Architectural Landscape Design Blog

Archive for the ‘Fire Places and Fire Pits’ Category

Daylight Savings Lights Up the Night Time & Outdoor Enjoyment

Thursday, November 15th, 2012

The introduction of daylight savings time means we’ll have less light in the evening that means more opportunity for late afternoon or nighttime enjoyment outdoors.  The days will become shorter and the sunlight will leave us earlier. But you can still enjoy your outdoor enjoyment and living rooms.

Homeowners are extending their living spaces by adding outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and brick ovens so they have a warm place to enjoy during the cold months. If you’re outside in the afternoon on a autumn or winter sunny day you may want to start your brick oven taking it slow so it heats evenly and doesn’t suffer from heating up too fast. If you’re building up the fire over the space of an hour that offers a lot of time to be enjoying a fire pit or fire table. You can be enjoying your outdoor living space if you have one. If you don’t planning an outdoor sports cave or entertainment area can become a fall or winter activity.

Creating a paver patio with a fire pit can be a social center for your family. Or building a fire table that you can sit around while bundled up on outdoor furniture can offer options to still enjoy the warmth of a sunny autumn day or an activity for the family and kids. Having an adjacent fireplace with outdoor furniture surrounding the fire pit and by the fireplace can give you a place to watch TV on a big screen above a fireplace. You can add a mini bar cooking space and a sink that you can use when firing up the grill on a cool fall or winter evening. It’s not too late to curl up on a sofa and sit by a roaring fire in the fire pit and fireplace. You can add low voltage lighting that lights the path and lanterns into the walls to light up your path.

Helping Minneapolis area residents enjoy their yards year-round is what we do.  Ideas such as these can contribute to the pleasure you find in your landscaping. 

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Fire Up Your Outdoor Living Space For All Seasons By Adding A Bocce Court

Wednesday, October 24th, 2012

A little ingenuity can make your maximize your outdoor space and make it work for all seasons – winter, summer, spring, and fall. Obviously, summertime is the easiest time to have a garden that is perfect for entertaining. But our landscape designers and architects can help you create an outdoor space that will be one you can use during the winter, spring, and fall for a multitude of uses.  Here’s an example:  Adding a fire pit or fireplace around a bocce ball court can offer you a garden planting, a bocce ball court, and a contemplative garden, all in one space.

Bocce is a game that has become very popular in America. It takes less than half the width of a tennis court, at a third of the cost.  Bocce courts offer a game that everyone in the family can play summer, spring, and fall. It lends a European elegance. You get two for the price of one as a bocce court can double as a contemplation garden in the spring, summer, and fall. Our designers can install benches at either end of the court to provide a place for onlookers and participants to root for their team. Plus, this provides a natural place to sit and reflect on the bocce court as a contemplation garden for all seasons. Since you can place garden areas surrounding the bocce ball court. A serene place and an activity place are combined all in one. You can even add an adjacent fire pit or fireplace with an outdoor dining area so you can enjoy early brunches, afternoon and evenings of lawn games, and in the winter and fall enjoy sharing the gardens surrounding the courts.

Let us help you create an outdoor living space that works for all the season we’ll help you install a bocce ball court, fireplace or fire pit with an outdoor living space that will create a great outdoor space while maximizing it.  Call us today at 952-292-7717.

 

 

 

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Want to Have Big Party in Your Small Outdoor Room? Add A Pizza Oven or Steel Work Station to Your Patio

Tuesday, October 16th, 2012

Any outdoor space can be great for entertaining, so don’t let a small space limit your guest list.  To increase the usability of your area, consider adding a custom steel workstation in the middle of the garden. Aside from being a focal point,  it can draw guests and family into your yard space. This can be an easy area to have your family’s sports teams go through a buffet or allow guests to have easy access to hors d’oeuvres and pre-dinner cocktails or after-dinner drinks while sitting on an adjacent patio around the fire pit. Dark, overgrown corners can be brightened up with low-voltage outdoor lighting, creating more focal points or expanding your garden by lighting up the space.

