This week: Ever wonder what goes into a half-million-dollar hardscape overhaul? From custom granite fabrication and stone walls to a complete outdoor kitchen and master plan design, we’re taking you behind the scenes of a very ambitious project.

The results are in for the 2025 Hardscape North America (HNA) Awards, and this year’s winners have set a new bar for craftsmanship and design. From breathtaking "backyard resorts" in Ohio to historic infrastructure upgrades at Gettysburg, these projects showcase the absolute pinnacle of segmental concrete pavement, clay brick, and retaining walls.

The 2025 Hardscape North America (HNA) Awards have officially recognized the most exceptional hardscape projects across the continent, selecting winners from an impressive pool of 192 entries spanning 18 distinct categories. This year’s featured projects represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship and design, ranging from the historic infrastructure upgrades at Little Round Top in Gettysburg to the breathtaking "Ultimate Backyard" in Manheim.

These five highlighted winners showcase the incredible versatility of segmental concrete, clay brick, and natural stone, setting a new standard for excellence in both residential and commercial outdoor spaces.

Congratulations to these winners on their impressive hardscape projects.

Checkout the full list of 2025 HNA winners here.

What began as a simple request to plant rhododendrons evolved into "Project Opus," a massive $500,000 landscape transformation in Groton, MA. Led by Dan Gladu and Corey Magliozzi of Roots & Rocks in Groton, MA, the project reimagined a 10,000-square-foot backyard into a historical masterpiece. The team sourced reclaimed Rockport granite from across New England, including a massive block from Boston’s original Longfellow Bridge, to create an outdoor living space that doubles as a work of ar

The build showcased technical precision, featuring hand-chiseled stone stairs, custom granite fabrication, and intricate clay brickwork. From using thermal finishing with propane torches to texturize the stone to engineering dry-stack sitting walls that rely entirely on gravity, every detail was meticulously crafted. This HNA award-winning project not only redefined the property but also pivoted the firm’s entire business model toward high-end natural stone and large-format masonry.  

"Project Opus" represents more than just a successful build; it served as a pivotal moment for Roots & Rocks Inc., shifting their focus toward high-end natural stone and large-format masonry. By combining historical materials with modern engineering, Dan and Corey demonstrated that landscape architecture can be both a structural necessity and a work of art. The project’s success, highlighted by its HNA award recognition, underscores the value of precision and the enduring beauty of reclaimed New England granite.

We recently interviewed Lumengy owner Josh Perets to dig into hardscape lighting techniques and sale strategies for contractors.

Hardscape contractors can significantly boost project profits and customer satisfaction by offering integrated paver lighting rather than stopping at the stone. By treating every surface—from driveways to pool decks—as a canvas for light, you create a premium first impression that allows homeowners to safely enjoy their outdoor spaces long after sunset. This simple upgrade doesn't just complete the aesthetic vision; it distinguishes your business from competitors who leave potential revenue on the table.

Here are 6 takeaways for hardscape contractors to incorporate lighting into their projects:

Maximize Every Surface: Treat every area, from driveways to pool decks, as a canvas for lighting to add safety and visual depth.

Complete the Vision: Integrated lighting ensures your hard work is visible and enjoyable for clients long after the sun goes down.

The 5-Minute Upsell: Use a portable 12V battery to demo sample lights on-site, allowing clients to see the immediate impact in their own space.

Simplify Approvals: Leaving sample units overnight helps homeowners visualize the final look, making the decision-making process effortless.

Boost Profitability: Offering lighting as a standard upgrade increases the total project value and sets your business apart from competitors.

Deliver a Premium Experience: High-quality lighting provides a high-end first impression that highlights the quality of your craftsmanship.

— Josh Perets, owner of Lumengy

Josh Perets spent a decade as a software engineer before transitioning into nearly ten years as a professional paver contractor with Go Pavers in Southern California. After seeing firsthand the limitations of existing outdoor lighting options, he founded Lumengy, where he has spent the past decade designing paver lighting solutions that are contractor-friendly to install and aligned with what homeowners want, beautiful lighting effects, and long-lasting performance.  

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Until next time,

The Team at Hardscape Magazine