As Ontario winters grow longer and homeowners seek year-round connection to the outdoors, backyard living is being redefined. No longer just about surviving the cold, today's winter landscapes are about style, comfort, and wellness. The backyard is becoming a four-season destination — part spa, part living room, part tech-savvy retreat.
This season, the trends go beyond heated patios and pergolas. Think: contrast therapy zones with saunas and plunge pools, operable glass cabanas for snow-covered lounging, AI-powered heating systems, and modern design touches that turn every corner of your yard into a curated experience.
Whether you're a homeowner dreaming of a snow-dusted wellness escape or a designer looking to stay ahead of the curve, this blog outlines the defining trends for 2026 winter outdoor living in Ontario. Precision Landscaping brings each of these trends to life with expert craftsmanship and Ontario-specific insight — so you can thrive outside, even when the temperatures drop.
A Look Ahead: What's Defining Winter Luxury in 2026
| Trend | What's New in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Wellness Hubs | Hot tubs, saunas, and plunge pools unified into immersive wellness zones |
| Smart Heating & Lighting | Snow-melt driveways, zoned smart heaters, adaptive LED landscape lighting |
| Four-Season Outdoor Rooms | Enclosed pergolas, winterized cabanas, and covered kitchens |
| Fire + Ice Design | Linear fire troughs, backlit steam, and sculptural ice + flame elements |
| High-Performance Surfaces | Heated interlock, thermal pavers, LED-edged walkways for traction & safety |
| Modern Seasonal Aesthetics | Minimalist palettes, evergreen silhouettes, and glass + metal architecture |
So, what does winter luxury actually look like in Ontario's backyards next season? Let's start with the biggest shift of all — the rise of fully integrated, year-round wellness zones.
Trend 1: The Fully-Integrated Winter Wellness Hub
Imagine stepping outside on a snowy January morning — steam rising from your Hot Tub, cedar-scented air wafting from your backyard Outdoor Sauna, the crunch of snow underfoot as you walk barefoot across a heated path. You're not at a luxury Nordic spa; you're home. That's the new standard.
In 2026, outdoor living in Ontario isn't just about braving the cold — it's about turning your backyard into a fully immersive wellness retreat. Homeowners across the province are embracing outdoor contrast therapy, spa-inspired design, and therapeutic heat-and-cold cycles to support mental clarity, better sleep, immune health, and true seasonal enjoyment.
This isn't just a design trend. It's a lifestyle evolution — a way to connect with nature in the quietest, most restorative season of the year.
Embrace the Cold: Contrast Therapy Comes Home
The buzzword for 2025? Contrast therapy. Once exclusive to elite spas and wellness resorts, this ancient technique — alternating hot and cold exposure — is now being built into Ontario backyards with high-end results.
A thoughtful contrast therapy setup may include:
- A Modpool or heated Swim Spa for a relaxing warm soak
- A dedicated cold plunge basin or access to snow-cooled zones
- Seamless, heated decking or stone pathways between each experience
- Built-in lighting and winter-rated sound systems for ambiance
The result? A daily ritual that promotes circulation, reduces inflammation, boosts your mood, and makes you want to go outside. It's luxury you'll actually use — and a wellness upgrade that transforms your winter entirely.
Outdoor Saunas: The New Essential
More than a trend, the Outdoor Sauna has become a centerpiece of cold-weather living. And in 2026, they're getting smarter, warmer, and more stylish than ever.
Homeowners are investing in Outdoor Saunas that are more than sheds — they're experiences. Picture this:
- Aromatic cedar or black panel interiors
- A cozy changing porch with windbreaks
- Infrared or traditional heat, with weather-sealed doors
- Nearby outdoor showers for the full Nordic cycle
Add in winter lighting and you've got a sanctuary just steps from your back door — perfect after a stressful day or before a deep sleep.
Seamless Connection: Decks, Walkways & Winter Flow
The wellness experience shouldn't be broken up by snowbanks or icy steps. In a true winter spa layout, the journey is just as important as the destination.