Another multi-purpose focal point to place in the middle of the garden on a patio  base is an outdoor pizza oven.  These ovens offer a lot of versatility as they can be used to make bread, roast cuts of meat, and smoke vegetables in addition to baking pizza. An oven can be made of brick or metal and elevated to about four feet, which a good working height. Create a different style through the use of decorative elements to match your garden using hardscapes like marble, tile, and brick. Top it off with a marble work surface adjoining the oven.

The stainless steel counter and the pizza oven will draw family and guests into the garden. A walkway of stone, brick, or rock will invite your guests to follow the path to the patio. Our landscape designers can help you create the right focal point for your yard to expand the space.  Let us help you design an outdoor pizza work station and stainless steel counters to warm up your house and create entertainment centers. Call us today on 952-292-7717.

 

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Building an Outdoor Office on Your Deck or Patio; A Spring, Summer, Fall Office

Thursday, May 31st, 2012

Have you ever been working inside and thought about how great it would be to do your work outdoors? Do you have a space that just calls to you to come outside when you should be working inside? Why not build an outdoor office on a deck or a patio?

Set up your office headquarters on a deck or patio outside. We can help you bring your work outside by installing a deck or patio for the foundation of your office. Topping the office with a 4” by 10” feet pergola or arbor overhead can provide partial shade and give the sense of an enclosed area. A work surface or desk can be made out of either wood or stone. Adding waterproof connections for electricity and lighting rounds out the basics of what is needed for setting up your work outside. If you like we can make “outside” walls with fences and retaining walls that will afford you partial or complete privacy.

In addition our landscape architects and designers can also plan and install koi ponds, waterfalls, and year round interest plantings to further mix business with pleasure. We can round it out with outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, grills for entertainment and business pleasure.

Spring, Summer, and Fall your office can be headquartered on the deck. When the office is closed for the day or the winter the deck can be available for other deck activities. The desk can serve as the place to set a buffet, bar, or add pots of greenery to view throughout the winter complete with lights from the waterproof electric connections.

It’s the coordination of the elements of the arbor or pergola, the desk, the patio or deck, and waterproof electrical connections that can transition space into a practical and attractive outdoor office headquarters.

We can help you develop your outdoor office call 952-292-7712 for a free one hour no commitment consultation.

 

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Adding Some “Sizzle” With Fireplaces and Fire Pits to Light Up Your Night

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

Does the thought of seeing dancing flames and hearing a fire “sizzle” on a cool night or day warm you up? You can build fires in your backyard in the spring, fall, and winter, and yes even on a cool summer night.

You can add an outdoor fireplace to an exterior wall of your house or place one on the patio. Or you can build a fire pit. You can take the chill off on a spring or fall night and welcome people to your home on a winter night by adding a fire element.

Our MN designers and landscape architects have a lot of experience in designing fireplaces and fire pits with many options. We can check on any local regulations to determine if there are any use restrictions where you live, such as clearance requirements of an open flame from combustible surfaces and structures.

We can build you a fireplace or fire pit from brick or natural stone that either uses wood or gas. A freestanding fire pit built above the ground serves as an informal gathering place with seating even when it’s not “fired up”. You can add a cover so when it’s not in use it functions as a table for entertaining. Or best yet add some “sizzle” to a night and invite family and friends over for marshmallows and s’mores. Or you can build it flush with your patio so you can cover it with a lid once the fire is out. Adding cooking grates for barbecuing is another plus.

Whatever your choice fireplaces and fire pits offer another focal point for your yard year around. They’ll  increase the pleasure you’ll find in your yard and add to the value of your property. Welcome nightfall to your yard with a little “sizzle” contact us on 952-292-7710.

