ASLA Residential Trends Survay for Outdoor Living Spaces

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Homeowners want function, efficiency and fire pits in their outdoor space, according to the 2011 American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Residential Trends Survey. The survey asked residential landscape architecture professionals to rate the expected popularity of dozens of different outdoor living and landscape features for this year.

For 2011, the top outdoor living features are some of the most basic: light, fire, food and a place to sit and enjoy it all. Overall, 96.2 percent of respondents rated exterior lighting as somewhat or very popular for this year, followed by fire pits/fireplaces (94.2 percent), seating/dining areas (94.1 percent), grills (93.8 percent) and installed seating like benches or seat walls (89.5 percent).
While the most popular outdoor features reflect an enduring sensibility, the interest in modern technology like stereo systems (58.3 percent), Internet access (46.3 percent) and televisions (45.4 percent) adds to the growing trend of taking what we enjoy inside to the outdoors – up to a point. Only 10.4 percent of respondents thought outdoor sleeping areas would be popular this year.
“Despite the economic climate, homeowners continue to reconnect with their outdoor space. However, expect many households this year to either phase in projects over time or carefully select fewer features,” said ASLA Executive Vice President and CEO Nancy Somerville, Hon. ASLA.
When it comes to landscape elements, efficiency and sustainability reign supreme. The most popular for 2011 include low maintenance landscapes (94.2 percent), native plants (87.2), water-efficient irrigation (83.1 percent), ornamental water features (81 percent) and food/vegetable gardens (80.3 percent). Other popular sustainability features for 2011 include permeable paving (77 percent), reduced lawn (72.6 percent) and rainwater harvesting (63.6 percent).

To build Outdoor Fireplaces

Outdoor Fireplaces

By Tim Carter
©1993-2011 Tim Carter

Summary: Outdoor fireplaces are popular simply because man has always liked gathering around a warm, inviting campfire. But a modern outdoor fireplace can rival fancy ones inside homes. Outdoor gas fireplaces are very nice as you get instant heat and beauty. Check your local codes when making your outdoor fireplace plans.

DEAR TIM: Outdoor fireplaces seem to be popular and I have the perfect patio to place one on. What do I need to know before I go shopping? I have seen them in all sorts of shapes and sizes, but am unsure as to what would work best for me and my family. The fireplace will not be used for cooking, just warmth and appearance. Should I build my own fireplace? Beth A.,

DEAR BETH: Anyone who has enjoyed the pleasure of warming themselves in front of a campfire on a cool evening knows why outdoor fireplaces have exploded in popularity. I am convinced there is a deep psychological pleasure trigger in our brains that is activated by fireplace smoke and the orange glow of the embers in a real fire. My guess is that programming goes back millions of years when fires provided needed heat for survival, cooking and a great place to have a conversation.
I really like my own outdoor fireplace as it allows me to enjoy the exterior of my home earlier in the spring and later in the fall. My own patio is treated as a room of our home even though it is outdoors. I can't tell you how much I enjoy sitting around a crackling fire just after sunset on an October night. That experience really recharges my mental batteries.

Now this is a gorgeous outdoor fireplace. How would you like to be sipping some fine wine and toasting your toes next to this work of art?

Outdoor fireplaces come in a variety of sizes , styles and price points. There is an outdoor fireplace of one type or another for every person. The first thing to check are your local codes and laws as some municipalities have real concerns about outdoor air quality. Traditional wood-burning fires can create air pollution problems when certain weather conditions create an inversion which traps smoke particles in the air. If local laws prohibit wood-burning fireplaces, look for approved models that may be fueled with natural gas or propane.