That's why heated walkways and driveways and weather-rated decks are essential. Precision Landscaping designs these connective elements for beauty and performance:
- Deck installations with composite boards that resist warping and ice
- Snow-melt systems beneath stone pavers or timber paths
- Integrated lighting to guide your route — safe, subtle, and beautiful
- Seamless flow from your outdoor structures to spa zones and fire features
This ensures that wellness isn't an isolated feature. It's built into your entire yard — a space that invites you to move, breathe, and reset in every season.
The Lifestyle Impact: More Than Just a Spa
We're not just building features. We're helping clients redefine winter.
Incorporating wellness design into your outdoor space creates:
- Daily rituals: Step into your sauna at 7 a.m., take a plunge at 7:20, start your day recharged
- Social spaces: Host cold-weather cocktail nights in a hot tub under the stars
- Health habits that last: Reduce stress, boost immunity, and stay active during the year's most challenging months
- Home value: Wellness features are increasingly sought after and can dramatically boost resale appeal
For Ontario homeowners who don't just want to endure winter — but truly thrive in it — this is the blueprint.
Ready to transform your yard into a winter wellness retreat? Let's design a personalized plan using Hot Tubs, Modpools, Outdoor Saunas, and custom Decking — built for comfort, beauty, and all-season use.
Trend 2: Smart & Sustainable Heating Systems
You step outside on a crisp January morning. Your driveway is clear, no shovel in sight. The patio is warm beneath your feet. Lights softly glow as the sun sets, adjusting automatically for the early dusk. There's no scrambling, no slipping, just comfort, control, and quiet luxury.
Welcome to the smart winter landscape.
In 2026, automation meets sustainability in Ontario backyards. Homeowners are no longer asking if they can enjoy the outdoors in winter — they're asking how to make it effortless, efficient, and elegant. From intelligent snow melt systems to adaptive lighting and energy-smart fire features, outdoor living is becoming an extension of the smart home.
This trend is about reducing effort, saving energy, and elevating everyday life, even in the dead of winter.
The No-Shovel Driveway: Welcome to Winter 3.0
Say goodbye to backbreaking snow removal. Heated Driveways and snow-melt walkways are among the most in-demand upgrades heading into 2026. These systems use electric or hydronic heating coils embedded beneath pavers or concrete to melt snow on contact.
Even better? They're smart.
With app controls and weather-responsive automation, these systems only activate when needed — reducing energy waste and operating costs. No more salt, no more slipping, no more freezing mornings.
Benefits at a glance:
- Safer access for family and guests
- Prevents ice damage to your hardscaping
- Works even while you're on vacation
- Boosts curb appeal and property value
Intelligent Outdoor Lighting: Beauty with Brains
In an Ontario winter, light is everything — not just for ambiance, but for safety. As darkness falls earlier, homeowners are embracing adaptive LED systems that shift colour, temperature, and intensity based on time or motion.
Precision Landscaping offers fully integrated Lighting design tailored to each property. Think:
- Pathway lights that brighten at nightfall, then dim after hours
- Tree uplighting that switches from warm amber to snowy cool tones in winter
- Motion-activated zones for added security and convenience
- Systems controllable by app, voice, or weather trigger
This is more than just décor — it's intelligent design that creates a welcoming glow even in sub-zero evenings.
Eco-Friendly Fire: Warmth Without Compromise
Fire features remain a favourite — but 2026 brings a smarter, more sustainable twist.
New fire technology blends luxury with conscience: gas-powered fire bowls, bioethanol tables, and remote-start outdoor fireplaces give you instant ambiance and comfort, minus the smoke, hassle, or wood chopping.
Our Fire Features team crafts installations that are both art and utility — think modern linear flames that double as architectural accents, or fire walls built into cabana lounges for radiant heat.
Why clients love smart fire features:
- Push-button ease: no lighting, no fuss
- Smokeless for better air quality and comfort
- Safer for kids, pets, and guests
- Eco-conscious: no emissions from wood burning
Trend 3: The Outdoor Great Room (Four-Season Edition)
Picture this: snow gently falling beyond glass walls, a pizza oven glowing in the corner, laughter echoing off cedar beams, and a gas fireplace warming the toes of your guests. You're not inside — you're in your backyard. Welcome to the Four-Season Outdoor Great Room.
