As part of a full backyard remodel in Calabasas, we’re taking an outdated and oddly shaped pool, simplifying the footprint, and integrating a spa and cover. A new pool house with a covered patio and fireplace will sit just beyond the pool, and mimic the Spanish architecture of the main house. Add to that a bocce court and a beautiful plant palette, and it’ll be something special. Clean, elegant, and under construction!
Veterans Housing opening soon at the VA
With a ribbon-cutting scheduled for February 26, 2023, VA Building 207 will soon house up to 59 homeless and at-risk veterans in a renovated building within the Veterans Affairs’ West LA Campus. The project, developed by Thomas Safran & Associates as part of a master plan initiative by the West LA Veterans Collective (WLAVC) and U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, includes a range of exterior spaces such as landscaped courtyards, gardens, and a re-created Historic Walkway adjacent to the project. SSLA has provided design and construction support services to help the project come to fruition.
A Landscape Re-View
Tasked with completely updating this large hillside property near the 405 Freeway, SSLA created a layout that offered ample space for lounging, entertaining, grilling, and playing—all while accentuating the beautiful views to the west. On it’s way to completion!
Grill, Smoke, and Bake
Our client made it clear they love cooking, so SSLA designed this outdoor kitchen pavilion to include everything under the sun: grill, fridge, sink, pizza oven, smoker, storage, and a bar countertop. Dinner to be served shortly!
A Series of Rooms
Building off an existing pool and not much else, SSLA’s design for this Encino property includes a series of outdoor rooms: the kitchen pavilion, the deck lounge, and the multi-use garden. Each area has its own purpose, but transitions gracefully into the next, creating a cohesive landscape with plenty of shade, color, and personality. Bonus: We created a swale that helps infiltrate stormwater from the roof.
Ranch Living in Ojai
With the existing remodeled home as the heart, the master plan for this 2-acre property in Ojai includes a guest house, pool, vineyard, and play areas nestled within groves of new and existing trees, and situated to accentuate views of the surrounding hills.
An Inviting Entry
Once a dreary front yard covered by ivy, we’re creating a softer, friendlier, and happier landscape. The project introduces a new pedestrian entry so guests don’t have to walk up the driveway, a small decomposed granite courtyard, and planting that works under a mature cedar tree.
Set it in Stone
Accompanying an interior remodel, the outdoor spaces around this traditional Westside home are getting thoughtfully updated. SSLA is using simple materials, including concrete and stone, and plants that harmonize with the style of the house. A re-configured pool provides just enough room to wade without taking up valuable space in the small backyard.
Wood vs. Composite: Which Material Is Best for You?
When it comes to upgrading a backyard with fencing, decking, and other woodwork, there are basically two types of materials that are commonly used: wood and composite. With wood, you have a natural material that is created from various tree species like cedar, oak, etc. Composite is a man-made material that is created from elements such as recycled fibers and plastic. Each material has its pros and cons, so learning more about them and how they can attribute to projects can help you make the right decision for your home.
Decking
When it comes to creating a new deck for the backyard, you can choose from several wood material types or composite. After you calculate deck size, you can see which material will cost more. For the most part, a pressure-treated wood deck will cost around $15 to $25 per square foot. When you choose composite materials, the price basically doubles at $30 to $45 a square foot.
While the cost may be higher, composite requires less maintenance as you never need to sand the material, seal it or stain. However, it must be cleaned to stay in good condition. The material is also more durable as it will resist stains and hold up during harsh weather conditions. However, many people choose to stick with wood decking as the material does not have an artificial look and feel.
Choosing between wood and composite material for decking comes down to opinion as well as how much you want to spend, and the time needed for maintenance. Write down your personal pros and cons for each so that you can make a decision that works best for you.
Fencing
Are you considering a new fence for your backyard? If so, then you have seen there are many material options you can choose from standard wood, pressure-treated wood, iron, and many composite choices. Many homeowners opt for staining pressure treated wood to look like cedar, so they get the durability of pressure-treated wood but the look of cedar. The cedar material is more expensive than standard pressure treated wood and has a nice coloring. You can easily stain the standard wood to look like cedar, to save money on your installation cost.
Like decking, the composite material will cost more, but it has benefits such as durability, style, and low maintenance. Reviewing the price points, plus pros and cons can help you make the best choice for your budget and fencing needs.
Porch Elements
The porch of a home is also an important space. In a backyard setting, a covered patio or porch area is a great place to relax. If you already have a porch or patio, you can upgrade it by reinstalling a new ceiling. A patio ceiling must be installed from quality materials so that it can be weather-resistant, providing proper protection from the elements and shade.
A popular option in today’s market is beadboard made from fiber cement. Instead of using wood that requires constant maintenance, the composite material can be installed to protect the upper portion of the porch area.
The composite material is durable, providing protection from snow, sleet, rain, and the sun’s rays. With this material installed, you don’t have to worry about issues with your porch ceiling for many years to come.
Upgrading your backyard can be fun. The first step is choosing your project and then materials. Consider your budget and how long a material will last as well as upkeep before making your final decision. While composite material may be more costly in the beginning, the durability of the material may save you money in the long run.
Jordan Swift is a contributor to Innovative Building Materials. He is a blogger and a content writer for the building materials industry with an interest in landscaping and outdoor remodeling. Jordan is focused on educating homeowners, contractors, and architects on innovative materials and methods of construction that increase property value, improve sustainability, and create a warm and welcoming ambiance.
Casting Shade
We custom designed this shade structure to visually knit together with a recent backyard remodel in the hills above the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The structure makes reference to the lines of the Mid-Century Modern house while creating an intimate lounge area adjacent to the pool.
