LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.
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(Continued from page 16) h a rd s c a p e s Above, Left After the shell has been assembled, appliance openings are marked directly onto the island and cut to the appliance manufacturer's specifications with a diamond-blade masonry saw. Once the openings are cut, finish work can begin immediately, as the system is stable as soon as the brackets and adhesive are applied. Above, Right Natural stone accents and stucco tinted to match the painted brick of the home were incorporated to match the stone on the front of the house. Stucco finishes with stone can help meet the budget, as stucco is typically lower in cost than natural stone, and a relatively small amount of stone can add aesthetic value. Middle The designer chose to combine two cabinet component kits to create a tight "C" shaped kitchen island that could accommodate a large gas grill, multiple sets of storage doors and a refrigerator. Additional storage on the outside of the island was incorporated to house pool toys and other items. Bottom The basic island shell, a system of concrete panels and galvanized steel brackets (Stone Age Manufacturing), glues together with standard landscape block adhesive. Utilities are run in advance so the island kit can be assembled around them. 18 Landscape Architect and Specifier News A 15-foot F Series island, with two wings at a relaxed angle, was easily adapted to follow the wall of the home, and could house the large gas grill, some storage, a sink, and the main food preparation area. The opposite section was constructed using a 15-foot FF model, with three angled sections to allow some preparation, while giving plenty of space for additional food preparation and serving, including a second sink, as well as eating counters, which were added using bar top backsplash kits designed to work with the standard island kits. To maximize the utility of this layout, one of the sections of the FF island kit was moved to the opposite side, creating a long wing for the primary eating counter, and a shorter wing at the other end, to create a smaller serving area and house an under counter refrigerator. Modular masonry kits offer tremendous labor saving to the installer, which translates into more profits on each job, more flexibility when negotiating a bid with the client, and higher profits overall, due to the ability to complete more work successfully within a given time period. This also helps create a favorable reputation for the installer, as he becomes well known for offering higher quality work and meeting construction deadlines more often than his scratch-building competition. In today's competitive market, offering more services and higher quality work may mean the difference between securing contracts or being passed by in the marketplace. 16-19.indd 18 3/26/14 2:33 PM