Project Highlight Part 2: Backyard Oasis for Post-pandemic Enjoyment

This is a two-part blog discussing the different outdoor living elements of this project. If you missed last week’s part one, click here.

I’m absolutely in love with this outdoor living project, which Southern Exposure Landscape Management* installed. It incorporates so many popular outdoor living design elements that are ideal for total backyard enjoyment.

In this second part, I’ll share about their new firepit, plantings, and outdoor lighting.

Enjoy and Stay Warm Around an Open Firepit

Whether it is for roasting marshmallows, staying warm on a cool fall North Carolina evening, or sitting and watching mesmerizing flames, a firepit provides all those opportunities for families.

When combined with a relaxing seating area, like in this project, a fire pit is a great setting for enjoying family time or entertaining friends. Can you imagine sipping a glass of wine while listening to the crackling fire?

This firepit has a boulder border and pea gravel floor. Both materials create a quaint and stunning fire pit area. There is an abundance of materials available to build fire pits. So, if this look doesn’t match your backyard, then do not worry…  at Hawkins Landscape Architecture we partner closely with all clients to ensure they get the outdoor oasis they are dreaming of building.

What is a Backyard Oasis without Plants?

Choosing the right plants for your backyard oasis is equally as important as choosing the right outdoor living elements! You want plants that you love looking at and match the feel and ambiance of your yard and house.

For this project, it included all new plantings. A few plants selected for this backyard project include:

·       Distylium Vintage Jade

·       Cypress Dwarf Hinoki

·       Butterfly Bush Lo and Behold

·       Camellia Sasanqua

The sky really is the limit when it comes to picking plants for your outdoor living space. We will work closely with you to choose plants you love looking at and are just the right maintenance level for you.

Let There be Light

This project utilized low voltage lighting. Southern Lights designed and installed all this amazing low voltage lighting. I love working with this company and highly recommend them.

It is one of the more common landscape lighting choices due to its many benefits. A few advantages of low voltage lighting are:

·       Improves ambiance during twilight or evening hours.

·       Provides visual security for an outdoor space.

·       Is more energy-efficient choice.

·       Utilizes less energy, meaning a lower power bill.

·       Less likely to overheat.

·       Run longer and endure a longer lifespan.

·       Flexibility to use anywhere in your outdoor space.

Dreaming up Your Very Own Backyard Oasis?

Don’t wait any longer to create the backyard oasis of your dreams! Call Hawkins Landscape Architecture today at 336-848-7164 to get started on your very own amazing project!

At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, I always work closely with every client to create their dream backyard. Additionally, my 3D landscape design allows clients to actually see what the new space will look like on their property before construction begins.

Head over and like my Instagram page for photos and inspiration on all things outdoor living and landscaping!

*All photos by Southern Exposure Landscape Management

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Project Highlight Part 1: Backyard Oasis for Post-pandemic Enjoyment

This is a two-part blog discussing the different outdoor living elements of this project.

I’m excited to share this two-part blog showcasing one of my latest projects, which Southern Exposure Landscape Management* installed. This amazing outdoor living project incorporates so many popular design elements that are perfect for total backyard enjoyment.

In this first part, I’ll share about their new porch and outdoor kitchen. Don’t miss my next blog showcasing the firepit, plantings, and outdoor lighting.

Ultimate Outdoor Living Space

This project utilized a covered porch and uncovered patio area to create the ultimate outdoor living area right outside their back door.

For the covered area with the outdoor kitchen and fireplace, the design utilized dramatic volume ceilings with heavy molding. Throughout the design are stones with a Smokey Mountain veneer. The floor is a lavish and durable tile.

Just outside the covered area, is a patio with numerous comfortable seating options. The patio flooring consists of gorgeous Belgard Mega Arbel pavers. Whereas the walls are Belgard Celtik wall blocks. Overall, these materials create a seamless and stunning look on the patio.

