Conscious Construction

A push for a lower carbon footprint is changing how we approach exterior renovation—from design decisions to demolition

As people take stock of their impact on climate change, homeowners are carefully evaluating their landscape choices with an eye toward Earth. A sustainable approach to landscaping takes many forms, from design to materials and plant selections to construction.

Construction demolition is a leading waste creator in the United States. According to the EPA, the United States creates 569 million tons of construction & demolition debris each year—more than twice the amount of municipal solid waste. At Yardzen, we are changing that.

In every project we work on, our waste-generated carbon footprint is top of mind. Wherever we can, we encourage our clients to repurpose their existing materials, like decking, stone, and even plants, working around existing elements instead of simply ripping them down and starting over.

By the Yardzen Numbers

93% of Yardzen clients ask to retain existing elements of their yard, like decks, mature trees, and fences. Those people look to us to “make it work,” in the words of Project Manager Deanna Glory, an experienced landscape designer.

Case Study: An eyesore but functional jacuzzi gets a new look

For this Mill Valley, CA backyard renovation, rethinking the existing retaining walls was the bulk of the work, but the existing above-ground jacuzzi proved to be another challenge. When first discussing the backyard renovation, our clients considered removing the jacuzzi and building an in-ground hot tub, but first discouraged that idea with their Yardzen design team. Why? One of our core tenets is sustainability. We believe that you shouldn’t throw something away—a tree, a fence, a hot tub—unless it’s a significant impediment to the overall design or at the end of its life. Instead, we are committed to design solutions that revitalize existing outdoor elements.

Instead of scrapping the hot tub, we used our design thinking to create a beautiful deck that encapsulates the hot tub. The wood patio serves two purposes. For one, it creates a big, usable space that works with the hillside. It also creates a beautiful enclosure for the hot tub, making it feel like an in-ground spa.