The planning phase of this modern retreat was an intense collaboration that took place over the course of more than two years. While the initial design concept exceeded the clients' expectations, it also exceeded their budget beyond the point of comfort. The next several months were spent modifying the design, in attempts to lower the budget. Ultimately, the decision was made that they would hold off on the project until they could budget for the original design, rather than compromising the vision. About a year later, we repeated that same process, which resulted in the same outcome. After another year-long hiatus, we met once again. We revisited design thoughts, each of us bringing to the table new ideas and options. Each thought simply solidified the fact that the initial vision was absolutely what we all wanted to see come to fruition, and the decision was finally made to move forward. The main challenge of the site was elevation. The Southeast corner of the lot stands 5'6" above the threshold of the rear door, while the Northeast corner dropped a full 2' below the threshold of the door. The backyard was also long and narrow, sloping side-to-side and toward the house. The key to the design concept was to deftly place the project into the slope and utilize the elevation changes, without allowing them to dominate the yard, or overwhelm the senses. The unseen challenge on this project came in the form of hitting every underground issue possible. We had to relocate the sewer main, the gas line, and the electrical service; and since rock was sitting about 6" below the surface, all of these had to be chiseled through many feet of dense rock, adding to our projected timeline and budget. As you enter the space, your first stop is an outdoor living area. Smooth finished concrete, colored to match the 'Leuder' limestone coping, has a subtle saw-cut pattern aligned with the edges of the recessed fire pit. In small spaces, it is important to consider a multi-purpose approach. So, the recessed fire pit has been fitted with an aluminum cover that allows our client to set up tables and chairs for entertaining, right over the top of the fire pit. From here, it;s two steps up to the pool elevation, and the floating 'Leuder' limestone stepper pads that lead across the pool and hide the dam wall of the flush spa. The main retaining wall to the Southeast is a poured concrete wall with an integrated sheer descent waterfall into the spa. To bring in some depth and texture, a 'Brownstone' ledgestone was used to face both the dropped beam on the pool, and the raised beam of the water feature wall. The main water feature is comprised of five custom made stainless steel scuppers, supplied by a dedicated booster pump. Colored concrete stepper pads lead to the 'Ipe' wood deck at the far end of the pool. The placement of this wood deck allowed us to minimize our use of retaining walls on the Northeast end of the yard, since it drops off over three feet below the elevation of the pool beam. One of the most unique features on this project has to be the structure over the dining area. With a unique combination of steel and wood, the clean modern aesthetic of this structure creates a visual stamp in the space that standard structure could not accomplish. 4" steel posts, painted charcoal grey, are set on an angle, 4' into the bedrock, to anchor the structure. Steel I-beams painted in green-yellow color--aptly called "frolic"--act as the base to the hefty cedar rafters of the roof structure, which has a slight pitch toward the rear. A hidden gutter on the back of the roof sends water down a copper rain chain, and into the drainage system. The backdrop for both this dining area , as well as the living area, is the horizontal screen panel, created with alternating sizes of cedar planks, stained to a calm hue of dove grey.

Request Free Quote This pool and hot tub in Hinsdale, IL, completed this year, measures 20'0 x 40'0" and has a 7'0" x 8'0" hot tub inside the pool. The sunshelf measures 5'0" x 11'0" and has steps attached. The pool coping is Valders Wisconsin Limestone. The pool also features LED colored lighting. An automatic cover protects and preserves the pool and spa together. Photos by Larry Huene

The gorgeous three season pool house is just the right size for an intimate gathering of friends or family.

Piscine enterrée sur restanques avec vue sur la mer. Le deck de la piscine apporte du confort et de la relaxation. On l'appelle également patio de piscine. Pour se protéger du soleil, nous avons un auvent recouvert de tuiles et végétalisé. Pour la sécurité mise en place d'un rolling-deck, qui est tout simplement une couverture mobile de piscine et qui assure a sécurité.

Outdoor living space with custom pool and spa, fire and water bowls and custom patio with built in fire pit

This spa features an infinity edge, black porcelain tile, and view. Other surrounding features consist of raised hardwood decks, cantilevered umbrella, BBQ island, fire pit, covered patio, and drought tolerant landscaping.

Request Free Quote This lovely rectilinear swimming pool measures 20’0” x 46’0”, and has a separate, raised hot tub measuring 9’0” x 9’0”. On top of the hot tub is a raised wall water feature with three sheer descent waterfalls. The shallow end features a 20’0” sun shelf with two sets of attached steps. On the opposite end of the pool, there is a 20’0” infinity edge system overlooking Lake Michigan. Both the pool and hot tub feature Bluestone coping. Both the pool and hot tub interior finishes are Ceramaquartz. The pool features an automatic hydraulic pool cover system with a custom stone walk-on lid system. The pool and hot tub feature colored LED lighting. There is an in-floor cleaning system in the pool. Photography by e3.

View of new pool house, pool & patio.

This tranquil and relaxing pool and spa in Fort Lauderdale is the perfect backyard retreat! With deck jets, wood deck area and pergola area for lounging, it's the luxurious elegance you have been waiting for!

Axial view of the rectangular swimming pool with a raised square, infinity edge spa in the foreground and the timber framed pool pavilion beyond. The spa features uncut black glass tile & a solid block bluestone entry step. The pool contains twin tanning ledges & facing benches along each of its long edges.

An enchanting poolside outdoor room with two retractable screens to help block the sun, a gorgeous fireplace, and a custom wood ceiling feature.

This contemporary traditional custom pool and guesthouse features an outdoor wet bar, sizeable pool, and orange accents.