If you want the satisfaction of building your own fireplace, I suggest you find one that is prefabricated. Unless you are a serious do-it-yourselfer with great skills, you will struggle building a traditional masonry fireplace. Be aware that the actual design and construction of the firebox, smoke chamber, flue and chimney is a precise science, not speculation. If you do not size all of the components correctly, the fireplace will not burn properly and it may send clouds of billowing smoke towards you and your family as you sit near it.
The first thing I would look for in an outdoor fireplace is one that will satisfy your most important needs. If warmth is what you are looking for, I would urge you to get an outdoor fireplace that resembles a traditional campfire. This device will allow many people to gather around and bask in the radiant heat that is sent out in all directions by the fire. Traditional fireplaces reflect heat in a small cone in front of the firebox, so only a few people can enjoy the warmth as they sit in front of the fire.
If appearance is more important to you than warmth, then I feel sorry for you. There are so many gorgeous outdoor fireplaces, I can't imagine how you will begin to make a decision which one to purchase. Be sure to consider how the fireplace materials will withstand the elements in your location. An outdoor fireplace that might perform flawlessly in the southwest may fall apart in several years in the harsh, wet, winter-weather of the northeast.
Some of the magnificent outdoor fireplaces are fairly large and can not only take up valuable space on your patio, their weight may stress the patio and cause a crack. I urge you to create an imaginary fireplace on your patio and arrange your chairs and side tables so they are a minimum of four feet from the fireplace location. You want to take the time to do this to ensure you will have enough space for all to enjoy the new addition to your outdoor living space
Do not underestimate the amount of room some of the larger outdoor fireplaces will consume on the average patio. These structures can be up to 3 feet in depth and 8 or 9 feet wide. It is also important to position the fireplace so that any smoke and embers do not pose a risk to your home and any nearby vegetation. The hot flue gases billowing from the chimney can toast nearby trees. You also do not want the fireplace to block any vistas from the patio.
Be sure to use common sense around wood structures.  Some people place outdoor fireplaces on wood decks. Burning embers can sometimes find their way onto and under a wood deck and start a fire after you have gone inside for the evening. It is an excellent idea to consult your local professionals to construct your outdoor fireplace’
We at http://www.garrettoutdoorliving.com/ love to help

Outdoor living trend 2011

Simplicity

The recession has undeniably hit the country hard and has had many effects, including slowed development, job loss, and simpler design.  The current American home is smaller, simpler, and low maintenance. There are simpler designs because I feel that’s becoming more appealing -- harkening back to a more family-cantered, stay-at-home lifestyle. People don’t need as many possessions, and their house is a reflection of who they are. So simpler designs, less materials seems to be a better expression of how we live and where we are in this economy. Smaller is just more economical, more energy efficient, easier to maintain, and practical.” As the old adage goes, time is money -- and when money is tight, low-maintenance becomes important.

We still see a lot of clients trying to make very rational decisions when selecting their outdoor living space design.. We see people putting money into their outdoor kitchen, but we see them willing to pay a premium if they know that something is going to be more efficient, easy to maintain, and have a longer lifecycle. It seems as though consumers are getting much more conscious of that decision-making, as they are more practical, but at the same time more efficient, and get the most for their money. We at Garrett Outdoor Living have seen a clear trend in preference for smaller spaces.  I think the economy might be part of it, and what I think was most appealing was that they like the detailing -- you don’t really need big spaces, but customize the space to you. I think people are thinking more about how they are living in their home, and creating just the outdoor spaces they need rather than the spaces they think they need for resale. We also see a rise in the interest in more contemporary outdoor living spaces with cleaner lines and less ornate detailing on the exterior.

The simplicity of the outdoor space, of course, results from a variety of factors. Smaller homes encourage energy efficiency in terms of cost savings, as well as a continuation of the sustainable design we’ve seen over the course of the last few years. It seems, however, that Americans are focusing less on stuff and more on quality and are certainly getting the most bang for their buck.

Synthetic Grass information

Synthetic Grass Face Weight & Quality
The face weight is how much the yarn weighs per square yard not including the backing or infill (yarn only). This measurement tells you how much product you are getting for your money as long as the comparison is completely parallel. Nylon thatch based products are the most expensive to produce although most artificial turf is produced using 28% nylon thatch. Products can also be made with up to 45% thatch, which increases the quality, durability and thickness. Garrett Outdoor Living  carries both construction methods.
Yarn technology is also important. For example: How many microns per blade, yarn shape for optimal performance, and stitch rates to balance performance and aesthetics are crucial to achieving a top quality product. For more information about Yarn technology, or any other questions, please contact us at
http://www.garrettoutdoorliving.com/

Use the Appropriate Artificial Turf Style
Many synthetic turf applications are installed with generic styles of turf due to an assumption that all turf is the same or a limited variety is offered. Very low activity areas need to address quality, density, and aesthetics where as areas with mid-level activity or more should have a thatch product with a high density installed. A high-density thatch based product significantly recovers better during activity and grooming, as well as a high quality yarn.

