Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/523530
StackWall StoneHenge from Abbotsford Concrete Products. J UNE 2015 | 25 Landscape Products Hardscaping products add beauty to outdoor design. by STACEY MCLACHLAN The Great Outdoors A desire by homeowners to take advantage of their patios, backyards and decks has led to smart designs and hardscaping products being created with enter- taining in mind. "People are interested in creating outdoor living spaces, including outdoor kitchens," notes Anders Danielson, technical sales representative for Abbotsford Concrete Products. Rob Hughes, technical sales representative for Basalite Concrete Products, agrees: "Outdoor living is the buzz phrase these days. People want to build outdoor kitchens and outdoor patio areas." Pergolas or overhangs are usually installed to protect these custom spaces from the elements, which makes it possible to enjoy these spaces year round. "Outdoor living areas extend a home's kitchen and entertainment spaces," explains Kathy Granger, marketing director for Keystone Retaining Wall Systems. "These spaces add value to homeowner's lifestyle and property value: a win-win." In particular, Granger notes that there's a high demand for fire pits and fireplaces, grill stations and kitchens, as well as installed benches and seating. Keystone has designed a number of outdoor living structures to simplify the creation of these backyard environments. Solus Decor's Brad Carpenter points out that the outdoor living room concept is only now becoming common in Europe, where Solus is opening up a new showroom. "They are some years behind North America when it comes to maximizing the use of their outdoor space." And it's not just single-family homes that are getting in on the outdoor living trend. Basalite's Hughes notes that developers are often incorporating shared out- door spaces in multi-unit projects as well. "Amenity areas in new or existing condo sites are putting in outdoor kitchens – kids are playing in the playground, parents are fixing lunch right there." P AV I N G T H E WAY Modern is the look right now for both indoor and outdoor spaces. "The recent trend towards straight lines appears to hold true – simple clean lines in benches, pav- ers and retaining wall coping, as well as large cubic planters with straight clean edges," says Jan Arntorp, president of Sanderson Concrete. So it's no surprise that Sanderson's big seller is its line of large, oversized, rectilinear slabs, available in 36 and 48 inches. But even bigger pieces are common for larger landscape projects: "We're seeing architects pass over the traditional paving stone materials such as interlocking pavers or patio slabs in favour of unique custom sizes and patterns." Concrete is well-suited for this type of custom design. "Architects are designing multi-family and public spaces with leisure activities in mind, and frequently turn to concrete as a durable and functional material to achieve their vision," says Arntorp. "Many of our standard products have been modified by local designers to fit their needs." Because concrete is a liquid material, it's easy to change elements like colour, size, shape and texture during the manufacturing process. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY ABBOTSFORD CONCRETE PRODUCTS