There was nothing but grass behind the home, so beginning at the main floor covered loggia, Betz created a series of terraces on five descending levels ending at the basement walkout. This allowed separate levels for a sitting area and spa, pool deck with chaise lounges plus a cabana level for...

Outdoor activities begin at the loggia room accessed via the backyard walkout. Sheltered from the elements, the loggia facilitates three full seasons of use centered around an eight-person dining table plus spacious lounge area and barbecue station.

Three steps below the loggia, the first terrace features a sitting area and custom 7’ x 7’ vinyl over steel spa. Being located some distance from the pool, it is self contained with its own pump, heater, controls and pool size cartridge filter. It is fully winterized with thermal cover for...

Three steps below the loggia, the first terrace features a sitting area and custom 7’ x 7’ vinyl over steel spa which is fully winterized for year-round use. With some terraces being several steps apart, a full complement of custom black metal railings and fencing ensures convenience and safety.

With some terraces being several steps apart, a full complement of custom black metal fencing ensures convenience and safety. The extensive network of hard surface walkways and terraces is softened by the generous use of flowers and shrubs which were artfully installed by Salivan Landscape.

The visual focal point of the backyard is the custom 16’ x 34’ vinyl pool. It features full width walk-in steps and is ringed by 18” wide Halton Grey flagstone coping. The extra wide coping not only looks attractive, but also offers a practical benefit with the elevated pool wall providing extra...

The generous patio areas around the pool are useful when entertaining large groups. The pool deck and other walkways and terraces are finished in custom beige Patterned Concrete with a rock skins texture defined by random rectangular saw cuts to give it a classic modern look.

Another backyard highlight is the 10’ x 32’ cabana which features a lounge area with linear flame fireplace plus a pool equipment room and change room on either side. The cultured stone cladding on vertical surfaces such as the pillars, retaining walls and steps, properly matches the stone cladding...

As evening light falls this backyard springs to life with its extensive array of LED garden lights, supplemented by the flickering flames from the three Essex fire bowls by Grand Effects. In addition, the pool’s automated colour changing LED lighting system can be set to a single colour or changing...

This backyard oasis is proof of what is possible when experienced backyard experts are presented with a daunting design challenge. This attractive solution shows how descending levels can be fashioned into a series of welcoming gathering places, each with their own practicality and charm.