What does your dream outdoor kitchen look like? For Richard Mann, there was a very specific item that had to fit into his sideyard landscape plan. During travels in Argentina and Uruguay, Richard became fascinated with a style of cooking that is ubiquitous and a part of almost every household: the parrilla grill.
A parrilla is a type of fireplace where you stoke a wood fire on one side and burn it into embers, then as the hot coals accumulate in a pile, you push them to the other side for use in cooking. The cooking side of the parrilla features a grilling grate that can be raised or lowered for slow-cooking meats.
It’s how grilling is done throughout South America. The parrilla creates a lively social atmosphere that captured Richard’s imagination. But where would his unusual idea fit into an already beautifully finished landscape?
Having been designed by a renowned landscape architect back in the 60s, the Mann’s yard was impressive. But one section, the side yard landscape, seemed to have been overlooked in the grand scheme, and over the years, had suffered neglect. It was a space that didn’t warrant a first glance, much less a second. But Richard thought it could be just the place to have his parrilla built.

In Argentina and Uruguay the parrilla grill is ubiquitous, a part of every home that contributes to a lively social atmosphere
An Unusual Side Yard Landscaping Idea
Richard’s wife was on board with the idea, so he decided to design a parrilla himself. He quickly realized he needed to hire a professional to design and build it. He invited landscape architect, Chad Talton, from Surrounds to have a look at his “forgotten” sideyard landscape. Chad looked and then asked: “What else do you want?” Richard hadn’t considered what else. He didn’t think there was room for anything else in this tight space. Chad continued: “What about a refrigerator? How about a sink? You’ll need some counter space to prepare food. Where will people relax and socialize while they are waiting for dinner?”
These were excellent questions. For Richard, a big part of the obsession with the parrilla was the social aspect. “Weekend afternoons in Argentina were spent around the parrilla,” Richard remembers fondly.
So he went all in with it and asked Chad to design a complete outdoor kitchen and dining area. In addition to the parrilla, he wanted a gas grill for times when the menu called for a few burgers done quickly and a green egg for smoking. So his ambitions pretty quickly went from “what else can we fit out here” to three types of outdoor cooking setups.
But could all of this really be made to fit in this narrow side yard landscape area? It turns out yes.


The design for the entire space took into account not only the various cooking zones and other necessities of a well-designed outdoor kitchen but the social aspect as well. “It’s not a massive space, so I was wondering how they would manage to put everything into it that was on the list,” Richard says. “But the renderings blew me away, and the finished project delivers on maximizing space in a beautiful way.” The resulting outdoor kitchen and grilling space is now the shining jewel of the Mann’s landscape.
An awkward, forgotten side yard with an overgrown walkout basement entrance – complete with broken steps and an ancient chain link fence– was transformed into a space that has become the focal point of an already well-designed yard.
The Challenges of Building a Parrilla Grill That Works
Besides looking great, the parrilla had to adhere to strict design specifications in order to function properly.
Unlocking Creative Potential in Small Yard Landscaping
With planning and the right design concept, you can maximize the yard space you have so it feels and functions like a much larger space.
The Surrounds project manager worked with the craftsperson doing the ironwork to coordinate the installation. The interior measurements had to be precise. “The parrilla itself is almost five or six feet wide, set into the hearth of an outdoor fireplace,” Richard says. “You really do have to engineer accurately so the chimney gets a full draw and pulls the smoke out given such a big space. Chad crushed it on the design and I use every aspect of it.”
In order to create the space needed in this small yard landscape, Surrounds had to rebuild a wall that supported an heirloom rose bush. This was part of the original landscaping done by that well-known landscape architect. Richard laughs, “I told them, don’t kill the rose bush, or my wife will kill me!”
Lighting is important for an outdoor space that will be used well into the evenings. After receiving input from the Manns, Surrounds put wall sconces and a large lantern into the project design to illuminate the area.

Enjoying the Nicest Outdoor Kitchen in the Neighborhood

I honestly think people would look at this area now and not imagine in a million years what we started with here”
This once-forgotten space is now enjoyed by Richard, his wife, teenage boys, and their friends. “I use every aspect of the parrilla, and this week used all three cooking stations,” Richard says. Speaking of the wonders of his hand-crafted parrilla, Richard will tell you “It is great for steaks. It gives food a unique smokey, wood flavor. The pulley system allows you to lower or raise food to adjust the heat.”
What can be accomplished in a small section of your yard? Even an overlooked sideyard landscape can be transformed into an outdoor living environment that revives cherished memories and inspires new ones.