Outdoor Kitchen with All the Bells & Whistles

The outdoor kitchen in this project had all the top and most amazing features in it. Major elements included:

·       Pizza oven

·       Grill

·       Smoker

·       Attached bar

·       Island with sink & seating

·       Refrigerator

·       Storage areas

It is truly a space where both meals and memories will be made!

Custom Stone Fireplace with Comfortable Seating Area

In addition to the impressive and all-inclusive outdoor kitchen, another aspect of the covered porch area is the custom stone fireplace and seating area. On each side of the fireplace are log holders for easy access to wood but remains aesthetically pleasing. Above the fireplace is a mounted TV screen for enjoying movies, games, and TV shows. The seating includes comfortable chairs and a couch.

Ready to Create Your Own Dream Outdoor Oasis?

At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, I partner closely with every single client to ensure they have their dream backyard. Plus, my 3D landscape design allows clients to see what the area will look like on their property before construction even starts.

Why wait any longer to create your ideal outdoor living space? Call me today at 336-848-7164 to get started! Be sure to follow my Instagram page for photos and inspiration on all things outdoor living! Don’t forget to check out my next blog to see the rest of this amazing outdoor living project!

*All photos by Southern Exposure Landscape Management

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Outdoor Kitchens – Bring your Cooking and Entertaining Outdoors

Imagine not only enjoying a meal outside but cooking that entire meal outside as well. This dream is all made possible with an outdoor kitchen. From a griddle to a refrigerator and everything in between, an outdoor kitchen truly allows family and friends to cook and dine al fresco!

In today’s blog, I will cover all the various components of an outdoor kitchen. There are so many factors to consider when designing and building an outdoor kitchen and I want to ensure you know all your options.

At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, my 3D landscape design allows clients to see what an outdoor kitchen will look like in their backyard. It also gives them an idea of spacing of various outdoor kitchen components. This state-of-the-art technology is the perfect way to visualize what your yard will look like with your brand-new outdoor kitchen!

Ready, set, grill!

Components of an Outdoor Kitchen

There are many options available for outdoor kitchens today. This means the sky is the limit when designing them and you can create a dream kitchen right in your backyard.

Here are the main components of an outdoor kitchen:

·       Grills

·       Smokers

·       Pizza Ovens

·       Griddles

·       Refrigerators

·       Sinks

·       Kegerator or Drink Stations

·       Storage

·       Attached Bar Areas for Serving

Within each of the above components, there are an abundance of options available. Keep in mind you do not need to have all these components. You can pick and choose which items best work for you and your family’s needs.

Grills

When deciding on a grill for your outdoor kitchen you will need to contemplate the following factors.

·       Brand

·       Size

·       Type

There are so many brands of grills on the market today. I highly recommend you do your research to see which fits within your budget and fits your needs. A few popular brands include:

·       Blaze

·       Vermont Castings

·       KitchenAid

·       Weber

Most grills range in size from 200 to 600 square inches total. This would include not only the grill/cook surface, but the shelving on the side and areas below. Here is a great article on deciding on the perfect grill size for your outdoor kitchen.

The final factor to determine is the type of grill. Below are the four popular types of grills.

·       Charcoal

·       Gas

·       Pellet

·       Electric

Smokers

In North Carolina, BBQ is a must! That means smokers are extremely popular options for outdoor kitchens around here. Similar to grills, there are various types of smokers that include charcoal, gas, pellet, and electric. Some popular smoker brands are:

·       Masterbuilt

·       Traeger

·       Cuisinart

Pizza Ovens

Pizza always tastes best when it comes out of a pizza oven. That is why pizza ovens are growing in popularity for outdoor kitchens. Wood-fired pizza ovens tend to be the most known. However, within those are sub-types, such as, barrel vault ovens or Napoletana ovens.

