ALCC's 2018 ELITE Awards
The Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado honored four excellent residential landscape designs
Four Colorado-based landscape companies were recently honored by Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado (ALCC) at The ELITE Awards for their excellent design and construction of residential landscapes.
John McMahon, ALCC Executive Director, believes that The ELITE Awards illustrate how Colorado’s landscape companies deliver innovation, best management practices, originality, professionalism and problem-solving for their clients.
“These awards celebrate the connections between companies and clients to create and maintain landscapes that support Colorado’s outdoor lifestyles,” said McMahon.
The ELITE Awards is the only program of its kind in Colorado and honors outstanding landscapes and personnel within the profession. Award-winning projects reflect the 21st Century values of sustainability, service and environmental stewardship.
Winner of Design Build Over $200,000:
Boulder project by Environmental Designs and Marpa Design Studio
Boulder-based Marpa Design Studio and Environmental Designs, Inc, Henderson, were jointly recognized with The ELITE Award for Design/Build. Their collaboration resulted in a resort-like getaway for a Boulder foothills family who can now relax to enjoy stunning outdoor views in privacy from the neighbors. The landscape project also achieved the clients’ goal to meet the City of Boulder’s Green Point requirements while providing year-round seasonal beauty.
Winner of Design Build Under $200,000
Fort Collins project by Zak George Landscaping
Fort Collins project by Zak George Landscaping
Zak George Landscaping, Fort Collins, received The ELITE Award for Design/Build for redesigning an existing residential landscape to create a more functional space for entertaining. Two patio areas were connected to form one customized outdoor living area. Zak George staff also worked with existing elements such as a metal pergola and water feature, updating them and making sure they worked well within the newly configured landscape.
Winner of Award for Landscape Construction:
Innovative Boulder garden by Changing Landscapes, Inc.
Innovative Boulder garden by Changing Landscapes, Inc.
Boulder-based Changing Landscapes, Inc., received two ELITE Awards. In The ELITE for Landscape Construction, the company completed a logistically challenging renovation on a steep, sloping hillside next to the home’s back patio. A specialty crane hoisted two-ton boulders over the house to retain the slope, build rock walls and benches, create five waterfalls, a water feature and fire pit. Spaces between rocks became pockets for perennial plants.
Winner of Award for Sustainability:
Contemporary Asian garden in Boulder by Changing Landscapes, Inc.
Contemporary Asian garden in Boulder by Changing Landscapes, Inc.
Contemporary Asian garden in Boulder by Changing Landscapes, Inc.
Changing Landscapes also received the ELITE Award for Sustainability for transforming another Boulder home’s landscape to create terraced gardens and a contemporary Asian tea garden. Sustainable elements include a stream which flows beneath the teahouse and provides cooling as well as ambiance, avoiding the use of air conditioning or other cooling methods. New retaining walls were 95% constructed from existing rock. Plants and trees already on site were preserved whenever possible. All wood, metal and plant materials removed during the renovation were recycled or composted.
