creative freedom working with modular hardscapes," says Raboine. "They can mix and match different shapes, like diamonds and parallelograms, to create visual interest and depth, or use the same shape in different color tones. The possibilities are nearly endless." Using modular products also can add a sense of cohesiveness across an outdoor space. Contractors can pair the same or similar pavers through- out for a linear appearance or use patterns and geometric shapes to distinguish different outdoor rooms. For a biophilic touch, grass, plants or artificial turf can be integrated to blend the use of pavers into the landscaping. While modular pavers offer several benefits, the reduction in installation time is the most significant for contractors and homeowners alike. "Having the ability to save time on the jobsite means contractors and crews can complete one project sooner and move on to the next, increasing their ability to take on more work," adds Raboine. "For homeowners, this means less interruption to their daily life and activities, and they get to enjoy their new outdoor living area sooner." Adding Dimension Through Product Selection Belgard has been at the forefront of modular paver design, introducing products that can be used for a variety of hardscape applications. The new Origins and Dimensions paver lines offer contemporary design options while reducing installation time. "Origins and Dimensions are two of the latest additions to our line of modular concrete pavers," says Raboine. "We created these products to give contractors and homeowners more options in terms of both style and versatility. Each one has its own unique, contemporary look that can be used on its own or paired for a beautiful effect." Origins is part of Belgard's Natural Collection and mimics the look of natural stone. This three-piece system with accent pieces is cut on uniform dimensions, making installation faster and more convenient. With multiple color options in both warm and cool tones, Origins pairs well with any exte- rior home style. Dimensions is defined by its clean lines and smooth texture. Part of the Metropolitan Collection from Belgard, it's the perfect complement to modern design styles and comes in several warm and cool-toned colors. Because of the uniform dimensions, Dimensions pavers are compatible with the Origins line, allowing for more creative patterns. "Modularity is all about maximizing efficiency and enhancing creativity," says Raboine. "The design process should be enjoyable for contractors and their clients, and modular hardscapes allow you to have more fun with the concepts. Products like Origins and Dimensions let you get more per- sonalized without compromising on time or budget." Improving Functionality for Everyday Living Functionality is a top priority in outdoor living today. Modular design allows for increased customization without added time, meaning contractors can meet client expectations more easily. Modular design also makes it easier to insert additional features that enhance overall functionality. The ease of design and quicker installation allow for focus on added features, such as lighting, shade structures or sound equipment. Modular hardscapes also can be used to construct pieces like built-in benches, maximizing comfort and convenience. CONTEMPORARY HARDSCAPE DESIGN WITH MODULAR MATERIALS How modularity enhances creativity and simplifies installation

• Cover