Griddles

Unlike grills listed above, griddles offer a flat cooking surface instead of ones with parallel or lattice bars on the cooking surface. This means it is much easier to cook and clean almost anything on a griddle vs. a grill. In addition to common grill out food, many people enjoy cooking stir fry, hibachi, seared and sauteed ingredients for fajitas, bacon, and pancakes. A few popular griddle brands include:

·       Blackstone

·       Pit Boss

Refrigerators

Who wants to constantly go in and out of the house for ingredients while grilling or cooking outside? Save yourself the time and energy by adding a refrigerator into your outdoor kitchen. Not to mention you can keep your beverages cool in there and simply grab one while you are cooking or dining outside. Outdoor refrigerators come in a variety of sizes and are built to withstand the elements. Learn a little more about what to look for in selecting an outdoor refrigerator in this article.  

Sinks

A sink in your outdoor kitchen makes meal prep and clean up very easy! Stainless steel tends to be the most common material for outdoor sinks; however, stone sinks are also rising in popularity. Stone sinks tend to be made from soapstone, granite, or marble. Regardless of what material you choose, it makes the perfect addition to an outdoor kitchen.

Kegerator or Drink Stations

Unlike indoor kegerators, outdoor kegerators must prove their durability since it can get hot or cold outside depending on the time of year. A few options to consider when choosing an outdoor kegerator:

·       Single-tap vs. double-tap

·       Size

·       Class – luxury, premium, or standard

Another popular drink station choice for outdoor kitchens are outdoor wine coolers. These are perfect when you are entertaining multiple guests or throwing a party.

Storage

Just like an indoor kitchen, you will want storage in an outdoor kitchen. You need to plan to keep utensils, cooking tools, plates, cups, etc. outside if you do not want to make a ton of trips back and forth between inside your house and outside.

Attached Bar Areas for Serving

Last, but certainly not least, to consider is adding an attached bar area for serving. Adding this option into your outdoor kitchen makes serving family and guests so simple. It requires less effort for the cook and host.

Let Hawkins Landscape Architecture Design Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen

Is your mouth watering thinking about all the amazing meals you can make in your very own outdoor kitchen? Catch up to your senses and get started on building your dream outdoor kitchen today by calling me at 336-848-7164. I partner closely with all my clients to design landscaping elements they love and will enjoy for many years!

Follow my Instagram page for photos and inspiration on outdoor kitchens and any outdoor living element!

Landscape Structures: Part 4 – Picture-perfect Porches

This is part four of four in a series on landscape structures. Part four covers porches.

If you missed the other three parts of this series on landscape structures they covered pergolas, gazebos & sheds, and decks. Today’s blog discusses our last landscape structure… porches.

Porches are steadily increasing in popularity among homeowners due to their many benefits, extension of your outdoor living space, flexibility in design options, and comfort. There are so many different styles of porches that the sky really is the limit when it comes to porch design and materials! Enclosed porches are all the rage right now as they allow people to enjoy the outdoors for all seasons.

In my latest blog below, I discuss the advantages of porches and popular styles and design choices.

Advantages of Porches

Porches provide homeowners with numerous benefits. Here are a few advantages they offer:

·       Creates outdoor space away from the elements

·       Keeps bugs out (enclosed porches only)

·       Increases house’s square footage available

·       Raises home value

·       Provides many possibilities for entertaining

·       Adds a lavish charm to your outdoor living space

Porch Design Options

One important building aspect to consider in your porch design is the ceiling. Two popular choices are:

1.       Tongue and groove ceiling

2.       Volume ceiling

A tongue and groove ceiling is a popular choice. It is simple yet provides a classic look. Most people love that it provides a natural look. Additionally, some homeowners decide to stain or paint the ceiling to create a color that matches their color scheme for the porch.

In contrast, a volume ceiling is a taller ceiling for those wanting more height on their porch. The effect is much more dramatic with the volume ceiling and the beams can be decorative, adding to the charm of this option. This is the perfect choice for homeowners that are adding a full outdoor kitchen with a custom fireplace or pizza oven.

Another consideration related to porch ceilings is adding a ceiling fan. A fan is popular in the south as it is a great way to add a breeze and cool off those sitting on the porch.

