Exteriors of DDB Design Development & Building Houses, Landscape Design by COS Designs Creative Outdoor Solutions photography by Urban Angles.

Jed Miller

Shane LeBlanc

White Preston

Tampa Builders Alvarez Homes - (813) 969-3033. Vibrant colors, a variety of textures and covered porches add charm and character to this stunning beachfront home in Florida. Photography by Jorge Alvarez

Brian Vanden Brink

A family in West University contacted us to design a contemporary Houston landscape for them. They live on a double lot, which is large for that neighborhood. They had built a custom home on the property, and they wanted a unique indoor-outdoor living experience that integrated a modern pool into the aesthetic of their home interior. This was made possible by the design of the home itself. The living room can be fully opened to the yard by sliding glass doors. The pool we built is actually a lap swimming pool that measures a full 65 feet in length. Not only is this pool unique in size and design, but it is also unique in how it ties into the home. The patio literally connects the living room to the edge of the water. There is no coping, so you can literally walk across the patio into the water and start your swim in the heated, lighted interior of the pool. Even for guests who do not swim, the proximity of the water to the living room makes the entire pool-patio layout part of the exterior design. This is a common theme in modern pool design. The patio is also notable because it is constructed from stones that fit so tightly together the joints seem to disappear. Although the linear edges of the stones are faintly visible, the surface is one contiguous whole whose linear seamlessness supports both the linearity of the home and the lengthwise expanse of the pool. While the patio design is strictly linear to tie the form of the home to that of the pool, our modern pool is decorated with a running bond pattern of tile work. Running bond is a design pattern that uses staggered stone, brick, or tile layouts to create something of a linear puzzle board effect that captures the eye. We created this pattern to compliment the brick work of the home exterior wall, thus aesthetically tying fine details of the pool to home architecture. At the opposite end of the pool, we built a fountain into the side of the home's perimeter wall. The fountain head is actually square, mirroring the bricks in the wall. Unlike a typical fountain, the water here pours out in a horizontal plane which even more reinforces the theme of the quadrilateral geometry and linear movement of the modern pool. We decorated the front of the home with a custom garden consisting of small ground cover plant species. We had to be very cautious around the trees due to West U’s strict tree preservation policies. In order to avoid damaging tree roots, we had to avoid digging too deep into the earth. The species used in this garden—Japanese Ardesia, foxtail ferns, and dwarf mondo not only avoid disturbing tree roots, but they are low-growth by nature and highly shade resistant. We also built a gravel driveway that provides natural water drainage and preserves the root zone for trees. Concrete pads cross the driveway to give the homeowners a sure-footing for walking to and from their vehicles.

This young Kleinberg family wanted their backyard to become their “cottage at home” with a Betz custom shape 16' x 38' pool to occupy the kids and a cabana with full kitchen, outdoor lounge and dining areas to satisfy adult entertainment needs. A massive “Muskoka-look” rock feature with waterfall provides a focal point while the spacious deck area of architectural stamped concrete is surrounded by lush plantings featuring a selection of native species.

V.I.Photography & Design

Photo: Narayanan Narayanan, Andrew Petrich

Courtyard at Beach

This property has a wonderful juxtaposition of modern and traditional elements, which are unified by a natural planting scheme. Although the house is traditional, the client desired some contemporary elements, enabling us to introduce rusted steel fences and arbors, black granite for the barbeque counter, and black African slate for the main terrace. An existing brick retaining wall was saved and forms the backdrop for a long fountain with two stone water sources. Almost an acre in size, the property has several destinations. A winding set of steps takes the visitor up the hill to a redwood hot tub, set in a deck amongst walls and stone pillars, overlooking the property. Another winding path takes the visitor to the arbor at the end of the property, furnished with Emu chaises, with relaxing views back to the house, and easy access to the adjacent vegetable garden. Photos: Simmonds & Associates, Inc.

This large Tudor home and guest house was experiencing terrible flooding during heavy rains. We created an elaborate drainage system connecting downspouts to underground pipes. In addition, berms were designed and planted with low water use plants to create a more level front yard and a safe percolation area for water to drain. We created more usable space in the front yard, and reduced the water consumption by 50%. The backyard was completely redesigned to include a pool, fireplace, outdoor cooking area, new retainer walls and plants for both privacy and beauty.

A custom designed stainless steel pool with artistic tile and an infinity edge overlooking the coastal waterfront location.

Whit Preston Photography

A fresh take on a time-tested favorite can be risky, but the Carlton Shores design is an example of a risk worth taking. This sprawling cottage harkens back to the Arts & Crafts revival, while still managing to exude contemporary appeal. The home sits on the property like a great hunting lodge with its use of exposed wood trim and brackets. A striking array of windows gives the exterior an inviting look, as if to defy the elements and welcome nature right in. Simplicity rules the interior of the home, leaving the dramatic decorating to the outside views. A creative use of natural materials, such as wood and marble, compliment the flora-and-fauna focus of the home’s aesthetic. Every wall is dominated by glass. Windows of every shape and size allow residents to take in their surroundings, while creating a spacious, open atmosphere. The curving wooden staircase with its high ceilings gives the impression you are climbing into the trees. A soaring two-story vaulted ceiling covers the indoor pool area, which includes a kitchenette and sitting room. Glass doors open out to a vanishing pool and sundeck. All of this has been designed with the stunning lake vistas in mind. A beautiful deck and boardwalk lead from the house down to the shore, giving homeowners beach access.

Photo Credit Darren Edwards

A Neptune Pools Original design. Small concrete family pool (7m x 3.5m) with white tiled interior, Anston Bondi paving and Eco Clancy wall panelling. Rear wall render colour monument. Planting consists of Ornamental Pears with Agave underplanting. Photography by Tim Turner.

The Pool House was pushed against the pool, preserving the lot and creating a dynamic relationship between the 2 elements. A glass garage door was used to open the interior onto the pool.