The owners of a Bethesda home purchased the property next door with the intent to combine the two lots and build an addition to their existing house. They wanted a swimming pool with an outdoor living area, a two-car garage, family room, kitchenette, and guest suite. Our team reviewed the site and what it would look like once the neighboring house was demolished. One of the crucial goals of the designers was to locate the pool behind the addition and keep the massing of the addition down to retain sunlight to the pool in the summer without the new structure or existing house shading the pool. We had a place holder in our design for the location of the pool, but the detailed plan for the pool, fire pit, surfacing, and plantings were developed by the landscape/pool company and homeowner. We built the addition and the pool company poured the pool foundation. The house was on a corner lot, so the pool company was able to access the site from the other side of the house from where we were building the addition. Outdoor Room. The covered porch area is about ten-feet by thirty-feet and is an exterior living/dining room. This area has ceiling fans, recessed lighting, and a flat screen on one wall. The client wanted operable screens, so once we completed the addition, he hired a company to install screens that lower at the touch of a button to create a screened porch. Along the back wall of the garage there is storage for pool toys and tools and a showerhead. Michael K. Wilkinson

Creating outdoor living space - Above Ground Pool

AMIDONIAN llc

Another view: The yard sloped away from the house so the pool is out of the ground 18" on one side a 3' on the other. The original blue limestone slabs that made up walkways were repurposed into retaining walls and walk ways. The second story porch is being extended 8' and the wrought iron fencing will be added above. The Xs above the windows were uncovered as an architectural detail that surround the mud room, as well as bridge the entry way.

Morrison, Oakville

User

This Oakville backyard is now a fantastic area to entertain and play! The 18 x 34ft vinyl pool has full width entry stairs, a raised wall water feature and armour stone jumping rock in the deep end.

Forestvale Residence

Gelderman Landscape Services

Jeff McNeill

Susan Fisher

Gregory Thomas, Architect, AKBD, CG&S Design-Build

Pavilion at night. I designed this outdoor living project when at CG&S, and it was beautifully built by their team. Photo: Paul Finkel 2012

Living Outdoors in Los Angeles

Intex Design and Construction

Water Features

Artistry Outdoors (Custom Pools & Outdoor Living)

The Zen Home

HoneyBee Designz

Robert Stevens Photography

Sunroom Addition w/Outdoor Living Space

CMI Construction

CMI Construction created an indoor/outdoor space for this family. The project included; a sunroom, attached covered outdoor cooking space, and a backyard makeover featuring a pool, two water falls, and a fire pit. Landscaping and water features- Greenspace Creations Photography- Ramage 3

Munie Leisure Center

Our Work

Long Island Landscape Designs Inc

Transitional Resort Style Custom Residence

Pioneer Architecture, LLC.

Transitional Style Custom Home

Custer Homes Inc

Design/Build custom home in Hummelstown, PA. This transitional style home features a timeless design with on-trend finishes and features. An outdoor living retreat features a pool, landscape lighting, playground, outdoor seating, and more.

Yard Guard Saftey Pool Covers

Pools & Spas a Go Go

Transitional Pool Design Ideas with Concrete Pavers

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 transitional 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 transitional 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 transitional 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 transitional 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 transitional 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.