Latest Trend in Porches – EZE BREEZE doors!

One of the newest trends in porches are ‘EZE BREEZE’ doors. These are a porch enclosure system that allows the space to be totally enclosed or totally open air. Homeowners love this simple, yet high-quality product and the flexibility it allows for porch designs.

Why Wait to Create a Porch the Entire Family Will Love?

If you have been dreaming of having the perfect porch, then do not wait any longer. Give me a call today at 336-848-7164 or complete this simple contact form to get started. We will discuss all your needs and budget so I can carefully design a porch your entire family will love spending time on. Be sure to visit my Instagram page for porch inspiration and other fun landscaping tips!

At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, I partner with every client to ensure they have a porch design they love, that fits within their budget. I want to ensure this outdoor living element is one they feel comfortable enjoying for many years to come. My 3D designs help my clients visualize what the porch or any landscape feature would look like on their property. It is the ideal way to see a project before construction even begins or to make any last-minute adjustments.

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Landscape Structures: Part 3 – Decks are the Cornerstone for Your Outdoor Oasis

This is part three of four in a series on landscape structures. Part three covers decks.

Decks are a comfortable spot to enjoy nature at home. They are an ideal locale for reading a book, relaxing with family, entertaining friends, and simply taking in the ambiance Mother Nature has to offer.

There are three major types of deck building projects. Those are building a new deck, renovating an existing deck, or adding a full ceiling system underneath a deck to allow the area beneath to become dry outdoor living space.

At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, I work closely with clients to determine their needs and budgets. This way I can help design the ultimate outdoor living space that often includes decks. My comprehensive landscape design includes placement of any landscape structures, such as decks, for an ultimate aesthetic appeal. Best of all, clients that utilize my 3D designs get to see what their deck will look like before construction even takes place!

In my latest blog below, I discuss the advantages of decks, materials, and numerous design ideas.

Benefits of Decks

These landscape structures provide so many wonderful advantages to homeowners. A few most noteworthy benefits include:

·       Increases home value

·       Expands house’s square footage

·       Provides endless entertainment possibilities

·       Creates luxurious aesthetic appeal to yard

Common Deck Building Materials

Today, there are so many options for what materials you can use to build your deck. On top of that, there are also many stains in some materials allowing for a variety of colors. As part of the design process with Hawkins Landscape Architecture, we will discuss the various materials available, what they will look like, and how they fit into your budget.

Five popular deck materials are:

1.       Pressure-treated lumber

2.       Cedar

3.       Redwood

4.       Composite

5.       Ipe

Below I go into a little more detail on each material’s pros and cons.

Pressure-treated lumber

Advantages: Lower cost and chemically treated to withstand mold, rot, and insect damage.

Disadvantages: Higher maintenance and tends to warp or crack over time.

Cedar

Advantages: Most inexpensive among the natural wood options, beautiful natural wood appearance, and long lifespan.

Disadvantages: More expensive than non-natural wood options and requires annual power washing and a coat finish every three to four years.

Redwood

Advantages: Long lifespan, beautiful natural wood appearance, durable, and often naturally rot-resistant.

Disadvantages: Expensive, harder to get on the East Coast, and requires annual power washing and a coat finish every three to four years.

Composite

Advantages: Low-maintenance, available in huge selection of colors and textures, and withstands rotting and insect damage.

Disadvantages: Damp spaces can attract mold and depending on the company and selection can be expensive.

Ipe (one of the more popular tropical hardwoods)

Advantages: Durable, naturally resistant to rot and insect damage, sleek and beautiful natural wood appearance, and long lifespan.

Disadvantages: Must be sealed every year, expensive, and not great option to stain or finish.

When selecting a deck material, it is important to factor in cost, maintenance, and what it will be used for. These variables will direct you to which deck material looks great, but also fits within your budget and needs.

