Installation of Pool and Patio

This particular project was unique in two respects. In terms of scale and scope, the property we were working on was exceptionally large. This allowed for the construction of an exceptionally realistic natural pool. Not only did this natural swimming area closely mimic wilderness equivalents, but it was further enhanced by a unique application of fiber optic stars that imitated stars reflecting off the surface of the water. The pool was built in a curvilinear design that imitated the edges of natural bodies of water. In order to accentuate its realism, we built the coping around water’s edge completely out of rock. This rock perimeter was then aesthetically extended in a number of ways. Starting at the far end of the pool, we constructed a large rock outcropping that supported a natural waterfall that poured over a small grotto. This grotto was a special seating area for swimmers. When it is time to take a break from exercise, they can sit on the rocky ledge and look back through the waterfall for a spectacular view of the scenery. The vertical impact created by the rocky outcropping, combined with the constant sound of pouring water, lend a sense of remote isolation to this natural pool. This feeling of being in a faraway place is then further accentuated with a spectacular display of star light that appears to dance on the surface of the water. These stars are actually an optical effect created by tiny fiber optic cables that are built into the basin of the structure. They carry light from a remote transmitter that is remotely powered, so there is no electricity or heat produced by their presence in the water. A controller causes various groups of lights to intermittently dim and brighten like twinkling stars in the night. Once this feeling of remote isolation and privacy were firmly established, we then set ourselves to the task of making the natural pool as user friendly as possible. We did this by adding two key features. The first of these was a spa that contains ergonomic places for seating and headrests. In order to integrate this obviously luxurious element into what was intended to be a very pristine setting, we built the spa’s outer structure out of rocks with a similar color and proportion to those used in the construction of the coping and the waterfall. Another element that was added for functional purposes was a beach entry located at the near end of the pool opposite from the waterfall. This area featured a blend of human amenities, creature comforts, and natural decorations to scale the sense of luxury down in order to better blend it with that natural aesthetic. Rock boulders, reflective of those used to build the waterfall outcropping, were positioned in various locations to emulate a rocky shoreline. We also installed three benches that reclined at an angle. This allowed visitors who preferred not to swim to lay back and take in the panoramic view of the starlit natural pool, the waterfall in the distance, and the circle of stone that comprised the spa adjoined to the water at the midpoint.

View into the courtyard of the 'U' shaped house. Clerestory living room windows are seen in background. The circular kitchen is to the left, the master bedroom to the right. Hal Lum

with Douglas Reed Landscape Architecture

Designed and Built modern pool and spa complete with water features and synthetic turf patio. Tropical landscaping with lots of bright colored foliage.

The “diving stone” is a striking feature. The natural stone slab style is in keeping with the overall design—it’s not intrusive, the way a typical metal-and-compound diving board would be. It’s a piece of art and a place to perch in the sun. Designers went to a stone yard in the region and selected the piece, adding a natural chiseled finish—it was crafted like a sculpture. The heavy slab also required additional reinforcement on the patio for support.

Gorgeous custom pool with giant grotto in the River Stone Community in Sugar Land, TX.

George Madrid

Ivory pool coping and versailles pattern pavers

View of the glass tiled sun shelf with fire pots framing the spill over water feature into the pool. Design and construction by Caviness Landscape Design Photography by KO Rinearson

AquaTerra was hired to transform this dated pool and landscaping to a new outdoor environment more suited to the current home owners. We demolished everything down to the pool shell and started over. Working with an existing shell forced us to be creative with what was existing; we added the tanning ledge and the raised water feature wall all on the existing structure. Features of this renovation that add aesthetic appeal include: New tanning ledge with bubblers, new raised water feature wall, all new pool tile, coping, plaster and led lights, new pool equipment, new travertine decks, new fire pit, new artificial turf putting green and all new landscaping. The finished project gave the clients more than could have imagined! Photography:Daniel Driensky