This partially wooded, acre and a half lot in West Dundee presented many challenges. The clients began working with a Landscape Architect in the early spring, but after not getting the innovative ideas they were seeking, the home builder and Architect suggested the client contact our landscape design/build firm. We immediately hit it off with the charismatic clients. They had a tall order for us: complete the design and implement the construction within a three month period. For many projects this would be a reasonable time frame. However construction delays and the coordination of multiple trades left a very short window to complete the work. Beyond the tight time frame the site required specific care in preserving the many mature surrounding trees, as well as addressing a vast grade change. Over fifteen feet of grade change occurs from one end of this woodland property to the other. All of these constraints proved to be an enormous challenge as we worked to include and coordinate the following elements: the drive layout, a dramatic front entry, various gardens, landscape lighting, irrigation, and a plan for a backyard pool and entertainment space that already had been started without a clear plan. Fortunately, the client loved our design ideas and attention to detail and we were able to mobilize and begin construction. With the seamless coordination between our firm and the builder we implemented all the elements of this grand project. In total eight different crews and five separate trades worked together to complete the landscape. The completed project resulted in a rewarding experience for our firm, the builder and architect, as well as the client. Together we were able to create and construct a perfect oasis for the client that suited the beautiful property and the architecture of this dream home.

Tuscan Hillside

Maggetti Construction Inc.

Pool overlooking the valley

Louvered Poolhouse

Ike Kligerman Barkley

Peter Aaron

Urban Landscape Design & Construction

Urban Landscape

Infinity Edge Custom Shaped Pool in Stuart, Florida

Van Kirk & Sons Pools and Spas

This one of a kind shaped pool with infinity edge and custom sun shelf is a true masterpiece. This size and shape of the pool was utilized in an incredible way as to make the most out of the backyard and it really shows!

Resort Living

Bahler Brothers

An infinite edge gun-nite pool is accented by natural boulders set into the coping.

Modern Contemporary

Tipton Spires Design|Build

Modern contemporary architecture with modern straight line pool with vanishing edge black glass tile, custom black glass tile moon gate feature wall with water features and lower basin, modern landscape, custom ipe kitchen, round rin flow hot tub and natural stone stepper basin, lower terrace fire pit seating area and outdoorliving.

Golden Hour Garden

Herlong Architects

Transitional Pool With Swim Up Bar

Mike Farley Pool Designer, SWD, ASLA

Transitional Infinity Pool with swim up bar and sunken kitchen designed by Mike Farley has a large tanning ledge with Ledge Loungers to relax on, This project has a large fire bar below for entertaining & a large cabana next to the raised spa. Interrior finish is Wet Edge. FarleyPoolDesigns.com

Modern/Mediterranean Infinity Pool and Traditional Pavillion w/ Bay View

Dynamic Outdoor Spaces

Surfers' Beachfront Home

Vero Beach Magazine

Perfect Staycation

S&W Kitchens

Everything you need for the perfect staycation - a roomy porch, outdoor kitchen, spa and pool, and a view of a beautiful lake.

Irvine Terrace 9

Garden Studio

Scenic View Residence

Marion Interior Design

Waterfront Retreat

Eco Outdoor AUS

Extending from the Eco Outdoor Crackenback Free Form Wall is a pool featuring Burleigh Daybeds. Architect: Koichi Takada Architects Developer & Landscaper: J Group Projects Photographer: Tom Ferguson

Whittlesea

TLC Pools Pty Ltd

Material selection was inspired by the surrounding rural environment. Paving and interior pool selection reflects colours that naturally occur in the views beyond the property.

Luxe living

Bayon Gardens

Landscape design: Bayon Gardens // Photograpgy: Tim Turner

Project 004

AAA Custom Pools

Contemporary Desert Geometry

BOXHILL

Matt Vacca

Custom Design - Outdoor Living - The Ridges

Blue Heron

Backyard Infinity Pool Design Ideas

Swimming pools are heavenly during hot Australian and New Zealand summers and are the perfect way to cool down, relax, entertain friends and even get fit. A pool can also create visual interest, especially when you consider features like coloured pool tiles, lighting and landscaping. If you are short on space, you might still fit a lap pool, plunge pool or swim spa, all of which could be focal points in your small garden. As you plan your pool design, map out your space and determine what size, shape and style works best for you. Browse the photos on Houzz for design ideas for above ground pools, inground pools, as well as pool landscaping and novelty features like pool slides or water features. Then, save your favourite photos to an ideabook, and get in touch with the experts behind your favourite picks.

What type of pool should I install?

The dimensions of your backyard will determine the type of inground pools you can install. Take into account boundary restrictions and pool fencing compliance. Fibreglass versions are cheaper, and quicker to install; whereas concrete constructions are better suited to tricky sites and give you more freedom in design. If you’re on a tight budget or don’t want to commit to an inground pool, above ground pools are a more affordable alternative. If you only have a small backyard, a plunge pool is a great solution, and can easily run along a boundary wall or down the side of a house. This option is also low maintenance, can be heated for use in winter, and can do double duty as a swim spa. A long, narrow space, on the other hand, could fit a lap pool, whereas a water feature could fill an awkward space. If your backyard features a stunning vista, consider an infinity pool to accentuate the view.

What pool fencing options are available?

While the specifics vary from state to state, fencing is required of most pool designs. However, pool fencing doesn’t have to obscure your pool design. Glass fencing is increasingly popular for this reason exactly, and is available framed, frameless, semi-frameless and even in-ground. A cheaper alternative is aluminium or steel fencing, which, again, are available in a variety of styles: flat top, loop-top, double-top and wire-based.

What pool landscaping features should I consider?

To get the most out of your pool, design an area that offers multiple hangouts. Include a nearby barbecue, dining area, seating for lounging and outdoor shower. Having shaded areas will give you more reason to stay poolside longer, too. Timber decking and stone paving are popular choices for pool surrounds, and are also helpful in creating zones. Just imagine a raised timber platform with a daybed – a luxurious, resort-style addition to any pool design. Leafy trees and rocks will create a more natural-looking oasis, and will help provide more privacy for swimmers. Where you want your landscape to be the main focus, keep pool equipment and furnishings to a minimum.