Oldcastle APG, Atlanta-based CRH Company, wrapped up 2024 taking a controlling interest in Yardzen, an outdoor living design and build platform that uses technology, including satellite imagery, 3D rendering software and AI, to create custom landscape plans and connect homeowners to vetted service providers.
The stake in venture capital-backed Yardzen Inc. further drives the outdoor living platform’s unique ability to bring together homeowners, contractors, world-class outdoor solutions, and market-leading brands. Now, homeowners using Yardzen’s digital platform can easily visualize their outdoor spaces and confidently choose Oldcastle APG products.
That product portfolio has grown to encompass flagship Belgard concrete paver and wall hardscape units; RDI Railing vinyl, aluminum, steel and composite rail products; Catalyst Fence Solutions aluminum, composite, steel or vinyl fencing; MoistureShield composite decking; and ActiveYards composite or vinyl fencing.
Yardzen is a community of “inventive software engineers, world-class landscape architects, exterior designers, creative marketers, curious product managers, horticulturists, operations whizzes, construction experts and experienced builders.” With a northern California home base, it has evolved from a design-focused service to a comprehensive technology platform whose 600-plus professionals seamlessly guide homeowners through every step of customizing a value-adding outdoor space. Yardzen offers seven service packages, from a $599 Botanical full property vegetation plan to a $3,295 Premium Outdoor Transformation, including landscaping, hardscaping and furnishing
“Every design element, from hardscape materials to plants, is carefully chosen to meet high standards for beauty, functionality, and build readiness,” says Oldcastle APG Chief Revenue Officer Jenny Nail. “The Yardzen approach blends global design expertise and regional horticultural insights, providing homeowners with the best of both worlds in a seamless, efficient process that results in stunning, personalized outdoor spaces.”
There are many reasons why a homeowner would choose to work with Yardzen, including the ease of their technology-enabled platform and their world-class design talent. Regardless of proximity to the project, the designer utilizes data-driven tools, including property-specific analytics, climate considerations, and a world-class plant database to craft personalized, build-ready plans.
The Yardzen plant database was developed by in-house horticulturists, ensuring all selections are well-suited to the conditions of the homeowner’s property.
TIMELY SEEDING
“As more and more homeowners have a strong perspective on the design of their outdoor living spaces, our platform serves as a critical intersection in the landscaping journey, connecting homeowners to talented designers, contractors, and outdoor living brands,” notes Yardzen CEO Allison Messner, who will continue to lead a team she and Adam Messner have built since founding the business in 2018.
The timing of their efforts to create a network of design and building professionals available on demand proved serendipitous two years on, as homeowners—confronting 2020-21 pandemic response measures—required more of their outdoor spaces. “Yards added usable square footage to crowded homes and were one of a few safe places to gather with friends and family,” recalls Allison Messner. “Yardzen saw exponential growth during those years, and the demand has continued as the modern American homeowner values outdoor living more than ever.”
“We are excited for this next chapter with Yardzen, a fellow innovator and digital pioneer, as we look to expand our digital footprint and provide even more resources to designers, contractors and homeowners seeking premium outdoor living solutions,” concludes Oldcastle APG President Tim Ortman.
A PROJECT BLOSSOMS
Concrete Products asked Oldcastle APG’s Jenny Nail and Yardzen’s Allison Messner to frame a Yardzen Premium design package client experience, where a Texas family aims to transform a backyard into a space for entertaining, relaxing, and play. Here’s how the approach for such a project could unfold:
- The homeowners complete an online onboarding process, providing details about their unique property, uploading photos and videos of their space, taking a plant and style quiz, and sharing their goals for the space. Their priorities include a patio for outdoor dining, a fire pit area, a play structure for the kids, and a native plant palette to complement the climate.
- Yardzen’s design team uses satellite imagery, combined with the client’s photos and video, to create a model of the client’s home and yard within inches of accuracy – without ever stepping foot on the property. From there, a Yardzen designer with expertise in family-friendly and sustainable designs reviews the homeowner’s input and begins crafting their custom outdoor space. The design incorporates hardscape elements like a modern paver patio, fire pit with built-in seating, and kid-safe turf play area. For furnishings, the designer recommends durable, outdoor seating and tables that align with the client’s style preferences and can withstand the Texas heat.
- Clients receive the first iteration of their design, which includes photorealistic renderings, plus detailed materials information and the ability to shop the furniture and decor included in their design. From there, they offer detailed feedback on their design through Yardzen’s proprietary Feedback Studio. They also have the opportunity to collaborate directly with Yardzen’s Design Director to review the proposal and provide feedback on the next iteration of their landscaping, hardscaping and furnishing plan.
- Once the design is finalized, the homeowners enter Yardzen’s Build Studio and are matched with a vetted contractor in their local market. Client and contractor message, schedule, and collaborate in the Build Studio, scheduling a site walk to assess the property, confirm measurements, and discuss material and phasing (if needed). The homeowners receive a detailed quote via the Build Studio from the contractor, where they can also securely pay for the project.