MARGIN BUILDERS Hot in hardscapes: Homeowners move to templated designs

HOT IN HARDSCAPES

HOMEOWNERS MOVE TO TEMPLATED DESIGNS

------------ BY JOE RABOINE

BEFORE JUMPING into what’s hot in hardscapes for this year, it is essential to evaluate the state of the outdoor living industry from a higher level. High demand and labor struggles are beginning to define the industry. Most contractors are booked for months or even seasons, with some stating they cannot take any more consultations this year. Thirty-five percent of contractors reported turning down work due to skilled labor shortages in a 2021 survey by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

To move forward and meet these heightened expectations and demand, we must rally around establishing new best practices and learn how to button-up project planning in a way that emphasizes efficiency and simplicity.

Understanding industry trends and predicting future needs is a good place to start. There has been a notable shift in overall thinking about outdoor living, related to health and well-being, which gives a strong prediction for the industry’s future. Science shows us that quality design provides better space and improves our health. Thoughtful, holistic design helps us create spaces for homeowners to connect with nature and those around them. This connection to nature improves mental and spiritual health and makes a backyard something that can truly transform people’s daily lives. In this style, hardscapes and landscapes blend in what is known as entangled, or biophilic, design. It uses true natural elements or materials that mimic nature to create a more organic look and feel.

The past few years of heavy self-isolation pushed homeowners to reflect on how they interact with their environment, driving them to find the most efficient, cleanest and happiest ways to function in their home. A common resolution of these considerations is a motivation to increase the functionality of the space. For backyards specifically, this is where hardscapes come in.

By anticipating this shift to functionality, contractors can approach homeowners with plans to elevate their designs through elements like lighting, sound, Wi-Fi and shade structures. These features are critical to ensure your customer can spend time carrying out any task outside. Contractors equipped with this knowledge and the tools to support it stand out from the rest—and can secure larger budget projects.

GEOMETRIC SHAPES from Belgard come in multiple shapes and colors— Charcoal, Foundry and Linen.

ARTFORMS modular paver system showcases an outdoor kitchen.

So, how can we use hardscapes to help design spaces that are great places to entertain, as well as relax and function for everyday use?

Templated & Modular Designs

It can be challenging to implement a more thoughtful and complete design, especially during busy seasons. However, we are seeing the launch of new tools, products and innovations that can support this initiative while boosting efficiency.

For example, the industry is working to move away from entirely custom designs, and instead encouraging a templated approach to simplify the process for contractors—therefore positively impacting homeowners.

One way we are doing this is through the availability of templated outdoor room designs, including individual

LARGE ANGULAR PAVERS can provide a clean outdoor living space.

rooms and multi-room spaces. We see defined rooms, like kitchens and living rooms, as a priority for homeowners, including fully functional micro spaces, which have become a dominant form of renovation in cities where lot sizes are small.

With a templated approach, contractors can create a design based on the homeowner’s style preferences to streamline the process. Unnecessary time and resources are saved due to the automated process, giving contractors more opportunity for growth and profit.

Homeowners want turnkey solutions to make it easier and quicker for them to enjoy a cohesive space. Integrating hardscapes that elevate the design, such as a fire pit in the outdoor living room, a bar in the outdoor kitchen, or a modular wall around the deck, can make the space feel more complete.

On the other hand, custom designs result in the need for contractors to re-invent the wheel for each project regarding style, feature, scale and budget. It is much easier to meet homeowners where they are and emulate how they are already shopping in their daily lives. Starting with a templated approach to a kitchen, dining or living room and modifying elements based on needs yields a much higher and quicker conversion rate.

Beyond operational benefits, material and design quality also improves with this approach. The templated designs are built with intention and supported by data, ensuring it will streamline the installation process with less room for error or delay. Modular, linear design is essential here—and a preferred design style among today’s homeowners. Modular, geometric standard patterns comprised of clean lines and simple formats create an uncluttered aesthetic that aligns with a more modern design.

Created in true inch increments, each piece is made to fit within its counterparts, allowing for extreme

MIRAGE QUARZITI and Mega-Arbel pavers from Belgard were used around this fire pit to create a cohesive space.

NATURE WALK was built using Belgard’s Mega-Arbel pavers.

design versatility and intricate installs with no cuts. More pavers and outdoor living solutions are being designed with these uniform dimensions to make the installation easier and faster, allowing contractors to maximize time and customers to enjoy their outdoor space sooner. Simplified quoting and design capabilities makes it easier to manage integration of other products with the hardscapes and leaves room for contractors to play with more creative patterns.

The scale of pavers has also increased, thanks to continued innovation in the industry. Products that feature large format expansion with narrow joints make installation quicker and more efficient. Larger pavers have more surface area and allow contractors to install an increased amount of square footage quickly and efficiently. This style also gives homeowners the clean, modern look that is popular today. It is important to note that larger pavers may require additional or new equipment for transportation and installation, based on the increased scale.

Technology, Equipment & Recruiting

Technology is the new driving force behind the hardscaping and construction industries. Forty-two percent of landscape professionals are using more technology than five years ago, and 89% of landscape professionals want more efficiency and better information transfer, according to a recent report by GoMaterials. Prioritizing equipment and technology can speed up project timelines and increase efficiency across the board.

In line with this trend, one of our critical considerations as a hardscapes manufacturer is to scrutinize our installation processes. It is important to lean on technology, utilize the latest mechanical install techniques, and also innovate different types of equipment designed for lifting, setting and placing our materials. Shifting the focus from production best practices to improving install efficiencies helps meet the needs of contractors. Industry experts help us identify these needs and call out areas with room for improvement in tools and equipment—expanding the lens for innovation.

With unprecedented demand, we must consider the building blocks of our industry and where we are heading. There is no longer a need to lift by hand. Leveraging efficient equipment can encourage a lifetime career for industry professionals and is more attractive for recruiting the next generation.

Incoming innovations, such as 3D design and augmented reality (AR) solutions, are hitting the market to help consolidate the design process and allow professionals to show a more immersive version of their design plan to customers. To help alleviate some of the pain points causing installation disruptions, contractors need to iron out the planning process and streamline their projects using technology.

The future of hardscapes starts with a fresh way of thinking for the industry, leaning into modular, templated designs and innovative technology and equipment for execution. regions. BP

JOE RABOINE

Joe Raboine is the director of residential hardscapes at Belgard (www.belgard.com).