Deck Design Ideas

A deck is not simply a space to sit outside, it provides the opportunity to create an outdoor living space you and your family will enjoy for years to come. Below are a few fun ideas to add to your deck!

·       Hot tub

·       Built-in seats

·       Plants

·       Garden

·       Shade sails

·       Lighting

·       Patio furniture

·       Fire pits (Read this great article on the do’s and don’ts for fire pits on wood decks!)

Let Me Help You Create Your Dream Deck Today!

Why wait any longer to build the deck of your dreams for your family to enjoy? Get started today by giving me a call at 336-848-7164 or completing this contact form. I look forward to patenting with you to create an outdoor living space you adore!

Check my Instagram page for inspiration and ideas for all things landscaping! Don’t miss the fourth and final blog in this landscape structures series. It will cover porches.

Landscape Structures: Part 2 – Luxurious Gazebos and Quaint Sheds

This is part two of four in a series on landscape structures. Part two covers gazebos and sheds.

Gazebos and sheds are all the rage in landscape design right now. Both provide great benefits to homeowners and offer an abundance of design options. At Hawkins Landscape Design, we partner with our clients to discuss their needs and budgets and provide a comprehensive landscape design. This includes placement of any landscape structures, including a gazebo or shed, for an overall outdoor living design they will love for many years.

I love that these landscape structures provide either ambiance or refuge for my clients. They are fun to place in a landscape design and pair perfectly with so many other landscape features. Learn more about these unique and cool landscape structures in my blog below.

Gazebos

One of the features of gazebos that provides the most benefit to homeowners is there seemingly unlimited uses. Here are some popular ways to utilize a gazebo:

·       Shaded area

·       Reading nook

·       Poolside lounge space

·       Garden

·       Outdoor kitchen

·       Exercise or yoga destination

·       Hot tub

·       Entertaining space

These are only a few of the ways homeowners could use a gazebo. Since it has a cover and is flexible in design and size, the possibilities are endless. It protects against the sun’s harsh rays and the downpours that often occur in North Carolina. They are a great place to enjoy the outdoors but stay dry no matter the weather.

Common Materials Used for Gazebos

When it comes to the sides and roof of the gazebo there are numerous options to choose from for materials. We will discuss your needs and budgets, and help you decide on a material(s) you will like and will look stunning on the finished structure.

Below are a few common materials used in gazebos:

·       Wood – there are many options within this category, like pressure treated lumber or cedar wood

·       Aluminum

·       Steel

·       Canvas

·       Bamboo

·       Wrought iron

·       Brick

·       Stone

It is important to consider what the gazebo will be used for, climate, and price when deciding upon materials for your gazebo. You will want something that looks the way you want but fits within your budget.

Sheds

One landscape structure that has been around awhile but has recently rose in popularity due to changes in uses are sheds. Only a few years ago, sheds were mostly used for storage or maintenance. Recently, sheds have increased in popularity to do new uses for the space. The most common is the ‘she shed’, which has numerous uses. A few ways to utilize a she shed are:

·       Home office

·       Recreation room

·       Home gym

·       Private spa

·       Hang out destination

·       Crafting space

This stand-alone structure has unlimited design possibilities. It can even look almost like a mini house from the outside, complete with a front patio and columns (as pictured here).

At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, we will discuss all your needs and desires for your shed to ensure you have one that you absolutely adore looking at and using!

If you are looking at a prefabricated shed, it can be sited on your property on my masterplan. However, custom gazebos and sheds need to be designed by a licensed architect and constructed by a general contractor.

See Designs Come to Life with Our 3D Landscape Design

Our amazing 3D Landscape Design is extremely popular among clients as it allows them to truly see what the gazebo or shed will look like right in their yard. It is a great way to make tweaks so you know exactly what you are getting ready to build. Our clients love that they can see first-hand how their landscape structure will look.

Create Your Dream Gazebo or Shed Today!

Do not wait any longer to create a space you cannot live without in your yard. We will work closely with you during the entire design process to ensure you have a gazebo or shed you love. Call us today at 336-848-7164 or complete our simple contact form. We cannot wait to help get you into an outdoor living space you love!