This isn't a seasonal add-on. It's a full-fledged extension of your home. In 2026, homeowners across Ontario are blurring the boundaries between indoor luxury and outdoor living — and Precision Landscaping is making it possible year-round.
We're not talking patio furniture and a throw blanket. We're talking elevated architecture, integrated heating, weather-rated materials, and curated design that delivers comfort without compromise.
From Pergola to Pavilion: Build for the Forecast, Not Just the Forecast App
Forget flimsy covers or tarped gazebos. Today's Pergolas and Cabanas are engineered for snow load, wind resilience, and four-season usability.
Want sun in July and shelter in January? Enter louvered roofs and retractable enclosures. Want warmth and intimacy in sub-zero weather? Think infrared ceiling heaters, insulated privacy walls, and glass panels that slide shut when the snow rolls in.
With Precision's design-build expertise, we're not just building shelters — we're creating outdoor architecture.
Outdoor Kitchens That Cook Through the Cold
Why stop grilling when summer ends?
Ontario homeowners are investing in Outdoor Kitchens that don’t hibernate. Covered, heated, and, in fully enclosed four-season cabanas or pool houses, these culinary spaces can stay active even through the coldest months.
We integrate snow-rated cabinetry, durable countertops, weather-sealed fridges, and smart lighting — so your BBQ doesn’t go dark with the daylight.
Hot tip: For true four-season cooking, we design outdoor kitchens inside insulated, heat-controlled pool houses, sunrooms, or cabanas. Covered decks and pergolas with heaters are ideal as three-season kitchens, extending your cooking and entertaining well into late fall and early spring.
Seamless Surfaces and Winter-Proof Materials
The foundation of any great room? The floor beneath your feet.
Precision's team brings luxury interiors outdoors using weatherproof Architectural Woodwork and smart surfacing. Think composite decking that stays safe and splinter-free in the snow, or textured pavers with built-in heating for barefoot comfort even in January.
We also use Architectural Woodwork to introduce modern design elements — like slatted screens, ceiling beams, or built-in shelving — that mimic indoor details, creating a seamless extension of your style.
Entertainment Without the Elements
Winter shouldn't shut down your social life. We build entertainment zones designed for movie nights, game days, and quiet fireside evenings — with weatherproof TVs, smart audio systems, and programmable lighting that shifts with the mood.
From Pergolas to Cabanas, from Outdoor Kitchens to refined Architectural Woodwork — Precision designs every element of your winter great room to perform and impress, season after season.
Let's bring the indoors out — beautifully.
Trend 4: Visual Drama — Fire, Water, Ice, and Light
Winter isn't grey. Not here. Not anymore.
Ontario homeowners are transforming their backyards into immersive sensory experiences. It's not just about staying warm — it's about making winter beautiful. Alive. Electric.
This is the era of atmosphere as architecture, where fire dances across stone, steam rises like theater, and light plays with shadows on snow. Whether you're entertaining or simply savoring a quiet evening outside, the interplay of the elements sets the tone.
At Precision Landscaping, we call it visual drama — and we design every detail to perform.
Fire Features That Do More Than Heat — They Captivate
Today's Fire Features are about more than keeping warm — they're sculptural, intentional, and unforgettable.
In 2026, we're seeing a rise in linear fire troughs, suspended fire bowls, and modern gas ribbons integrated into stone walls or beneath seating. These aren't rustic afterthoughts — they're luxury focal points that draw people in.
Best of all? They're clean-burning, smart-controlled, and safe for Canadian winters. Whether powered by gas or bioethanol, these modern flames are ready at the push of a button.
The Steam Effect: Where Fire Meets Water
One of the most enchanting trends? The Steam Effect — where heat and cold collide in a spectacle of fog, light, and movement.
By placing a Hot Tub or Modpool near a Fire Feature, steam rises and swirls in the cold air — catching the light and turning your backyard into a private Nordic spa.
These aren't accidental moments. Precision designs the layout — windbreaks, Lighting, and sightlines — to maximize the visual. Imagine soft uplighting through drifting steam while flames ripple nearby. It's winter poetry in motion.