Artificial Turf Installation
Not all installs are the same! Installation quality is very important for aesthetics and longevity. How the sub-surface is sculpted, how the edges are addressed, how the product is secured, etc.

Infill
Used for ballast (weight) while adding a natural look and feel. Infill aids in securing the artificial grass to the ground and helps grass blades rebound after compaction. Several types of infill are used in the industry, silica sand, crumbed rubber, acrylic or rubber coated silica granules and beads of polymers are also available. Artificial grass manufactures will specify which type of infill will work best for each type of grass.

Permits for Outdoor Kitchens, patio covers, fireplaces

The Garrett Outdoor Living LLC often hear complaints from homeowners,  because of their displeasure with the performance of their contractors.  Over the years we have heard a multitude of problems and sad stories and based on these we offer the following suggestions when you are selecting an outdoor living company or contractor to design and build your project.

• ALWAYS get at least two  bids on any project.  The only exception to this should be for extremely minor, low-cost projects or emergency repairs made by trusted contractors.
• NEVER pay for a project in advance.  If a contractor asks for total payment up front, you should immediately look for another contractor.  Small retainer fees or payments for materials may be appropriate.
• NEVER use a contractor who suggests that you not obtain required permits or inspections.  More than likely, this contractor intends to do work contrary to established safety or structural standards.  Additions or alternations to your home that are contrary to city ordinances can drastically affect any title transfers should you decide to sell your home.  Be especially wary of contractors who suggest that you obtain permits for work that he is contracted to perform.  If you obtain the permit for a contractor, and problems arise because of the work, the official permit record will show that you are the one that performed the work. 
• ALWAYS use only licensed contractors.  Insist on seeing evidence of a current license. The following trades require a license:
  A. Electricians B. Plumbers
• Within all city limits contractors doing any work requiring a permit must be registered with the city.
• ALWAYS ask for a list of previous jobs similar to your proposed project.  Ask for references AND check them.
• It is a good idea to check with the Better Business Bureau or any business organizations that relate to the contractor’s trade and check on any compliant records against the contractor.
• Before your outdoor kitchen  project begins, insist on seeing evidence that the contractor has obtained a permit.  During the course of your project monitor your contractor’s inspection records. Not obtaining a final inspection can interfere with future sale of your home. This procedure will protect you from being responsible for code violations that your contractor might commit on your property.
• When the project is complete, ensure that the City’s Building Inspections Department has given final approval for the project.
• We at http://garrettoutdoorliving.com/ ALWAYS adheres to these rules! We want to make sure that your outdoor kitchen building process is a smooth one.

Stone Lake Estates Frisco

For all of you living or working in Stone Lakes Estates, be advised that there is a 10' side yard setback for building ANYTHING WITH A FUNDATION, such as outdoor kitchens, fire pits, or patio covers. When the Deed was created for this subdivision, they failed to note the setback on individual surveys for homeowners. On a second note, often homeowners do not found out existing easements
on their property till the home is sold. Plat surveys are only shown after, or  at closing. Easements restricts homeowners to build, improve or add  outdoor structures to their backyard. Would homeowners have the information ahead of time, they might choose an other  property, where they have no restrictions to build an
outdoor living space. We here at http://www.garrettoutdoorliving.com/ just learned this, and wanted to share
this with you for future references.
Outdoor living spaces became very popular, if you are planning to build and outdoor kitchen, please ask your realtor about easmenets before you commit to buy a new home.

Functional outdoor kitchen space

We get calls all the time at http://www.garrettoutdoorliving.com/  from clients that build  outdoor kitchens or outdoor living spaces and it is not functional. It is the contractor/designer responsibility to ensure the flow and function of the space. Often homeowners in DFW area found out after the project is finished that they have no room for furniture, no space to sit, walk  and enjoy. When creating a great design, one must think of future function of the flow of the space. One of  our recent client in Frisco  had to redo his outdoor space due to steps been build in the wrong location  and his guests kept tripping.  Although elevation add a great visual to the space, putting them in the wrong space can be a costly mistake. Our clients in Plano and Murphy had a simular problem, which we were asked to correct.