We converted an underused back yard into a modern outdoor living space. Functions include a cedar soaking tub, outdoor shower, fire pit, and dining area. The decking is ipe hardwood, the fence is stained cedar, and cast concrete with gravel adds texture at the fire pit. Photos copyright Laurie Black Photography.

Soake Plunge Pool

Soake Pools

Serene afternoon by a Soake Plunge Pool

Modern Plunge Pool & Outdoor Living In Atlanta

Boyce Design + Build

Our clients approached us to transform their urban backyard into an outdoor living space that would provide them with plenty of options for outdoor dining, entertaining, and soaking up the sun while complementing the modern architectural style of their Virginia Highlands home. Challenged with a small “in-town” lot and strict city zoning requirements, we maximized the space by creating a custom, sleek, geometric swimming pool and flush spa with decorative concrete coping, a large tanning ledge with loungers and a seating bench that runs the entire width of the pool. The raised beam features a dramatic wall of sheer descent waterfalls and adds a spectacular design element to this contemporary pool and backyard retreat. An outdoor kitchen, complete with streamlined aluminum outdoor cabinets, gray concrete countertops, custom vent hood, built in grill, sink, storage and Big Green Egg sits at one end of the covered patio and a lounge area with an outdoor fireplace, TV, and casual seating sits at the other end. A custom built in bar and beverage station with matching raw concrete countertops provides additional entertainment space and storage when hosting larger parties and get togethers. The bluestone patio and cedar tongue and groove ceiling add a luxurious feel to the space. Overlooking the pool is a stylish and comfortable outdoor dining area that is the perfect gathering spot for al fresco dining and a welcome respite from city living. The minimalist landscape design and natural looking artificial grass is modern and low maintenance and blends in beautifully with this artfully designed outdoor sanctuary.

Sherman Oaks - Exterior

MDH Builders

New Pool & Spa with Custom Stepping Stones in Weston

Van Kirk & Sons Pools and Spas

This amazing custom pool and wet edge spa in Weston is the perfect outdoor getaway! Complete with custom stepping stones, sun shelf, and LED bubblers, this project is sure to please family and guests!

Pool and Hardscape

Liebo Builders

Inside is Outside

Fenessco Doors and Windows

Highland

Brookside Landscape Design

This picture shows the Cedar jacuzzi tub and surrounding Ipe deck lit at night. Photography: Brett Hilton

Smith Pool & Spa

Carnahan Landscaping & Pools

Valerie - Modern

Thomas Homes

Safety Harbor Oasis

Hyde Park Renovations

On this project, we were hired to build this home and outdoor space on the beautiful piece of property the home owners had previously purchased. To do this, we transformed the rugged lake view property into the Safety Harbor Oasis it is now. A few interesting components of this is having covered and uncovered outdoor lounging areas and a pool for further relaxation. Now our clients have a home, outdoor living spaces, and outdoor kitchen which fits their lifestyle perfectly and are proud to show off when hosting. Photographer: Johan Roetz

My Projects

H2O Pools & Custom Design LLC

Natural Dive Stone

Paul Massad Landscaping

Twilight at Newport Beach Home

Alan Smith Pool Plastering & Construction

Blairgowrie Coastal Home & Landscape

Acre

Stunning contemporary coastal home which saw native emotive plants soften the homes masculine form and help connect it to it's laid back beachside setting. We designed everything externally including the outdoor kitchen, pool & spa. Architecture by Planned Living Architects Construction by Powda Constructions Photography by Derek Swalwell

Contemporary Desert Geometry

BOXHILL

Matt Vacca

New Transitional Custom Home Overlooking the First Green in Bay Hill

Element Home Builders

Hot Tub with Ipe Surround Deck

Jeff King & Company

Architect: David Kotzebue / Designer: MODtage Design / Photography: Paul Dyer

Harbor Acres Bayfront

Dennis A Barth Landscape Architect, LLC

The bayside pool/jacuzzi area incorporates a clean, open design with a semi-circle wet shelf, surrounded by pearl marble. Copper tiki torches and Italian pottery planters add simple touches to an unobstructed view of the Sarasota Bayfront. Annette Barth - Photo

Clean lines and contemporary style

User

Outdoor Elements maximized the available space in this beautiful yard with a contemporary, rectangular pool complete with a large tanning deck and swim jet system. Mosaic glass-tile accents the spa and a shell stone deck and coping add to the contemporary feel. Behind the tanning deck, a large, up-lit, sheer-descent waterfall adds variety and elegance to the design. A lighted gazebo makes a comfortable seating area protected from the sun while a functional outdoor kitchen is nestled near the backdoor of the residence. Raised planters and screening trees add the right amount of greenery to the space.

Pool Design Ideas with a Hot Tub

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.