Product: Authentic Limestone for Exterior Living Spaces. Ancient Surfaces Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com The design of external living spaces is known as the 'Al Fresco' design style as it is called in Italian. 'Al Fresco' translates into 'the open' or 'the cool/fresh exterior'. Customizing a fully functional outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, BBQ, fireplace or Jacuzzi pool spa all out of old reclaimed Mediterranean stone pieces is no easy task and shouldn’t be created out of the lowest common denominator of building materials such as concrete, Indian slates or Turkish travertine. The one thing you can bet the farmhouse on is that when the entire process unravels and when your outdoor living space materializes from the architects rendering to real life, you will be guaranteed a true Mediterranean living experience if your choice of construction material was as authentic and possible to the Southern Mediterranean regions. We believe that the coziness of your surroundings brought about by the creative usage of our antique stone elements will only amplify that authenticity. whether you are enjoying a relaxing time soaking the sun inside one of our Jacuzzi spa stone fountains or sharing unforgettable memories with family and friends while baking your own pizzas in one of our outdoor BBQ pizza ovens, our stone designs will always evoke in most a feeling of euphoria and exultation that one only gets while being on vacation is some exotic European island surrounded with the pristine beauty of indigenous nature and ancient architecture...

North Texas Outdoor Living

Sunfish Pools

Custom, Luxury, Mediterranean-Style Pool and Outdoor Kitchen. Complete with Custom Designed Slide/Waterfall, Elevated tanning deck, Outdoor Living space with fireplace, outdoor kitchen, outdoor shower, pergola and Courtyard with Volleyball court.

Charleston Villa

Colin Grey Voigt

Car Collectors Dream Design on Close to One Acre in Windermere

Element Home Builders

Island Mediterranean

Josh Atkinson - Atkinson Pools and Spas

Karson Photography

Mediterranean Eclectic

Unique Stone Imports

Downunda Luxury Pool

Downunda Pools

Connie Anderson Photography

Water & Hardscape Features

Signature Pools & Patios

Carmel Mountain Retreat 01 (Design by Suzman Cole Design Associates)

Frank & Grossman Landscape Contractors, Inc.

www.suzmancole.com

Outdoor Entertainment - kitchen, bar, fire feature

Dynamic Outdoor Spaces

Classically inspired Seaside Estate in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

Aurora Builders

Green and Blue Desert Oasis

Cdc Pools Inc

Straight smooth lines and a stacked stone water feature keep this backyard oasis simple and elegant. The LED color lighting leaves you with many intriguing lighting options. Dan Sorensen Photography

Lazy River Pool & Swim Up Bar in Arizona

Unique Landscapes and Custom Pools

The Ramada is the perfect place to escape the sun and also join others at the swim up bar in the pool. Near the Ramada is the large baja shelf which is perfect for relaxing in the sun while enjoying the refreshing water.

Five Star Fabulous

Green Scene Landscaping & Pools

This backyard has it all and more. A large pavilion shelters an outdoor dining room and sunken outdoor kitchen, bathroom, and oversized spa. An all weather outdoor television set swivels for spa bathers or diners. Closer to the house is another outdoor kitchen, another outdoor TV, and an outdoor living room. Photos by Paul Jonason

Poolside Patio and Garden in Montclair

DC Freeman

This Mediterranean home had a tiered backyard with the lower level as the pool. With a total overhaul we created and beautiful oasis. The natural bluestone pavers and retaining wall we created aa space for pure relaxation.

GRÈCE

CÔTÉ

Le jardin déjà existant a été remanié dans son ensemble, par Chrystel Laporte, de l’agence un Jour d’Avril. Elle a ainsi recomposé l’espace, en lui donnant un véritable ‘air de Grèce’. Plusieurs lieux de vies sont créés : une pergola bioclimatique blanche, offre un espace de détente ombragé à proximité de la maison, accompagné au sol par un opus incertum, donnant beaucoup de caractère à l’espace. Le végétal y est minimaliste mais graphique : deux poteries en terre blanche et émail bleu Céladon de chez Ravel mettent en valeur des cactées apportant de la verticalité à l’espace, et une touche de couleur subtile. La partie basse de la maison est composée de deux espaces distincts : l’espace piscine et la partie jardin. Pour y accéder, un escalier accompagné de jardinières maçonnées permet d’amorcer la présence plus marquée, du végétal. Ce dernier est principalement exotique. Le long des grands murs en chaux blanches, une banquette et un Dbed sur mesure avec des coussins sur mesure ont été conçues pour offrir des espaces de détentes aux propriétaires. Petit plus, les jardinières qui accompagnaient l’escalier, deviennent de ce côté une tête de lit pour le Dbed et permettent de casser le volume de cet espace avec des végétaux retombants ou aux formes parfois étonnantes. Le long de la piscine, une grande jardinière sur mesure est imaginée et végétalisée avec une palette reprenant les codes des végétaux déjà implantés précédemment : bananier, oiseaux du paradis, coussins de belle-mère, agaves, etc. Autant de plantes résistantes à la sécheresse, et mise en valeur par l’installation de galets de marbres blancs. Un espace cuisine d’été, sous la terrasse, avec à son mur une frise colorée de zelliges, met subtilement en valeur le travertin au sol, et conduit progressivement en direction du jardin. Ce dernier contraste avec le reste de l’aménagement : une pelouse délimitée par des haies mixtes (arbustes et plantes exotiques : cycas, phormium, citronnier, bananier, etc.), cachent du vis-à-vis, sans perdrent la vue mer. Les végétaux existants sont conservés, et les aménagements viennent les mettre en valeur, comme le boulodrome crée, qui intègre dans ses limités en traverse bois, un bel arbre qui devient central. Un travail sur l’éclairage a été réalisé, afin de valoriser cet extérieur de jour comme de nuit. Collaboration avec Un jour d’Avril / Chrystel Laporte Copyright Photo : Gabrielle Voinot

North Texas Outdoor Living

Sunfish Pools

Tuscan style

Providential Custom Homes

Gorgeous Dallas Estate

Platinum Homes by Mark Molthan

Mediterranean Home with a Contemporary Twist

Klar and Klar Architects, Inc

Rich Montalbano

Large Mediterranean 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 Mediterranean 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 Mediterranean 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 Mediterranean 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 Mediterranean 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 Mediterranean 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.