Looking for ideas or inspiration now? Check my Instagram page to see some of my other landscape structures projects!

Landscape Structures: Part 1 – Everything to Know About Pergolas

Photo by: Mike Micchiche

This is part one of four in a series on landscape structures. Part one covers the ever-popular pergolas.

Pergolas are a great way to create shade and build ambiance in your backyard. We increasingly receive more and more requests from clients who want to add a pergola to their existing landscape design or add one into a new design. These unique structures date back to the mid-1600’s in Europe and were commonly used in gardens.

If you have always dreamed of having a romantic pergola in your backyard, then I can help you make that dream a reality! I love designing gorgeous pergolas for my clients and work closely with them to design one they love. We will discuss everything from materials to size to shape of the pergola in our consultation to ensure it is not only the pergola you are dreaming of, but one that fits within your budget.

Pergolas Provide Numerous Benefits to Homeowners

This stunning landscape structure provides so many advantages to homeowners. Here are some of the top advantages of building a pergola in your backyard.

·       Creates shade

·       Increases home’s value

·       Builds ambiance

·       Extends living space

·       Enhances privacy

·       Provides place to hang plants, shades, or curtains

These are only some of the many advantages to building a pergola. Another great benefit is the many ways to utilize a pergola.

Ideas to Utilize a Pergola

Pergolas can be used in so many ways. They are not merely a landscape structure, but a way to build an outdoor living space and something unique to your yard. Below are a few ideas to get you started.

·       Walkways

·       Sitting area

·       Grilling spot

·       Shaded poolside break area

·       Garden location

·       Entertainment destination

·       Reading nook

They sky is really the limit when it comes to how you use your pergola. How you use your pergola will play an important role in the design of the structure. For example, if you are wanting to enjoy the stars you will want to place it somewhere where the night’s sky view is unobstructed by trees or the house. However, if you are wanting one for shade, then it is better to put it closer to trees or the house for optimal shading.

Speaking of limitless, one of the best parts about pergolas are they are completely customizable.

Complete Customization with Pergolas

Homeowners love the variety a pergola provides them when it comes to design. There are three major areas of focus in designing pergolas. Those are:

1.       Size

2.       Style

3.       Material

Size

We can design a pergola in about any size you would like! If you have a smaller backyard, then a smaller pergola is usually best. However, if you have more space then you might want to consider expanding to a larger, more robust pergola.

Style

While many pergolas have a similar look, there are a variety of style choices when designing and building one. They can have just one row of timbers or panels across the top. Or they can have multiple ones in different directions which create a square design across the top. We will work closely with you to decide a style, so the final design is exactly what you envisioned.

Material

A final, but particularly important, design aspect of pergolas is deciding on the right material. You will want a material that you not only love how it looks but are comfortable maintaining as needed for that specific type of material.

The four most common pergola materials are:

1.       Pressure-treated lumber

2.       Cedar wood

3.       Vinyl

4.       Trex

Pressure-Treated Lumber

One of the biggest pros of pressure-treated lumber is it is usually the least expensive material. Additionally, this material has a good lifespan. However, it does require staining every four to five years. Another con of this material is it tends to warp and crack over time.

Cedar Wood

The most popular cedar wood tends to be Western Red Cedar. But there are other options available. A big advantage of cedar wood is it is naturally insect resistant. Plus, it is beautiful as is, without the need to stain it. A final pro is it has a long lifespan as well. The most common con of this material is it is more expensive.

Vinyl

This material requires extremely limited maintenance, which is its biggest advantage. However, it is not a material that is easy to paint over, so that means there are not many color choices. 

Trex

This composite material is blend of plastic film and wood fibers. It requires virtually no maintenance other than occasionally pressure washing. Another advantage is the fact that it is a weather-resistant material. One con is it tends to cost more than other materials. Additionally, most homeowners think it does not have the desired beauty of other materials, like natural wood.

