fotografía © Montse Zamorano

The pool features a submerged spa and gradual entry platforms. Robert Benson Photography.

Beautiful lounge & pool exterior patio space. Michael Brands

Berkshire Pool House. Photographer: Rob Karosis

I was initially contacted by the builder and architect working on this Modern European Cottage to review the property and home design before construction began. Once the clients and I had the opportunity to meet and discuss what their visions were for the property, I started working on their wish list of items, which included a custom concrete pool, concrete spa, patios/walkways, custom fencing, and wood structures. One of the largest challenges was that this property had a 30% (or less) hardcover surface requirement for the city location. With the lot size and square footage of the home I had limits to how much hardcover we could add to property. So, I had to get creative. We presented to the city the usage of the Live Green Roof plantings that would reduce the hardcover calculations for the site. Also, if we kept space between the Laurel Sandstones walkways, using them as steppers and planting groundcover or lawn between the stones that would also reduce the hard surface calculations. We continued that theme with the back patio as well. The client’s esthetic leaned towards the minimal style, so by adding greenery between stones work esthetically. I chose the Laurel Tumbled Sandstone for the charm and character and thought it would lend well to the old world feel of this Modern European Cottage. We installed it on all the stone walkways, steppers, and patios around the home and pool. I had several meetings with the client to discuss/review perennials, shrubs, and tree selections. Plant color and texture of the planting material were equally important to the clients when choosing. We grouped the plantings together and did not over-mix varieties of plants. Ultimately, we chose a variety of styles from natural groups of plantings to a touch of formal style, which all work cohesively together. The custom fence design and installation was designed to create a cottage “country” feel. They gave us inspiration of a country style fence that you may find on a farm to keep the animals inside. We took those photos and ideas and elevated the design. We used a combination of cedar wood and sandwich the galvanized mesh between it. The fence also creates a space for the clients two dogs to roam freely around their property. We installed sod on the inside of the fence to the home and seeded the remaining areas with a Low Gro Fescue grass seed with a straw blanket for protection. The minimal European style custom concrete pool was designed to be lined up in view from the porch and inside the home. The client requested the lawn around the edge of the pool, which helped reduce the hardcover calculations. The concrete spa is open year around. Benches are on all four sides of the spa to create enough seating for the whole family to use at the same time. Mortared field stone on the exterior of the spa mimics the stone on the exterior of the home. The spa equipment is installed in the lower level of the home to protect it from the cold winter weather. Between the garage and the home’s entry is a pea rock sitting area and is viewed from several windows. I wanted it to be a quiet escape from the rest of the house with the minimal design. The Skyline Locust tree planted in the center of the space creates a canopy and softens the side of garage wall from the window views. The client will be installing a small water feature along the garage for serene noise ambience. The client had very thoughtful design ideas styles, and our collaborations all came together and worked well to create the landscape design/installation. The result was everything they had dreamed of and more for their Modern European Cottage home and property.

Pool cabanas at the far end of the pool. The cabanas have a bathroom, lounge area, kitchen and a wet bar with a kegerator.

• Freeform pool featuring a raised spa, floating step pads and multiple tanning ledges • Rock waterfall • In-floor cleaning system • PebbleSheen in Ocean Blue • Classic Pool Tile in Destiny Oyster • Ivory Blend Vein Cut travertine paver deck in French pattern • Wood burning firepit • Raised planters with fire bowls • Pentair Colorvision LED bubblers in tanning ledge

Nestled on 90 acres of peaceful prairie land, this modern rustic home blends indoor and outdoor spaces with natural stone materials and long, beautiful views. Featuring ORIJIN STONE's Westley™ Limestone veneer on both the interior and exterior, as well as our Tupelo™ Limestone interior tile, pool and patio paving. Architecture: Rehkamp Larson Architects Inc Builder: Hagstrom Builders Landscape Architecture: Savanna Designs, Inc Landscape Install: Landscape Renovations MN Masonry: Merlin Goble Masonry Inc Interior Tile Installation: Diamond Edge Tile Interior Design: Martin Patrick 3 Photography: Scott Amundson Photography

Bradford's Signature 770 spa in all stainless. The 770 measures 84" x 84" and can come with or without equipment. It can be installed in-ground or on grade.

Infinity pool and spa with multi dimensional decking and firepit

The pool in the backyard of this Omaha home is the perfect place to be on these hot summer days. It was an ideal spot to add outdoor bistro string lighting to create a unique ambiance for those warm summer nights. The light sconces on the wall and illuminating the trees, installed in an earlier phase, increases nighttime safety and creates an aesthetically pleasing backdrop while also increasing security around the pool. Learn more about the pool lighting design: https://www.mckaylighting.com/blog/outdoor-pool-lighting-design-with-bistro-string-lights-omaha