Modern farm style pool cabana nestled into a tiered landscape design on a steeply sloped lot. Photo | Kurt Jordan Photography Landscape Design | Scott Menzel Landscape Architect

Harrison Photographic

This poolside installation was highlighted by quartzite stone pool coping, Ipe hardwood decking, and a stainless steel cable railing system comprised of hardwood 4x4 posts, and 1" round stainless steel spreader posts. Epoxy anchors were used to fasten the eye bolts into stone veneered walls and give the cables a unique anchoring method. Stainless steel angle iron was used to anchor the Ipe hardwood top railings at the stone wall locations. Photo-Roland Bishop Install-San Diego Cable Railings

A large sparking pool surrounded by palm trees and chaise lounge chairs reflects the soft outdoor lighting of this Mediterranean style mansion. A covered sitting area is the perfect place for escaping the hot sun while the mountains in the distance provide a breathtaking view. Whether hosting a pool party with family and friends or simply sun bathing by the cool water, this desert retreat seems truly enchanted.

Riad Zasha: Middle Eastern Beauty at the Beach Private Residence / Alys Beach, Florida Architect: Khoury & Vogt Architects Builder: Alys Beach Construction --- “Riad Zasha resides in Alys Beach, a New Urbanist community along Scenic Highway 30-A in the Florida Panhandle,” says the design team at Khoury & Vogt Architects (KVA), the town architects of Alys Beach. “So named by the homeowner, who came with an explicit preference for something more exotic and Middle Eastern, the house evokes Moroccan and Egyptian influences spatially and decoratively while maintaining continuity with its surrounding architecture, all of which is tightly coded.” E. F. San Juan furnished Weather Shield impact-rated windows and doors, a mahogany impact-rated front door, and all of the custom exterior millwork, including shutters, screens, trim, handrails, and gates. The distinctive tower boasts indoor-outdoor “Florida room” living spaces caged in beautiful wooden mashrabiya grilles created by our team. The execution of this incredible home by the professionals at Alys Beach Construction and KVA resulted in a landmark residence for the town. Challenges: “Part of [the Alys Beach] coding, along with the master plan itself, dictated that a tower mark the corner of the lot,” says KVA. “Aligning this with the adjoining park to the south reinforces the axiality of each and locks the house into a greater urban whole.” The sheer amount of custom millwork created for this house made it a challenge, but a welcome one. The unique exterior called for wooden details everywhere, from the shutters to the handrails, mouldings and trim, roof decking, courtyard gates, ceiling panels for the Florida rooms, loggia screen panels, and more—but the tower was the standout element. The homeowners’ desire for Middle Eastern influences was met through the wooden mashrabiya (or moucharaby) oriel-style wooden latticework enclosing the third-story tower living space. Creating this focal point was some of our team’s most unique work to date, requiring the ultimate attention to detail, precision, and planning. The location close to the Gulf of Mexico also dictated that we partner with our friends at Weather Shield on the impact-rated exterior windows and doors, and their Lifeguard line was perfect for the job. The mahogany impact-rated front door also combines safety and security with beauty and style. Solution: Working closely with KVA and Alys Beach Construction on the timeline and planning for our custom wood products, windows, and doors was monumental to the success of this build. The amount of millwork produced meant our team had to carefully manage their time while ensuring we provided the highest quality of detail and work. The location south of Scenic Highway 30-A, steps from the beach, also meant deciding with KVA and Alys Beach Construction what materials should be used for the best possible production quality and looks while adhering to coding and standing the test of time in the harsh Gulfside elements such as high winds, humidity, and salt. The tower elements alone required the utmost care for building and installation. It was truly a test of skill for our team and Alys Beach Construction to create the corbels and other support pieces that would hold up the wooden oriel windows and latticework screens. We couldn’t be happier with the result and are genuinely honored to have been part of the talented team on such a cornerstone residence in the Alys Beach townscape. --- Photography courtesy of Alys Beach

Dallas Landscape Lighting installed year-round bistro lights, gas torches, outdoor heaters, fire pits, outdoor fans, under-counter LED color change lighting, pool lights, step lighting, wall lighting, outdoor sconces & chandeliers, fire bowls near the water slide and MUCH more!

Handmade pool tiles from Fireclay Tile highlight designer Caroline Lee's dreamy backyard saltwater pool in Palm Springs. Parquet-style tile stripes peek above the waterline, subtly nodding to nautical style. Sample handmade ceramic and glass pool tiles at FireclayTile.com. TILE SHOWN 6x6 Tiles in Tusk 2x6 Tiles in Skipping Stone DESIGN Anne Sage PHOTOS Echo and Earl

his premier hardscape and design-build project offers an escape from the city within the city. For the backyard retreat, Elite Landscaping installed natural stone pathways that lead through the wooded hillside to a secluded backyard. A custom concrete swimming pool and outdoor tennis court allow for taking full advantage of the summer sun. When the air turns cooler, flickering flames in the outdoor fireplace and remote controlled gas torches make the nights feel cozy warm. As a high-end, design-build company, Elite Landscaping created an architecturally stunning screened-in room that flaunts a custom stone fire wall and rustic beam wood ceiling. The room is designed to connect seamlessly with the beauty of nature, letting in the sounds of a tranquil waterfall just steps away.