See Your Landscape Structure Come to Life with 3D Designs!

Our clients love our 3D Landscape Design as it allows them to see first-hand how their landscape structure will look on their property. Are you ready to see your very own pergola come to life with our 3D Designs? Get started today by giving us a call at 336-848-7164. You can also complete our simple contact form and we will be in touch soon. We look forward to helping you create the perfect pergola!

Be sure to follow my Instagram page to see some of my landscaping projects and design inspiration!

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Luxurious Fiberglass Pools and Spas Provide Numerous Benefits

Are you dreaming about enjoying the perfect pool in your background with friends and family? At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, we can design your vision with every detail you desire to help you bring this amazing outdoor space to life. There are so many benefits of fiberglass pools, which we discuss in detail in our latest blog. When you add on a spa, there are even more benefits at your disposal. We also share the many landscaping options to consider when you are adding a pool and spa to your backyard.  

My goal is always to provide a finished design that my clients love and will enjoy in their backyard for years to come. Pools and spas are luxuries that I absolutely love designing. There are truly so many design options available. I work closely with every single client to ensure the final design is exactly what they are looking for in their backyard.

Are you ready to dive into all the wonderful benefits a pool and spa provide you and your family?

Fiberglass Pools – Endless Benefits

Fiberglass pools are one of the options when you are considering adding a long-term pool in your backyard. They offer numerous advantages, which include:

·       Lower life-time cost

·       Less maintenance required

·       Shorter install time

·       Smooth interior surface

·       Extremely durable

·       Resistant to saltwater damage

·       Doesn’t impact water’s pH level

·       Algae-resistant gelcoat

·       Less electricity & chemicals required

These are only a few of the benefits of choosing a fiberglass pool. We can discuss those in length in your consultation.

Recommended Fiberglass Pool Brands

At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, we will work closely with you and your contractors to ensure you end up with a pool you love and are able to maintain. We do have a few fiberglass pools we highly recommend to our clients. Those are:

·       San Juan Pools

·       Blue Hawaiian Pools

·       Viking Pools

Spas Provide Numerous Health Benefits

Most people love sitting in spas or hot tubs, but did you know they offer extensive physical and mental health benefits? Here are some of the top health benefits they provide.

·       Muscle relaxation

·       Joint pain relief

·       Decrease blood pressure

·       Burn calories

·       Improve insulin sensitivity

·       Restore flexibility

·       Alleviate lower back pain

·       Decrease headaches

·       Reduce anxiety & stress

·       Better sleep

Luxurious Landscaping to Complement Your Pool & Spa

While you are swimming in your pool or relaxing in your spa, you will want to enjoy the outdoor space around you. Landscaping is the perfect way to create a flawless ambiance around your pool area. Four big landscaping tools we use in these settings are:

1.       Pool deck

2.       Retaining walls

3.       Plantings

4.       Lighting

We carefully tailor each of these landscaping features into your overall pool and spa design. Our goal is always to provide a design where you love every detail. We want you to be able to envision you and your family enjoying that outdoor living space and making many cherished memories.

Skip the Guesswork – See Your Landscape Design in 3D!

Between the size and shape, it is often hard to imagine a pool in your backyard. 3D landscape designs completely change that. Our unique and revolutionary 3D Landscape Design allows clients to see the pool and spa they want right in their own backyard – before installation even begins! This is an ideal way to ensure you love the size and shape of the pool before installing it into your backyard.

Design Your Dream Pool & Spa Today!

Are you ready to create and have your very own pool to entertain family and friends? We can help make that dream a reality! To get started simply give us a call at 336-848-7164 or complete our simple contact form. During our consultation we will discuss your vision, budget, and answer any questions you have about the process.

If you are interested in seeing some of my other work, then head over to my Instagram to see photos from my various landscape design projects. I am looking forward to helping you create the pool of your dreams that you will enjoy for many years!