Ice, Glass, and Glow: New Materials for 2026
Expect to see more lit ice sculptures, frosted glass panels, and integrated lighting inside Water Features. These dynamic surfaces reflect, refract, and amplify both natural light and artificial glow — creating magical contrast.
Precision's team can craft winter vignettes: a frozen pond rimmed with fire bowls, or clear ice blocks that flicker with hidden LEDs during events. It's theatrical, it's high-end, and it turns your backyard into a stage.
Bring the Drama Home
Precision's team crafts every fireline, steam plume, and string of light to enhance the way your space feels — not just how it looks.
Whether it's Fire Features, Lighting, or integrated design with Hot Tubs and Modpools, we'll build the glow, the warmth, and the wow — for every winter night to come.
Trend 5: High-Performance Winter Surfaces
Winter isn't just hard on us — it's hard on surfaces. Salt. Snow. Freeze-thaw cycles. But in 2026, surfaces aren't surrendering — they're getting smarter, stronger, and more beautiful.
This trend is all about foundations that perform year-round, especially in Ontario's demanding climate. Whether it's a path that stays ice-free, or a patio that still looks perfect in March, homeowners are investing in materials and technology that stand up to the elements without compromising design.
Precision Landscaping leads the way with materials and techniques that marry luxury with durability — because winter elegance starts from the ground up.
Interlocking That Works Smarter, Not Harder
Modern Interlocking is about more than pavers. In 2026, it's about thermal traction, minimal maintenance, and seamless aesthetics.
We now install heated interlock systems, combining high-end pavers with embedded snow-melt coils — perfect for patios, walkways, and poolside zones that stay clear all season.
Design-wise, the shift is toward larger format slabs and clean linear patterns that echo modern architecture and make snow removal (manual or automatic) far easier. The visual is sleek. The function is flawless.
Concrete That's Architectural — and Resilient
Don't think of concrete as boring. In 2026, it's bold.
Our Architectural Concrete installations offer sleek finishes, natural textures, and winter-ready strength. Whether you want polished concrete for a modern patio, or board-formed textures for a rugged, high-end look, these surfaces are built to shine — even under snow.
We also use thermal additives and advanced sealers to keep them strong through the freeze-thaw cycle. So your patio doesn't just look good… it stays that way.
Build on a Stronger Foundation
From design to material sourcing to expert installation, Precision builds Hardscaping that's ready for the future — and the freeze.
Trend 6: Winter Landscaping & Seasonal Architecture
When the leaves fall and the gardens go to sleep, most yards retreat into stillness. But in 2026, outdoor spaces in Ontario are evolving into curated winter canvases — layered with structure, light, and artistic seasonal elements. This trend is all about designing for visual interest and emotional warmth, even when the ground is frozen.
From architectural evergreens to sculptural planters and laser-cut art screens, this is winter landscaping that tells a story. Every silhouette matters. Every flicker of light becomes part of the experience. And with Precision Landscaping at the helm, it's more than just survival — it's seasonal expression at its highest level.
Evergreen Structure: The Bones of the Winter Garden
When flowers fade, structure becomes everything. Our Landscaping experts prioritize four-season planting — using conifers, boxwoods, and columnar shrubs to create vertical interest and clean winter silhouettes.
Pair these with ornamental grasses that catch frost like lace, and you've got a garden that thrives under snowfall instead of disappearing beneath it. It's calm, elegant, and deeply satisfying to look at through a window in January.
Designer Planters & Seasonal Statements
Gone are the days of tired urns filled with pine boughs. Today's winter planters are sculptural — often built into the hardscape — and layered with birch poles, fire-colored dogwood, structural branches, and winter berries.
We design multi-level planter beds and built-in containers that integrate seamlessly with patios, stairs, and entryways. Whether it's your front porch or a backyard retreat, these seasonal installations add style and celebration without requiring year-round maintenance.
Architectural Accents: Screens, Shadows, and Sculptures
Winter is the best time to showcase form and shadow. That's why we're incorporating laser-cut metal privacy screens, reflective art panels, and even outdoor sculptures into garden design.
