Results of an American Society of Landscape Architects survey pinpointing 2007 market trends bode well for concrete paver, segmental retaining wall unit,
Results of an American Society of Landscape Architects survey pinpointing 2007 market trends bode well for concrete paver, segmental retaining wall unit, faux stone veneer and countertop producers, plus pervious concrete pavement practitioners. Homeowners plan to add firepits and fireplaces for outdoor entertaining in the new year, the survey finds, and along with commercial building owners will pay more attention to stormwater management and low-maintenance native plants requiring limited water. Concrete landscape units and stone veneer are common in firepit and fireplace design, while concrete countertops have surfaced in outdoor bars. Pervious concrete pavements have been increasingly specified for their stormwater management qualities.
Conducted in December 2006, the informal ASLA survey identified the most popular requests from homeowners and commercial clients for 2007. Homeowners are requesting landscape architects to design complete outdoor rooms, such as kitchens and bars, for entertaining. On the commercial side, landscape architects cite more client requests for improved water resource management; fountains and outdoor employee areas; and, green roofs and related sustainable design measures.