Remote spot options include the living room, kitchen area, bar area and dining area, as well in front of the water feature or native plants and trees.
The driving force behind all the “living areas” is functional versatilit —including a flagstone inlay for Camera Six.
Built in 1983, the space had small modular block walls, an exposed aggregate and timber patio, and a plastic faux-stone wall with a piecemeal fence.
Seen through the studio windows year-round, the fireplace is a cozy spot for interviews.
The SketchUp shot comes alive: The fireplace and pergola are the key elements in the design.
Several times during installation, reporters brought cameras to catch the action as the layers of gravel went down.
Remote spot options include the living room, kitchen area, bar area and dining area, as well in front of the water feature or native plants and trees.
xcavation for the permeable pavers was done very carefully. The concrete stoop and steps are heated to prevent ice during winter weather.
The pergola only covers part of the patio, to prevent strong shadows during daytime broadcasts. Each 1,000-lb.-plus pergola post had to be craned into place.
In front of the fireplace is an irregular natural glacier stone patio. A water feature runs alongside the upper patio.
The kitchen area has a grill, refrigerator and storage space under the bar. A portion of the outdoor bar is portable.
Waist-high raised planters allow seasonal color to be seen from inside the studio.
The water feature’s footings, basin, sleeving and boulder placement took several days. The 5,000-lb.-plus headwaters boulder makes the falls face the back studio doors.
Locally handcrafted copper art was added after the water feature was complete. LED lights under the boulder illuminate the water.
Native plantings were chosen not only to attract birds, bees and butterflies, but will also be highlighted on upcoming gardening segments.
The plan illustrates how the Back Yard’s different levels add interest and provide designated spaces.
THE DETAILS: For 31 years, this TV station’s “Back Yard” has hosted interviews, weather reports, cooking and gardening segments and more. But the space had seen better days. It was time for an upgrade. The station shared two design concepts on-air for viewers to vote on. They chose a Northwoods theme for the 62-by-62-ft. space. It features a waterfall/stream, permeable-paver patio, stone fireplace/patio, a pergola made from reclaimed wood, retaining walls, outdoor bar and grill, raised planters and a heated concrete stoop and steps.
There were a few challenges along the way. Southview had to remove a portion of the fence for machine access. Constant attention had to be paid to the overhead lines and studio lights, and underground utilities had to be located and moved. But upon completion, the renewed space was part of a local home tour event, so viewers could experience the concept in person.