These elements catch snow, reflect moonlight, and add artistic depth to your space. When paired with Lighting — from hidden uplights to glowing lanterns — they transform the outdoors into a gallery you live in.
Lighting as Landscape Architecture
Winter light is different — it's low, soft, and fleeting. We use this to our advantage by building emotional rhythm into the yard.
Strategically placed accent Lighting, subtle string light frameworks, and glow-in-the-snow pathway guides turn dark evenings into something magical. And with smart lighting systems, you can control the mood with a tap — warm and cozy for a quiet night, cool and crisp for entertaining.
Bring Your Winter Garden to Life
We combine expert plant knowledge, architectural flair, and smart Lighting to deliver:
- Landscaping with four-season structure
- Garden Design that stays bold after bloom
- Lighting to make winter evenings glow
With us, your outdoor space never stops evolving — even when the snow falls.
Pricing Snapshot for 2026 Winter Projects
A luxury winter backyard isn't just an aesthetic indulgence — it's a lifestyle shift that delivers long-term comfort, energy savings, and property value. At Precision Landscaping, we're seeing a clear shift: homeowners in Ontario are choosing to invest in four-season functionality, not just summer curb appeal.
But what does that investment really look like in 2026?
Here's a clear breakdown of pricing, energy returns, and the kind of ROI you can expect from smart, winter-focused landscaping.
Typical Project Costs for 2026
Whether you're adding a few cozy upgrades or designing a full winter oasis, we've outlined price ranges for Ontario's most in-demand cold-weather features.
Installed Costs by Feature - 2026
| Feature | Entry-Level | Mid-Range | Luxury Custom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heated Driveways & Walkways | $25,000–$45,000 | $45,000–$85,000 | $100,000+ |
| Smart Lighting System (LED & App-Controlled) | $2,500–$4,000 | $5,000–$8,000 | $10,000+ |
| Hot Tub with Surround Decking | $12,000–$18,000 | $20,000–$30,000 | $35,000+ |
| Custom Outdoor Sauna | $15,000–$25,000 | $30,000–$45,000 | $50,000+ |
| Glass-Enclosed Pergola | $20,000–$30,000 | $35,000–$50,000 | $60,000+ |
| Four Season Outdoor Kitchen (Enclosed) | $45,000–$65,000 | $70,000–$100,000 | $120,000+ |
Energy Efficiency: Savings Over Time
These systems don't just elevate comfort — they work smarter, too. Homeowners who install energy-efficient winter features often see tangible savings.
Estimated Energy & Labour Savings Over 5 Years
| Upgrade | Savings Estimate (5 yrs) | Benefit Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Heated Driveway (vs. manual) | $3,500 - $6,000+ | Reduced snow removal fees + salt damage |
| LED Lighting (vs. halogen) | $1,000 - $2,500 | 80%+ energy reduction + longer bulb life |
| Smart Heating Zones | $2,000 - $4,500 | Targeted warmth = no wasted energy |
Bonus: These features also reduce maintenance stress — no need to constantly shovel, replace lights, or babysit outdoor heaters.
Property Value & Lifestyle ROI
These aren't just creature comforts — they're serious differentiators for resale and real estate value.
Build Cost vs. Perceived Home Value
| Upgrade Zone | Avg. Cost | Est. Property Value Added* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Outdoor Spa Retreat | $45,000 - $75,000 | $60,000 - $90,000 | Adds major appeal in luxury markets |
| Covered Dining + Kitchen | $40,000 - $65,000 | $50,000 - $80,000 | Seen as indoor square footage bonus |
| Heated Entry Path + Fire Bowl | $15,000 - $25,000 | $20,000 - $30,000 | Boosts function & first impression |
*Based on Ontario real estate trends and buyer surveys from 2023 - 2024.
Why These Trends Are Growing in Ontario
Ontario homeowners aren't just adapting to winter — they're redefining it. These trends reflect a deeper shift in lifestyle and values:
Climate Adaptation Is Driving Smarter Design
Unpredictable winters and longer shoulder seasons mean outdoor spaces must work harder. Heated Driveways, covered structures, and smart Lighting aren't just nice to have — they're practical upgrades for year-round comfort.
