In an effort to promote contractor creativity and construction innovation, Hardscape North America held its first ever Project Awards. Prizes were awarded in various material categories for both residential and commercial projects. Entries were judged on project intent; use of color, shapes, and patterns; quality of construction and craftsmanship; compatibility with related construction materials and systems; construction innovation; and overall excellence. More information on the winning projects can be found at www.hardscapenorthamerica.com.

The following projects were honored in the concrete pavers and materials combination categories.

CONCRETE PAVERS

Residential-Under 1000 ft2

Keppler Residence, Dexter, MI-Pavers and retaining walls were used to define the patio and provide a seated viewing place for the extensive pond.

Submitted by Kevin's Landscaping Inc., Saline, MI.

Residential-1000 to 5000 ft2

Zacharia Residence, Melville, NY-Project challenges, including a 20 ft (6 m) elevation change, site space constraints, soil removal, drainage, erosion control, and noise reduction, were turned into positives in this relaxing space.

Submitted by the Deck and Patio Company, Huntington Station, NY.

Residential-over 5000 ft2

Crespi Residence, Glen Cove, NY-This lakeside project features swimming pools, a raised patio, an outdoor kitchen, steps, and concrete pavers in a layout that maximizes views of the lake.

Submitted by the Deck and Patio Company, Huntington Station, NY.

Commercial-1000 to 10,000 ft2

Manassas Assembly of God Church, Bristow, VA-This previously empty grassy area between two church buildings has been transformed into a patio where congregants can study, visit, or hold formal receptions, dinners, and performances.

Submitted by the King's Masons, Inc., Manassas Park, VA.

Commercial-10,000 to 50,000 ft2

Decatur MARTA Plaza Improvement Project, Decatur, GA-The preset concrete pavers, which grace the entrance to the rail station, feature engraved graphics that reflect local landmarks and institutions.

Submitted by Site Technologies, Inc., Roswell, GA.

Commercial-over 50,000 ft2

Marine Way Commercial Centre, Burnaby, BC, Canada-A massive storm hit the area while the project was still under construction, demonstrating the project's superior design and construction.

Submitted by Interpave Precast Systems Ltd., Surrey, BC, Canada.

MATERIALS COMBINATION

Residential-Under 1000 ft2

Frischman Residence, Plymouth, MI-This simple design transforms an existing concrete patio into a place for outdoor entertaining using concrete pavers for the patio and natural stone for the seating.

Submitted by Kevin's Landscaping Inc., Saline, MI.

Residential-1000 to 5000 ft2

Hallam Residence, Westerville, OH-This project packs a lot into a constrained site while taking advantage of the existing thick wooded backdrop to enclose the space.

Submitted by Wilson Landscape Associates, Columbus, OH.

Residential-over 5000 ft2

Mills Residence, Mansfield, TX-The design elements of this backyard emphasize and respect the existing trees while making creative use of the space between them.

Submitted by L.D. Erickson Inc., Arlington, TX.

Commercial-1000 to 10,000 ft2

Wildlife Farms Deck, Casscoe, AR-The new outdoor deck boasts a huge stone fireplace and stone pillars supported by a raised concrete patio and segmental concrete retaining walls.

Submitted by Block USA, Birmingham, AL.

Commercial-over 50,000 ft2

Ave Maria University & Town Center, Ave Maria Towne, FL-This new campus and town center, which used concrete pavers in response to cement shortages and escalating prices, features almost 450,000 ft2 (4500 m2) of concrete pavers and 700 ft (213 m) of segmental retaining walls.

Submitted by Site Technologies, Inc., Roswell, GA.

Photos and text courtesy of the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute.