In the “history” of the home, the evolution of the backyard is a fascinating chapter. From humble beginnings, this outdoor “room” has become one of the most popular spaces in the home.
With a production/sales presence dating back to 1925, Acme's Tulsa office serves the eastern half of Oklahoma which encompasses 25 counties. Its 3,200-square-foot showroom features the largest selection of hard-fired clay brick in this part of the state, focusing on regionally produced Acme Brick from Oklahoma, Colorado, Arkansas and Texas. With the popularity of brick and stone combinations, a full range of both man-made and natural stones are displayed for the customer's design convenience, as well as hundreds of tile, natural stone and hardwood floor choices. And coming soon: the outdoor fireplace feature will allow one's ""outdoor living imagination"" to truly design an outdoor kitchen like no other!
In the “history” of the home, the evolution of the backyard is a fascinating chapter. From humble beginnings, this outdoor “room” has become one of the most popular spaces in the home.
For today’s homeowners, landscaping has become an important and often expensive priority. Experts note that more than $40 billion dollars are spent every year on equipment, design, plants, and maintenance for our yards. While any residential real estate developer or home builder will attest to the importance of landscaping for potential buyers, there are great ways for homeowners to reduce this maintenance with better planning.
Not too long ago, the people who talked about the importance of “sustainability” in the construction of homes or commercial buildings were a distinct minority of the population. Now, several factors have catapulted them from the fringe to the mainstream. One of the most important of these factors is the simple economics.
From June through November, people who live in the heavily populated coastal areas along the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico study weather forecasts with particular concern. During this period, Atlantic hurricane season, conditions are ripe for catastrophic storms that can bring loss of life and property destruction.
Lessons learned from “the year of the pandemic,” like those from the Great Depression, will likely affect us for decades to come. One particularly powerful new trend is the appreciation for the family home. Every family, of every size - couples, those with children, those with multiple generations in the same residence and empty-nesters - all have discovered the simple but sublime joys of home. This is especially true with regards to the outdoor entertaining spaces.
Aside from having a child, there are few things more exciting for a family than building a new home. The entire process - from finding the perfect neighborhood and lot to seeing the home “rise” from the ground and take shape - is exhilarating. Unfortunately, it can also be nerve-wracking.
It seemed like a good idea, at the time. Until the relentless Texas weather showed everyone - the architects, the construction company and the building's owner - exactly who is in charge! In the end, the wood siding facade of a six-month old, beautifully designed office building had to be replaced with a material that was as tough as it was stunning.
Let’s start from the beginning.
Back in the 1950s, many manufacturers and companies who needed a warehouse decided to move away from their buildings in large cities such as New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, and others, and move to (cheaper) industrial parks in the suburbs. These former industrial spaces began to be repurposed for residents who loved their open, uncluttered, barebones look and the inexpensive rent! The “loft” became a hit, especially for those who would be described as “creative types” - artists, writers, designers, media, and knowledge workers of all stripes.