Outdoor Living is the Future of Homeownership

Outdoor living spaces continue to grow in popularity and provide the ultimate ‘staycation’ spot. Imagine cozying up with the perfect book in comfortable patio furniture under an exquisite pergola. Or imagine enjoying a glass of wine with friends on a cool Spring evening in front of a crackling fire in a stunning stone outdoor fireplace. All these amazing outdoor living scenes can be yours! The sky is the limit when it comes to what amenities you want. I work closely with every client to ensure they have a landscape design they absolutely love.

Benefits of Outdoor Living Spaces

There are numerous benefits to adding on an outdoor living space. A few of the top advantages include:

·       Ability to enjoy nature at home

·       Increases home’s value

·       Extra space to entertain

·       Great place for family bonding time

·       Improve health by spending more time outdoors

As there are endless possibilities for an outdoor living space, I collaborate closely with every single client to establish what features are most important to them.

What Does an Outdoor Living Space Look Like?

This question does not have just one answer, as it looks different for every client I work with. For instance, some clients adore fire pits while others want an outdoor fireplace.

Pictured here is a recent project I completed that provides some commonly requested outdoor living features. This client utilized the following elements:

·       Stone fireplace

·       New patio

·       Retaining walls

·       Planting

·       Low voltage lighting

The design and lines blend seamlessly and provide the ultimate aesthetical appeal for the homeowners. It is the supreme place to enjoy nature and relax.

How Are Outdoor Living Spaces Customizable?

One of the best things about landscape architecture is the abundance of various materials to utilize. All the elements listed in the above project are completely customizable for every single project. I work closely with each client to work within their budget and only use materials they love how they look.

Below are a few examples of ways elements are customizable through materials.

Outdoor Fireplaces

An outdoor fireplace brings warmth to any space. Therefore, it is a popular choice among NC homeowners for their outdoor living space. Best of all, there are so many materials we can use to construct an outdoor fireplace. A few common choices include:

·       Stone

·       Brick

·       Concrete blocks

·       Stucco

Each has a different look and brings a unique style to any outdoor fireplace. There are also various colors and types of each material listed above. For example, a stone fireplace could be made from slate or flagstone.

Another factor to consider is price point. Each material costs a different amount. This means it is potentially a great way to save money if you utilize a less-expensive material. However, it could also be your splurge item if you want a less common material used. For example, natural stone usually costs more than brick, but some people prefer its more natural quality.

Patios

Like outdoor fireplaces, patios are also completely customizable. There are a variety of materials available for patios. Here are some popular choices:

·       Concrete

·       Brick

·       Flagstone

·       Pavers

·       Tiles

·       Cut stone

Each of these materials provide a distinct look and cost different prices. You are not tied down to just one material either. Another option is mixing the above, or other, materials to create a truly individualized patio.

Planting

If you are going to be outside, then you should absolutely take advantage of that and include planting in your outdoor living space. Whether it is small trees, flowers, shrubs or bushes, this detail is always an important part of every landscape design I complete. I discuss all the options with each client and what types of plants they enjoy seeing. Then, we carefully decide together what will work best for their outdoor living area.

3D Landscape Design – Where the Vision Becomes Reality in Front of Your Eyes

Are you worried the ‘vision’ you have in mind will not turn out the way you envisioned? My 3D landscape design services vividly and realistically display my designs to clients. This means clients will see the designs in a real-life way before they are implemented and permanent. 3D designs mean you do not simply attempt to mentally visualize a plan but see what it will look like on your property.

Why Wait for Your Dream Outdoor Living Space Any Longer?

Do not wait any longer to create and use your dream outdoor living space! Call Hawkins Landscape Architecture at 336-848-7164 or complete this simple contact form to start on your project today. I can not wait to partner with you to bring your vision to fruition.

Looking for inspirational landscape architecture ideas for your home? Be sure to follow me on Instagram where I post all my latest projects and ideas! I can be found on Instagram @3DLandscapearchitect