Backyard Brilliance: Embracing New Trends in Deck, Pergola and Fence Design

Fostering natural outdoor spaces that can double as living areas encourages spending more time outside and expands the usable areas of the home. Homeowners may have grand visions for designing outdoor spaces, but making them all work together can be quite a feat.  

 Understanding the current trends in deck, pergola and fence design can help you construct a space that incorporates all the necessary elements to give clients the backyard of their dreams. 

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Hands-On Learning: How an All-Female Engineering Class Built a Rest Station for Those Who Grow and Harvest Our Food

Katie Hickey, a graduating senior from Carondelet High School in Concord, CA, and a future student at San Diego State University, participated in an all-female Engineering for Social Good class. Their ambitious endeavor involved designing and constructing a personalized rest station for nearby farmworkers, relying exclusively on their own abilities and available resources. Despite their limited background, the students demonstrated unwavering determination and successfully delivered an outstanding product that will have a profound impact on the local community.

Continue reading “Hands-On Learning: How an All-Female Engineering Class Built a Rest Station for Those Who Grow and Harvest Our Food”

From Bar Inspiration to Backyard Elevation: How to DIY a Cantilevered Swing

Kurt Krasavage, owner of Residential Imagineering, LLC, constructed a cantilevered swing in his backyard using Simpson Strong-Tie hardware. Inspired by a bar in Mexico with an attached swing-set, Kurt and lead builder Shawn Bealla created an exceptional outdoor entertainment center that became a popular gathering spot. Learn about his project and get inspired for your own creative backyard DIY. 

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A Collaborative Simpson Strong-Tie ADU Build  

Utah Territory Manager, Jared Weston worked on a very special build to help a family in need by collaborating with the University of Utah’s Architecture students.

The Design+Build Salt Lake program at the University of Utah’s School of Architecture is a new collaboration and immersive experience developed by architect and associate professor Jörg Rügemer. Through the program, students develop, design and construct affordable, energy-efficient and resilient residential buildings from first sketch to final construction. The program serves communities around Salt Lake City and along the Wasatch Front.  Continue reading “A Collaborative Simpson Strong-Tie ADU Build  “