Architect: Atelier Andy Carson Developer & Landscaper: Bellevarde Constructions Photographer: Michael Nicholson Photography

2017 ARDA Best In Show

AIBD - American Institute of Building Design

This home was designed with a clean, modern aesthetic that imposes a commanding view of its expansive riverside lot. The wide-span, open wing design provides a feeling of open movement and flow throughout the home. Interior design elements are tightly edited to their most elemental form. Simple yet daring lines simultaneously convey a sense of energy and tranquility. Super-matte, zero sheen finishes are punctuated by brightly polished stainless steel and are further contrasted by thoughtful use of natural textures and materials. The judges said “this home would be like living in a sculpture. It’s sleek and luxurious at the same time.” The award for Best In Show goes to RG Designs Inc. and K2 Design Group Designers: Richard Guzman with Jenny Provost From: Bonita Springs, Florida

PISCINE CASTIGLIONE

Toll Brothers Verde River, Rio Verde

Toll Brothers, Inc.

CDC Designs and Josh Caldwell Photography

Color Changing LED Sconce Lights for Pool Enclosures

Sunset Lighting Design

Project 007

AAA Custom Pools

Mustang Park, Carrollton

AquaTerra Outdoors

AquaTerra Outdoors was hired to bring life to the outdoors of the new home. When it came time to design the space we were challenged with the tight space of the backyard. We worked through the concepts and we were able to incorporate a new pool with spa, custom water feature wall, Ipe wood deck, outdoor kitchen, custom steel and Ipe wood shade arbor and fire pit. We also designed and installed all the landscaping including the custom steel planter. Photography: Wade Griffith

Jacuzzi® Hot Tub Installations

Paradise Valley Spas

Jacuzzi® is the most widely recognized brand in the hot tub industry. With 5 hot tub collections to choose from, Jacuzzi® has a spa to meet the needs of every customer. With impressive exterior and lighting elements, industry-leading hydrotherapy, and glass touch-screen control technology, you’ll never look at hot tubs the same way again!

Bagshot Road, Woking - XACT Flat Glass Roof Light

Exact Architectural Glazing

XACT Aluminium Flat Glass Roof Light supplied and installed to a property in Woking. Colour: grey exterior, white interior.

West Indies Island Retreat

Affinity Construction Group

Beach Front Mansion

Bravas Boca Raton

Expansive bodies of water connect the pool to the ocean with infinity edges and dramatic fire bowls.

Contemporary Pool

Vivienda en la Urbanización La Finca V

Adolfo Gosálvez Photography

Beverly Center neighborhood in Los Angeles, CA

The Machina Group

Adam Pergament of Swift Pictures

Chelsea Penthouse

Luca Andrisani Architect

Rooftop Terrace with Hot Tub- Photo by Emilio Collavino

Teatro delle Forme

arkpabi

St. Andrews Modern Complete Remodel

River Birch Construction

FFF House

Frassinago

Giovanni De Sandre

Rouse Hill - Plunge pool

Crystal Pools

This classic plunge pool with spa is designed to take advantage of a small space and stylistically enhance a contemporary home. The result is a fine example of clean lines and symmetrical visual appeal. The use of Merbau timber decking and narrow honed Himalayan sandstone surrounds create a fresh and welcoming space. The pool features blue glass mosaic waterline and step tread tiles, beautiful navy blue pebbled lining and a small spill-over mouth with sandstone coping. The spa component is a reliable and straightforward set-up, with blower and spa jets delivering perfect relaxation at the touch of a button. There is also a deep and shallow end to the pool, a sandstone skimmer box lid and integrated gas heating for both the swimming pool and spa.

Contemporary Blue 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 contemporary 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 contemporary 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 contemporary 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 contemporary 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 contemporary 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.