Transform Your Outdoor Living Space with Groupe Zamco: Award-Winning Designs in Montreal
- Tony Zambito
- Apr 12
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
In 2020, our Staycation project in Chambly, Quebec, won two Hardscape North America (HNA) Awards — one of the most prestigious competitions in the industry. We took home the award for Winner Concrete Pavers under 3,000 sq ft – and an Honorable Mention for Outdoor Living Features. The same project was also selected as Techo-Bloc's 2018 Showcase project.
We're proud of those wins. However, the recognition wasn't really the point. It was the result of a design philosophy we've been developing since the early days of Groupe Zamco — one that most hardscape contractors aren't discussing.
The Secret to Our Success: Following Interior Design Trends
Hardscape design tends to follow interior design by about five years. Instead of looking at what's trending in outdoor construction, we examine what's happening inside homes — tile sizes, material textures, colour palettes, and kitchen layouts. That's where hardscape is headed next.
When large-format tiles became popular indoors, we anticipated that large-format pavers would soon follow. When wood-look finishes dominated interior floors, we began integrating wood-look pavers into our outdoor projects. By following interior trends, we gain a unique perspective that sets us apart from our competitors. This approach ensures our clients receive designs that feel fresh and forward-thinking, rather than outdated.
About the Award-Winning Staycation Project
This was a $323,000 outdoor living build on a residential property in Chambly, QC. The scope included a full hardscape patio and driveway utilizing multiple permeable build methods. We created three outdoor cooking areas (a pizza oven, a wood chip barbecue, and a gas grill), a fire pit with custom seat walls, and a 16' x 42' pergola area. The project also featured inlay work, tempered glass pool fencing, and custom planters.
The project was primarily constructed using 42" x 14½" step slabs, each weighing approximately 350 lbs. These slabs were used to build the grill island, fire pit, pizza oven, and benches. The sheer weight of the material creates a structure that won't shift through freeze-thaw cycles, requiring fewer cuts than traditional SRW block methods.
One of the more technically interesting elements was the driveway: permeable pavers over a pervious concrete base. We've been told it's one of the first hybrid installations of its kind in North America.
Overcoming Challenges: A Project That Almost Didn't Happen on Time
Right after excavation, the site was hit with days of heavy rain. The backyard, mostly clay, turned into a swamp. Rather than lose weeks waiting for it to dry naturally, we spread a thin layer of dolomitic lime across the 2,500 sq ft excavated area, followed by a layer of clean stone, which we compacted in. The lime changes the molecular structure of clay, allowing water to seep through instead of pooling. A few passes of the compactor, and we were back to work. We estimate this technique saved us close to a month of lost time.
Craftsmanship and Teamwork: Six Crew Members, Three to Four Weeks, and a Lot of Pride
This project involved serious craftsmanship. The stone inlays alone took 12 man-hours of cutting to get perfect. We relied on two trusted excavation subcontractors — a system we moved to a few years back. This allows our team to focus on what we do best while keeping projects moving efficiently.
Featured in Hardscape Magazine
Shortly after the project was completed, we were featured in Hardscape Magazine — one of the leading trade publications for the industry. The article delves into the technical decisions behind the build, including how we handled the permeable base systems, material selection, and our approach to outdoor kitchen construction.
Why Choose Groupe Zamco for Your Outdoor Living Space?
If you're considering a major outdoor project — whether it's a patio, retaining wall, driveway, or full outdoor living space — we would love to show you what's possible. At Groupe Zamco, we have been building premium outdoor hardscapes in Laval and the Greater Montreal Area since 2011. Our goal is to be the top choice for outdoor living space transformations in Montreal. We aim to grow our reputation as the most trusted expert in hardscaping and landscaping, consistently delivering high-quality, durable outdoor projects.
Contact us to start a conversation about your dream outdoor space. Let's work together to create a beautiful and functional outdoor living area that enhances your home. RBQ license 5866-6199-01. - Photo Here
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