Nature Refned
Projects incorporate hardscaping and masonry for an earthy appearance,
durability and the 'pop' of contrast provided against a home or landscape
Compiled by Kacey Larsen
SEAMLESS TRANSITIONS
BETWEEN OUTDOOR SPACES,
ENTRANCES ACHIEVED
"Hardscaping and masonry help make
outdoor living spaces warmer," says Jon
Vogel, CEO and owner of New Outlooks
Construction in Robbinsville, N.J. "Tey
also provide a natural look and feel to proj-
ects that help enhance the aesthetic look by
providing great contrast to the wood and
composite materials used in decks." Both
the look and durability of hardscaping and
masonry were key reasons New Outlooks
Construction incorporated them into an
outdoor living project in Manalapan, N.J.
Te homeowners wanted to create a back-
yard retreat where they could relax both
in and out of the sunlight, explains Vogel.
"One of the most important aspects
of this project for the homeowners was
to make sure all areas of the home were
connected and cohesive with each other,
including the driveway at the front of the
house, pool area, kitchen via the top deck
entrance and fnished basement entry from
the stone walkway," he says. "Now, the
homeowners can access any of the four areas
mentioned from any starting point, creating
seamless transitioning from one area of the
home to another without difculty."
Te pool, hot tub and surrounding pav-
ers were preexisting, but both the outdoor
living design and color palette were se-
lected to complement the house and the
existing spaces. Vogel explains that the
lower deck, where the grill is located, is
meant to stand out more than the decking
areas, and the stone on the walls give the
space a "pop" and contrast to other mate-
rial types and colors. Te glass railing is
also a featured element of the project, so
it was a goal to have it stand out.
"All the materials used [for the project]
are very durable and will not be damaged
by the weather, giving the space we cre-
ated incredible durability," Vogel says.
"Homeowners nowadays enjoy the safety
and comfort of their own homes, so they
are looking to increase their ability to en-
joy and entertain within the confnes of
their own home."
Photos: Robert Woolley, Wolf Home Products
26 July 2015 QR QualifiedRemodeler.com | ForResidentialPros.com
PROJECTS: QR Outdoors