The Rise of Year-Round Outdoor Living
Gone are the days of “closed for winter” backyards. From morning coffee in a heated Cabana to hosting friends around a fire in January, outdoor living has become a 12-month lifestyle.
Wellness at Home Is Non-Negotiable
Saunas, Hot Tubs, and spa zones are no longer luxuries — they're essential features for homeowners prioritizing mental and physical well-being right in their own backyard.
Value and ROI Still Matter
Durable materials, low-maintenance features, and winterized upgrades all contribute to a higher home value and better long-term use — trends that align beauty with smart investment.
Why Precision Landscaping Leads 2026 Winter Design
Precision doesn't follow trends — we anticipate them. For over 15 years, we've helped Ontario homeowners turn harsh winters into high-design moments through craftsmanship, creativity, and cold-weather expertise. When the snow falls, our work shines.
Full-Spectrum Design-Build Services
From idea to installation, we manage every step — so your winter retreat looks stunning and performs in sub-zero conditions. Our Design-Build approach ensures aesthetics, materials, and functionality are flawlessly aligned.
Built for the Climate, Engineered for Life
Snow load? Freeze-thaw? No problem. Our Engineering Solutions include custom drainage, structural foundations, and smart heating layouts — all tailored to Ontario's weather.
Function Beneath the Finish
Beauty is only part of the story. We solve slope issues, runoff risks, and icy access with Custom Drainage and Concrete solutions that protect your investment and extend outdoor usability into winter.
Details That Define Greatness
Our Carpentry & Concrete teams craft heated Decks, windproof Pergolas, and custom sauna enclosures that blur the line between rugged and refined.
Local Planting That Thrives in Snow
We blend architectural plants and native species through expert Planting & Garden Design, ensuring beauty from the first frost to the spring thaw.
FAQs for 2026 Winter Outdoor Living
Planning your outdoor space for winter doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you're dreaming of a snow-dusted Sauna, wondering how smart systems actually work in the cold, or curious about materials that won't crack come January, we've got answers. Below are the most common questions Ontario homeowners are asking as they prepare to build better, warmer, more luxurious backyards.
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Smart tech integration and wellness-focused features like heated patios, automated Fire Features, and contrast therapy zones are leading the movement.
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Yes. Heated Driveways automatically melt snow and ice, keeping surfaces clear, safe, and protected from long-term freeze-thaw damage — no more early-morning shoveling.
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Outdoor kitchens can be used in winter, but true four-season performance requires an insulated, fully enclosed pool house, sunroom, or cabana. Heated pergolas and covered decks support extended three-season use, often into late fall and early spring, but they are not fully winter-rated without proper enclosure.
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Contrast therapy combines hot and cold exposure — typically a Hot Tub and a cold plunge. Precision can design an integrated wellness zone to support this rejuvenating practice.
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Yes — especially gas and bioethanol fire tables. These options provide consistent heat, look stunning, and don't require messy wood or constant maintenance.
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Smart LED Lighting, heated walkways, and high-traction surface materials like textured pavers all work together to minimize slips and improve visibility.
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In many cases, yes. Upgrades like snow-melt systems, infrared heating, or glass wind walls can extend the usability of your current layout into winter.
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Large-format slabs, thermal pavers, and Architectural Concrete are all great options. They're durable, low-maintenance, and designed for Ontario's climate.
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Very. Smart heaters, motion-sensitive lighting, and weather-reactive snow-melt systems ensure your space is warm and welcoming — without wasted energy.
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To secure a prime spot and allow for thoughtful design, most clients book by early summer. Precision's schedule fills quickly — and winter waits for no one.
Ready to Build Ontario's Most Beautiful Winter?
You've seen what's possible. Now let's bring it to life — for your home, your lifestyle, and your season.
Precision Landscaping doesn't just build outdoor spaces. We craft custom winter environments built for Ontario's climate, your comfort, and next-level design. Whether you're dreaming of a snow-lit spa retreat, a tech-integrated outdoor kitchen, or fire-lit cabana nights, we're ready to create something extraordinary.