Outdoor Spaces
More and more people are building elaborate outdoor BBQs . Gilroy ’ s mild climate makes the extension of our living space to the outdoors quite desirable . And outdoor BBQ ’ s afford us the opportunity to create gathering places which are not only beautiful , but also fun places to entertain family and friends and cook meals . Consequently , the BBQ has become a key element of our backyards .
Personally , I think one of the major benefits of this trend is that more men are cooking . Barbecuing offers a lot of appeal to men : it ’ s outdoors , there ’ s tech issues to talk about – with BTUs and hardware , they have lots of cool new accessories to play with , and there ’ s a perceived danger – the fire . And , for some reason , men seem to bond around the BBQ .
BBQ ’ s will surely be enjoyed by your whole family but this can be a serious investment . So , as you plan your outdoor kitchen space , you will want to consider :
The Location
Unlike its ancestors , the clunky eye sores that sat off in a corner gathering dust , the modern BBQ , with its new creative design , is a focal point for your family BBQ , pot-luck parties , or wine tastings . The proximity to the kitchen is the first practical decision you need to make . You won ’ t want the heavy structure of a BBQ and counter to command too much attention . And the view of the Gilroy countryside or your pool and garden should take center stage . So , be sure to give careful consideration to this “ room with a view .” Don ’ t forget about those Gilroy summer winds that come onshore until sunset . And make sure you know which way your smoke will blow .
The Ingredients
The necessities include : 1 ) the grill ( 4 or 6 burner is most popular 60,000 BTU will do — Viking and Linn are quality , popular brands ); 2 ) shade ( either an umbrella , an arbor , or trees ); 3 ) wind ( protection
from ); 4 ) lighting- ( both decorative and functional . . make it your night time party space ); and 5 ) electricity ( outlets for small appliances ).
The nice to haves include : 1 ) bar seating for the whole family ; 2 ) cool appliances ( fridge , ice maker , sink , side burner , warmer , cabinets , dishwasher , kegerator , wok , and tanduri . . . the list goes on and on , as does everyone ’ s opinions ); and 3 ) the latest craze , a pizza oven ( that usually gets crossed off the list once you get the quote ).
Real practical considerations include : 1 ) plenty of counter space ( minimum 6 feet long , 36 ” high , and 30 ” deep , with room for more than one cook . . . think ergonomically ); 2 ) form of frame construction ( concrete block most popular method , then poured concrete , and steel ); 3 ) drainage ( for fridge and under counter ); 4 ) municipal code requirements ( for gas , electric , and plumbing hookups ); and 5 ) last but not least , weather resistant construction material for all the details .
The Look
Your outdoor kitchen should be a reflection of your personal style . Make sure it blends well with your house — similar colors , construction materials , and details . Try to keep the chef ’ s side of the kitchen , with all those appliances and steel cabinets , out of the main view from your house or garden .
The counter top is the piece de resistance of the outdoor kitchen . This is where your artistry can really show . The most popular material options include concrete , granite slab , slate or flagstone , composites , brick and tile . All have good and bad qualities . You will want to do some homework in your quest for the perfect BBQ space .
For more information , contact Karen Aitken , Landscape Architect , of www . aitkenlandscapes . com . ( 408 ) 842-0245 . Karen is a Gilroy based landscape Architect known for the design of Gilroy Gardens as well as over 1,000 gardens in the south bay . Karen ’ s work has recently been highlighted in the new Sunset Gardens book , Stone & Patio Design Guide . She is a contributor to the Sunset Book BBQs & Outdoor Kitchens .
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FALL 2009 GILROY TODAY