crazyweed kitchen

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In March 2021, the owner of Crazyweed Kitchen approached our company to take on the job of expanding their existing outdoor patio space. We were excited, not only for the unique and creative scope of this project, but also to begin our first job in the Canmore area!

We first demolished an existing timber pergola and excavated the side yard to accommodate

a new retaining wall and concrete slab, upon which, Batu decking would be overlaid. One of the features of this design was a privacy screen with hidden doors on the west end to protect the patio space from prevailing winds. 

The bank we were retaining against was minimal and only required one block to reach the top, however to create the effect of a private patio area we built the wall up one block higher and created an embankment on the other side in which we planted lilacs, and native grasses. On either end of the space, within the Verti block wall, we created a garden bed planted with cut flowers known to do well in that particular area. The existing irrigation system was retrofitted to accommodate the new planted areas.

One particular challenge with the Verti blocks was the unfinished backside. This presented a problem for

the parking lot side of the space as the backside of the wall would be seen alongside the stairway which

led up the side of the wall to the top of the embankment, overlooking the patio area. Hence, the unfinished backside was clad with cedar to match the privacy screen at the west end.

Another challenge that came with the deck expansion was how to tie in the new decking with old. The design called for the new decking to continue the pattern of the old, however a decision was made

to add a diagonal dividing strip to separate the two spaces making the break look intentional. 

Perimeter benches were built off-site and installed around the new deck. Careful attention was paid to the dimensions and geometry to ensure a practical but aesthetically pleasing bench; we were able to create a minimalistic design that didn’t completely obscure the texture of the wall and at the same time had enough surface area to offer comfortable seating for guests. The legs and supports were clad in the same manner as the privacy screen and staircase wall which helped tie the whole space together.

To finish things off, we installed posts running along the length of the wall which supported party lights

strung to meet at the top corner of the building, this design had the effect of creating a light canopy over the whole space. Not including some delays on plant material, the project was substantially complete and ready for the targeted June 1 opening at a cost just shy of $88,000.00. The space has been a huge hit with staff and customers and has so far proved to be a great investment for the restaurant.