Relaxing in the Great Outdoors

Scott Buechel
President, Building Stone Institute

Many city dwellers will travel hundreds of miles each weekend for the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors; however, for others it is as close as their own backyard. In recent years, the trend has been to create a resort-type atmosphere in our outdoor living areas, allowing us to enjoy the peace and serenity of a tropical vacation — right at home, every day.

People are doing more than ever with their backyards, incorporating the finest aspects of Mother Nature. Architects are using outcroppings and adding patio stone walkways that lead to outdoor gathering areas complete with fireplaces and even outdoor kitchens. From these gathering areas, the path may lead to a stream, which flows into a small pond filled with exotic fish.

Yes, we are now designing our outdoor living areas just as carefully as we design the interiors of our homes. No longer is this just a place to clip the grass. Our yards are becoming havens of peace and tranquility, as well as outdoor entertainment areas. As you read through the articles in this issue, you will see how hardscaping is used to achieve different and unique affects, to reflect the personality of the homeowner.

On a recent trip to Washington, D.C., I had the opportunity to visit the American Society for Landscape Architects (ASLA) headquarters. After our visit, we went to the rooftop where they have incorporated the use of landscaping. Today, this is being called "green." It was a very inviting area that allowed their employees a place to temporarily "get away" during the workday. The rooftop was lined with plants, with decorative chips, vision barriers around the heating and air conditioners (which also acted as a sound barrier), and even a few very small trees.

The ASLA uses this rooftop mecca as a demonstration of what can be achieved with a little ingenuity. When Executive Vice President and CEO Nancy Somerville showed us what the roof looked like before the landscaping, it was easy to see how this outdoor area, in the middle of the city, could improve people's attitudes. Nancy also said that, in terms of payback, they are projecting that the landscaping will double the life expectancy of the roof, making the project not only aesthetically appealing, but also cost-effective.

We all want to be surrounded by nature, to the fullest extent possible. Given the durability of natural stone, the cost of natural stone over a lifetime is very affordable. You will always need to look at projects and try to figure out where you can "value engineer," but if you truly look at the life cycle of stone, this is the one product that should not be pulled from your projects. The use of natural stone will always reflect positively on you and your company.

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