 

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Fire Pit Next To The Pool In Minnesota

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

Imagine a fire pit build right next to the pool. Not one that requires wood and produces ash, but a gas fed fire that burns clean with the flip of a switch. What better way to spend a cool summer evening in your Minnesota home. Reserved for the lucky few years ago, gas burning fire pits have become more popular with the advances in technology, that make outdoor living that much more convenient and affordable. Some things to consider when installing an outdoor fire pit should include the following;

  1. How many people would you like it to accommodate? 1-4 is typical, as this will encourage simple, intimate conversations that create trust and safety. 5 or more people will require 360 degrees of campfire style pleasure for anyone coming or going.
  2. What mood are you trying to create? Cozy and romantic, or a loud family gathering.
  3. Is there a particular view that you want to capitalize on? If you do, then build a pit that is close to the ground, so you can take advantage of it. If not, then feel free to build in an elevated fire pit that will bring the fire up a bit, so the heat will radiate across the center of your body. A hearth, mantle or even a small pizza oven are also favorites in situations like this.
  4. Will this space be impacted by wind? If so, then make sure you have a screen built in. Wind can carry ash and embers for miles, so make sure you are taking this consideration seriously. If wind is not a concern, maybe consider a water source in case your flames get a little too high.
  5. Does smoke bother you? If it does, then opt for a gas burning fire pit. These are very popular these days, and very safe even for youngsters. Gas burning pits are beautiful, clean, efficient, and still provide all the warmth and beauty you would expect from any fire place.

Make sure you talk with an experienced landscaper who knows how to consider all the options. With Minneapolis’ Architectural Landscape Design you will be getting years of design installation experience, as well as the educated knowledge of licensed horticulturalists. If you are going to invest in your home this year, make sure you are working with professionals that can handle everything involved. 952-292-7717

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Cooking Outdoors: Outdoor Summer Kitchens Delight All!

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

Everybody loves food cooked outdoors, it tastes better! You can make a space in your backyard for cooking that’s efficient and makes cooking and entertaining outside a real pleasure!

It’s like buying a house; it’s location, location, and location. When planning an outdoor kitchen you get to pick the perfect location for you. Locating grills and workstations out of the traffic patterns and access routes to your house makes a big difference. You also get a chance to determine where you want the smoke to go, instead of into having to shut the windows to your house when grilling!

An outdoor kitchen can be as big and expansive as you want it or it can be right-sized for you. You can build a summer kitchen with outdoor cook tops, ovens, refrigerators, ice machines, bread baking ovens, fireplaces, fire pits, outdoor lighting,  etc. There are endless options. Our landscape designers and architects delight in helping people plan their vision of an outdoor kitchen.

We can build patios, decks, gazebos, arbors, and pergolas to accompany your kitchen. The best outdoor kitchens have plenty of weatherproof storage as well as enough counter space to prepare and serve meals. Arranging your outside kitchen is a lot like arranging one indoors. If your family and friends like to cook together you may need some extra countertops to accommodate everyone cooking together outdoors. In addition, to weatherproof storage, we can help you look at the different options for weather resistant countertops like marble, concrete, metal or tile. We’ll also plan if you want it to build your countertop big enough to have a 15-inch plus overhang so you can use it for a buffet or a bar also. Working to insure there is the necessary gas and electric lines and that all zoning requirements are met is another benefit.

Your outdoor kitchen will become a favorite outside dining room, let our Minneapolis, St. Paul landscape design team help you call 952-292-7717 today

 

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ALD Featured Exhibitor at Minneapolis Home and Garden Show February 29-March 4, 2012

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012

Stop by Booth #750 and talk to us about your bringing your landscaping dreams to life! ALD is a featured exhibitor at the biggest show, the Minneapolis Home and Garden Show. Come to the show to find out what’s new in home, garden, landscaping, remodeling and much more!

Every project we do is unique since it starts with a review with our customer of their project ideas, needs and desires. Each customer gets want they want as they work with our talented licensed design staff. Our desire is to have your home and surroundings express your unique taste and personality. We’ll work with you to plan great outdoor space at your house!

