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C O M P A N Y P R O F I L E B E L G A R D I t's no secret that homeowners have been in a unique situation over the past few years. Keeping up with the waves of a volatile economy can be tricky, especially in today's current condition, where interest rates have continued to rise. With many people staying in their homes longer than expected, we see a new burst of creativity. Homeowners are making the best of their situation and creating beautiful, lasting spaces they can enjoy. Maximize Space and Create Privacy with Rooms Taking advantage of the property beyond the four walls of a home is grow- ing in popularity due to this shift in consumer behavior. Investing in your outdoor space can add tremendous value to your home long-term and provide a sense of happiness and relaxation. Think about what you can do outside that you commonly would do inside. Maybe an outdoor office or workout/yoga area would bring joy to the backyard. To maximize space, it's essential to be intentional with each ele- ment. Can an outdoor dining table double as an office space, or can a wall double as seating? Belgard Artforms™ is a large- format modular panel system that can create various shapes and elements. Contractors can use Artforms to build seating, grill areas, fire features, and more. With a product that is so versatile, it can help establish a cohesive aesthetic. Creating spaces outside of the home does not mean you have to sacrifice privacy. Screening panels and shade structures are just two ways you can separate space and build a mini escape. Accents such as water features and wind chimes can mask intrusive noise, eliminate awkward silence, and make the area feel homier. Belgard's unique planning tool, Rooms, takes the hard work out of devel- oping these unique spaces. The tool offers a curated bank of trending outdoor living designs for homeowners to select and customize their space. You can even use the Augmented Reality (AR) feature to download existing plans and project them into your backyard space with the help of a mobile phone or tablet. Connect with Nature Through Biophilic Design A part of shifting the mindset of creativity in the backyard is thinking through how to make the most of the resources available. Including biophilic design elements in your spaces can lead to improved physical, mental and spiritual health. "The benefits of biophilic design are not new, but in recent years, this trend has been resurgent, and people have become more aware and appreciative of the importance of a well-crafted outdoor space that serves as a respite from the world's distractions," says Joe Raboine, VP of Design at Oldcastle APG. "Integrating biophilic elements into your backyard design is much simpler than one might think. Gardens are a great way to mix nature into the space or by including materials reminiscent of earth tones such as Belgard's new product, Papyrus." Reminiscent of handmade textiles or dried earth, Papyrus embodies bio- philic design. This paver looks natural and seamlessly blends into a space, simplifying the design process. Whether you're creating a welcoming patio or a pathway in your garden, Papyrus infuses your design with the sur- rounding landscaping. Papyrus is the perfect solution for those looking for a hardscape to include or elevate their biophilic design. Pollinator or food gardens, stormwater captures, native planting, zero- scaping and permeable pavers are a few ways homeowners can explore eco-friendly and natural features in their space. More people are valuing simplicity, sustainability and a balanced lifestyle. Such elements require fewer resources, are more natural to maintain, and can even be a fun and easy way to spend time outside. Add Accessories to Level Up Your Space When investing in your space, you want to consider all the elements that could enhance usability and make it effortless. You can make any out- door living space smarter with landscape lighting and built-in electrical. Adding outlets allows you to plug in devices to work or entertain outdoors. Landscape lighting can be energy efficient and controlled with mobile apps, allowing the homeowner to control the color and hue of lighting and optimize electricity usage. Whether the space is for working, relaxing, cooking, exercising, or carrying out everyday activities, outdoor lighting and access to electricity expand the use of the space and allow homeowners to make it truly functional. Another fun accessory to consider when investing in the functionality of your space is an outdoor shower. Whether you have a pool, live at the beach, or regularly spend time outdoors with your family, outdoor showers made with hardscapes are durable and can offer a variety of styles to add to the design of the space aesthetically. Specifically, permeable pavers are a top selection for outdoor showers as they mimic how natural land absorbs the water, which has numerous benefits for the home- owner and the community. Rely on Experts Belgard products are designed to be cutting-edge and stand the test of time. Products like Papyrus and Artforms lend themselves to these current trends but hold a timeless quality and are an excellent investment when it comes time to sell. GETTING CREATIVE WITH YOUR OUTDOOR SPACES How to make the most of your backyard leading into 2024

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