North Dallas, TX - Contemporary Pool and Landscape

Star of Texas Landscape

Clean lined contemporary pool and cabana, with Limestone coping and acid etched concrete pool deck.

Modern Geometric Pool

Tropical Outdoor Living

Scenic Landscaping

Floating stepping stones used to separate pool from spa area, night lighting and fire feature, waterfall built into stone wall design

Las Colinas Modern

Randy Angell Designs

This organic modern design is built in an area known for having notable issues with ground movement. After speaking with the developer and reviewing the soil report with our Structural Engineer, we made our recommendations to the client. Since the budget for a full-blown pier and beam structure with void boxes under the pool was well beyond the comfort level of our client, they elected to have us utilize a float shell construction method. For this, we over-excavated the hole and placed a 12" layer of gravel beneath the shell of the pool. Drain lines lead from the deepest point under the pool down into a culvert, placed off to the side of the pool. A sump pump removes any excess water from the culvert as it accumulates. For the shell of the pool, we utilized a double matt of steel and increased the wall thickness to a minimum of 12". This gave added strength to withstand the volatile soil. The elements of fire, water, wood and stone were very important in creating the organic modern feel of this design. The layered effect along the back wall creates a visual stimulation across the length of the yard, without overwhelming the senses. Rather than creating walls only of hard materials, we used Ipe wood to create horizontal screen walls of a more organic nature. At either end, the raised wall and the fire feature are finished in a large-scale porcelain tile, with the look of stained concrete. Custom stainless steel scuppers, made by a local fabricator, create a soothing sound of falling water. The low wall at the center of the project is faced in natural ledgestone, and carries a color palette that set the tone for the entire project. Behind this wall and in front of one of the Ipe screens are three Desert Steel Giant Agave sculptures. The unique fire feature isn't quite a fire place, nor is it a fire pit. It is a linear fire burner, surrounded by a 4" thick cantilevered Leuder limestone hearth, with a backdrop wall of blue glazed clay tile. Although the pool was initially planned as a plaster pool, as the project began to take shape, the client elected to go all the way and finish it in a beautiful blue glass mosaic. Custom fabricated stainless steel cannon jets send a delicate arch of water over this deep blue, and draw attention to the three square wok planters on the far side of the yard. For the decking on this project, we elected to work with Mother Nature rather than against her. Two and a half inch thick concrete pavers, set on a bed of compacted, decomposed granite allow for movement around the pool that is easily fixed. If an area of deck moves around, we can simply lift the affected areas, re-level with DG bed, and re-set the pavers.

Butler Avenue Estate Patio + Pool

Regal American Homes

We built a dream home on this 1.4 acre lot in beautiful Paradise Valley. The property boasts breathtaking Mummy Mountain views from the back and Scottsdale Mountain views from the front. There are so few properties that enjoy the spectacular views this home has to offer.

Outdoor Entertaining!

Smith & Sons Renovations & Extensions Australia

Smith & Sons Renovations & Extensions Gold Coast Central have transformed a little old fibro cottage in to a stylish masterpiece! The team has extended the main house with to include a master bedroom & ensuite. A second extension has been made to the existing studio at the bottom of the garden adding an ensuite for separate accommodation. The new outdoor area features multi-level decks, hand cut roof structures featuring Hardiegroove linings and Scyon Linea weatherboard cladding, timber windows, handmade tiles and Hardiedeck by James Hardie.

Custom Pool & Outdoor Living Space-Decatur

Boyce Design + Build

Custom rectilinear swimming pool with large tanning ledge, cascading pool steps and a raised spa that sits at the end of the pool with a waterfall spilling from its center. Outdoor living area includes a high-end cedar deck and pergola with custom built-in seating and storage and a two-level paver patio with stacked stone steps.

Frisco - The Lakes: Modern Swimming Pool + Outdoor Kitchen

Randy Angell Designs

Custom French Style

J.A. Long, Inc

Built by: J.A. Long, Inc Design Builders

Pool & Screen Enclosures

US Aluminum Services, Corp.

Tarrytown Hillside

Clint Small Custom Homes

Desert Modern

Landscape Design West, LLC

This award-winning project in Tucson's Catalina Foothills has modern massings of plants, a fabulous pool for lounging and sunning and graceful steps leading down to an edible kitchen garden and a unique use of space makes this a welcoming landscape to spend time in. LED low voltage night lighting created a safe and interesting night scape!

Stamped Concrete Pool Patio

DiSabatino Landscaping and Tree Care

My Projects

H2O Pools & Custom Design LLC

Wild Ride Slide, Salisbury, MD

L-shaped 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.