ALD, a multi-speciality landscape company offers a full range of offerings:

  • Pools & Spas
  • Outdoor Fire Places andFire Pits
  • Landscape Design and Installation
  • Low Voltage Lighting
  • Waterscaping Excavating & Grading
  • Custom Boulder/Stone Work
  • Outdoor Living Spaces and Kitchens
  • Unique Garden Plantings
  • Hardscapes Stone and Rock Work
  • Holiday Lighting Installation Services

Landscaping services, when done well, are an integral part of maintaining your investment. Our passionate dedication to our clients’ needs as well as professionalism, creativity, and craftsmanship.

We make your vision a reality with your crucial input. Our promise is to provide efficient, exceptional landscape work done meticulously for you and your home. We pride ourselves on our ability to listen and cater to each client’s specific needs.

Ask about the Ten Star Guarantee we offer; it is unprecedented in the landscape industry. We’re known as Minnesota landscape design and installation contractor that provides unique plans and a superior experience to our customer. Stop by Booth #750 and share your dreams or call us 952-292-7717 today! We bring your dreams to life!

The Home and Garden show hours are:

Wednesday, February 29, 12:00 pm-9:00 pm

Thursday, March 1, 10:00 am-9:00 pm

Friday, March 2, 10:00 am-9:00 pm

Saturday, March 3 9:00 am-9:00 pm

Sunday, March 4 9:00-6:00 pm

 

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Extend Your Outdoor Seasons with Heat

Friday, November 18th, 2011

When the temperature starts going down in the evening that is no reason to shorten a meal or go inside. You want your guests to be comfortable so aside from passing out blankets what can you do? There are several options to consider that our MN landscape designers and architects would be happy to review and make a plan that meet’s your needs.

You can install an outdoor fireplace so your alfresco dining and outdoor living can continue into the night and the next season. You can locate it on the edge of a patio, against a wall, or even in a corner to make it cozy. These can be used year around: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer! You can add areas for wood storage underneath so in the winter you don’t have to trek out to some remote woodpile to stoke the fire. You can also add stone ledges or mantels to the fireplace. This provides the opportunity for outdoor seasonal decorations and holiday lighting, plus a good place to put drinks.

Fire pits with a pile of logs burning in the middle are simply mesmerizing. It takes you back to roasting marshmallows, campfires, and camping. Fire pits can be sunk totally in the ground or built half way out of the ground with a retaining wall structure built from natural stones. You can have some fun and break away from the traditional round shape and go oblong to make it bigger allowing for more people to sit around it. If you want to go a step further have some stone built furniture, like sofas and chairs around the fire pit that you can add cushions and blankets to for that cozy campfire sleeping bag feel.

A fireplace or fire pit can add a fantastically fiery focal point to your yard call 95292-7717 to add some more warmth to your yard.

 

 

 

 

 

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Water and Fire Can Coexist in Minneapolis

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

If you live in MN, then you probably have a lake not very far from your home. MN is known as the land of 10,000 lakes, so most homes will take water into consideration when it comes to their landscaping plans.

Building a pond or small waterfall to help channel ground water will not only create a beautiful space on your property, but if combined with an outdoor fire pit, it can raise the value of your home and its sale-ability quite nicely.

Ponds and waterfalls have become common place in the landscaping industry now, and can be assembled with materials that are designed to be zero maintenance, and last for decades. Other than a little water treatment, your backyard pond can add a depth and ambiance that will benefit both you and the environment in many ways.

Surrounding this pond with a stone patio will make the space more stable, and provide a landing for you to set up a fire pit that you can enjoy all year long. Fire pits often serve many purposes. They are the perfect place to get rid of all those branches and twigs that show up in the fall and their burn ashes will provide a great base for your compost pile.

Bringing fire and water together can establish a certain tranquility that most people can enjoy for hours on end. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, or even complicated, simply having these 2 elements in close proximity is enough to touch the soul of most people who take the time to enjoy it. These spaces can be designed and delivered in just a few short months, and when built by experienced professionals like Minnesota’s Architectural Landscape Design, you can be sure that you will not have any ‘unexpected problems’ when the cold weather sets in. We have years of experience, and use only the best business practices to ensure that your landscape design will work perfectly for  years to come. Give us a call, 952-292-7717 to learn more about what we can design for you.

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