Case Study
Bluestone Makeover in Glen Allen
Background
Tucked in between Mill Road and I-295, Hunton Estates is a Glen Allen neighborhood that conveniently sits away from the hustle and bustle. Featuring reasonably-priced, expansive homes, this quiet community dates back to 2002 and has continued to develop over the years.
Client Needs
With their kids grown and out of the house, this hardworking couple was looking to transform their blank backyard into something special. Before undertaking the project, the couple's home had a beautiful covered porch, but the backyard featured little else. The goal of this project was to utilize the blank backyard to create a spacious outdoor room that built upon and incorporated the existing porch.
Design Phase
The goal of this design was to create a versatile patio space along with a complimentary landscape plan for the front and backyard. Our unique design process allowed the couple to explore various layout options while also keeping the project on budget.
Build Phase, Challenges, and Finish
The final space is a stunning extension of the house and features a mortared-bluestone patio, grill island, gas fire pit, sitting walls and outdoor lighting. The project also includes comprehensive landscaping of the front and backyard.
Mortared Bluestone Patio
Stone Veneered Sitting Walls & Pillars
Gas Fire Pit
Grill Island
High Impact / Low Maintenance Landscape
Low Voltage, LED Lighting
Fire at the Turn of a Key
As with many homeowners, it was important to this client that the fire pit be easy and convenient to use. Instead of a wood-burning feature that requires setup, tending and cleaning, we designed a custom gas-burning fire pit that starts and stops with a turn of a key. The resulting gas feature is perfect for both a long, rousing night by the fire with friends or a quick, quiet nightcap.
Upgrading the Grill
An avid griller for family and friends, upgrading the grill was an important element of this project. This simple island design features an over-sized grill and ample counter space that is perfect when entertaining gatherings both large and small.
Landscape Fit for a Duke
JMU Alumni, this client requested an area of the landscape that featured their university’s colors. Instead of one area, Outdoor Dreams designed the entire landscape, front and backyard, with the purple and gold colors of James Madison University. From Spring through Autumn, this landscape lights up with a variety of different shrubs, trees and perennials that feature purple and golden yellow flowers.
Before -> 3D Rendering -> Actual
Click or drag through these photos to watch this project go from blank slate to conceptual rendering to dream backyard.
Gas vs. Wood Fire Features
Gas vs. Wood Fire Features
When planning Outdoor Living Spaces, one of the most difficult decisions for clients is choosing between a gas or wood-burning fire feature. Though very similar in some ways, gas and wood-burning fire features are also very different. Each has its distinct pros as well as its cons. In this article, we compare the two styles using 8 defining characteristics, including convenience, warmth, smoke, and cost.