A family in West University contacted us to design a contemporary Houston landscape for them. They live on a double lot, which is large for that neighborhood. They had built a custom home on the property, and they wanted a unique indoor-outdoor living experience that integrated a modern pool into the aesthetic of their home interior. This was made possible by the design of the home itself. The living room can be fully opened to the yard by sliding glass doors. The pool we built is actually a lap swimming pool that measures a full 65 feet in length. Not only is this pool unique in size and design, but it is also unique in how it ties into the home. The patio literally connects the living room to the edge of the water. There is no coping, so you can literally walk across the patio into the water and start your swim in the heated, lighted interior of the pool. Even for guests who do not swim, the proximity of the water to the living room makes the entire pool-patio layout part of the exterior design. This is a common theme in modern pool design. The patio is also notable because it is constructed from stones that fit so tightly together the joints seem to disappear. Although the linear edges of the stones are faintly visible, the surface is one contiguous whole whose linear seamlessness supports both the linearity of the home and the lengthwise expanse of the pool. While the patio design is strictly linear to tie the form of the home to that of the pool, our modern pool is decorated with a running bond pattern of tile work. Running bond is a design pattern that uses staggered stone, brick, or tile layouts to create something of a linear puzzle board effect that captures the eye. We created this pattern to compliment the brick work of the home exterior wall, thus aesthetically tying fine details of the pool to home architecture. At the opposite end of the pool, we built a fountain into the side of the home's perimeter wall. The fountain head is actually square, mirroring the bricks in the wall. Unlike a typical fountain, the water here pours out in a horizontal plane which even more reinforces the theme of the quadrilateral geometry and linear movement of the modern pool. We decorated the front of the home with a custom garden consisting of small ground cover plant species. We had to be very cautious around the trees due to West U’s strict tree preservation policies. In order to avoid damaging tree roots, we had to avoid digging too deep into the earth. The species used in this garden—Japanese Ardesia, foxtail ferns, and dwarf mondo not only avoid disturbing tree roots, but they are low-growth by nature and highly shade resistant. We also built a gravel driveway that provides natural water drainage and preserves the root zone for trees. Concrete pads cross the driveway to give the homeowners a sure-footing for walking to and from their vehicles.

Halkin Mason Photography

Beautiful pavilion style pool house with kitchen, eating area, bathroom along with exterior fireplace and seating area.

Mit einem kleinen Garten aber großen Vorstellungen und einer Anspruchsvollen Nutzung für Eigentümerfamilie mit Hund, haben wir einen RelaxGarten+Pool gestaltet. Der eigentliche Garten wurde ver 1 1/2 facht und bietet heute mehr Nutzung auf gleicher Fläche. Ein Pool mit den Maßen von ca. 6 x 3 m mit 2 LED Scheinwerfern und einer Magiline Filteranlage lädt zum Schwimmen, Baden und Genießen ein. Die manuell verschiebbare Holzterrasse passt perfekt zum mediterranen Ambiente und schützt den Pool vor Laub, Dreck und Schmutz. Zudem kann der Hund wie gewohnt toben, ohne Rücksicht auf den Pool zu nehmen. Alle sind Happy.

A romantic space is created by the privacy walls around this Hot Tub area connected to the Master Bathroom.

A cool, intimate garden with plunge pool and spa is ready for the owners and their friends after a day at the beach. Photo Credit: John Benford Contractor: Stoney Brook Landscape and Masonry Pool and Hot Tub: Jackson Pools Garage: Bob Reed

This aerial view shows the breadth of features the designers at Betz were able to comfortably squeeze into this low maintenance backyard. Not only was the square footage confining, but the drop in elevation also provided challenges. The steep descending flagstone path on the right shows how the drop in elevation continues.

cris beltran

© Javier Guillen Photo

David Sievers Photography

Hand made terracotta Italian tiles

Vanishing Edge inground swimming pool overlooking Lake Worth, TX is designed by Mike Farley of Claffey Pools. Complete privacy while still having an awesome view of the lake. Pool & Spa and entertainting area is a 6' drop from driveway and then a 25' drop to the lake. Limestone boulders were used on retaining wall from the driveway to the pool. Tanning ledge has Clown Fish highlighted against the Black Pebblesheen for the Grandkids enjoyment. Photos byMike Farley Water to Water Connection Video by Mike on Youtube- http://youtu.be/u518mQWImUc

The complete makeover of this property in Rosedale was artfully designed and executed by Bolt Developments. Betz was honoured to build the Gunite pool and feature wall with 10’ sheer descent. The compact side yard is secluded from view by layers of columnar cedars and shade trees.

An amazing space envisioned by the Client and completed by a great team. An Ipe deck flows to the edge of the pool. The reclaimed brick wall and walkway give a sense that the space is much older. Several varieties of palms and flowering shrubs create an oasis with year-round color.

Location: Atlanta, Georgia - Historical Inman Park Scope: This home was a new home we developed and built in Atlanta, GA. The pool's water feature is centered on the 12' slider door in the living room to bring the sound of the sheer falls into the home. The pool is a black plaster, polished aggregate pool. It is zero entry as well with a umbrella holder in the pool so it can be used to place chairs in for lounging. High performance / green building certifications: EPA Energy Star Certified Home, EarthCraft Certified Home - Gold, NGBS Green Certified Home - Gold, Department of Energy Net Zero Ready Home, GA Power Earthcents Home, EPA WaterSense Certified Home Builder/Developer: Heirloom Design Build Architect: Jones Pierce Interior Design/Decorator: Heirloom Design Build Photo Credit: D. F. Radlmann www.heirloomdesignbuild.com