The planning phase of this modern retreat was an intense collaboration that took place over the course of more than two years. While the initial design concept exceeded the clients' expectations, it also exceeded their budget beyond the point of comfort. The next several months were spent modifying the design, in attempts to lower the budget. Ultimately, the decision was made that they would hold off on the project until they could budget for the original design, rather than compromising the vision. About a year later, we repeated that same process, which resulted in the same outcome. After another year-long hiatus, we met once again. We revisited design thoughts, each of us bringing to the table new ideas and options. Each thought simply solidified the fact that the initial vision was absolutely what we all wanted to see come to fruition, and the decision was finally made to move forward. The main challenge of the site was elevation. The Southeast corner of the lot stands 5'6" above the threshold of the rear door, while the Northeast corner dropped a full 2' below the threshold of the door. The backyard was also long and narrow, sloping side-to-side and toward the house. The key to the design concept was to deftly place the project into the slope and utilize the elevation changes, without allowing them to dominate the yard, or overwhelm the senses. The unseen challenge on this project came in the form of hitting every underground issue possible. We had to relocate the sewer main, the gas line, and the electrical service; and since rock was sitting about 6" below the surface, all of these had to be chiseled through many feet of dense rock, adding to our projected timeline and budget. As you enter the space, your first stop is an outdoor living area. Smooth finished concrete, colored to match the 'Leuder' limestone coping, has a subtle saw-cut pattern aligned with the edges of the recessed fire pit. In small spaces, it is important to consider a multi-purpose approach. So, the recessed fire pit has been fitted with an aluminum cover that allows our client to set up tables and chairs for entertaining, right over the top of the fire pit. From here, it;s two steps up to the pool elevation, and the floating 'Leuder' limestone stepper pads that lead across the pool and hide the dam wall of the flush spa. The main retaining wall to the Southeast is a poured concrete wall with an integrated sheer descent waterfall into the spa. To bring in some depth and texture, a 'Brownstone' ledgestone was used to face both the dropped beam on the pool, and the raised beam of the water feature wall. The main water feature is comprised of five custom made stainless steel scuppers, supplied by a dedicated booster pump. Colored concrete stepper pads lead to the 'Ipe' wood deck at the far end of the pool. The placement of this wood deck allowed us to minimize our use of retaining walls on the Northeast end of the yard, since it drops off over three feet below the elevation of the pool beam. One of the most unique features on this project has to be the structure over the dining area. With a unique combination of steel and wood, the clean modern aesthetic of this structure creates a visual stamp in the space that standard structure could not accomplish. 4" steel posts, painted charcoal grey, are set on an angle, 4' into the bedrock, to anchor the structure. Steel I-beams painted in green-yellow color--aptly called "frolic"--act as the base to the hefty cedar rafters of the roof structure, which has a slight pitch toward the rear. A hidden gutter on the back of the roof sends water down a copper rain chain, and into the drainage system. The backdrop for both this dining area , as well as the living area, is the horizontal screen panel, created with alternating sizes of cedar planks, stained to a calm hue of dove grey.

This classic formal design focuses on the rear wall. The wall is a beautifully proportioned multi-height wall, faced in Leuder limestone. As the stonewalls gracefully stair step down, shorter columns serve as the base to four Frank Lloyd Wright inspired cast stone bowls.

The Infinity Pool is a wonderful mosaic pool with a view.
Inspiration for a large mediterranean backyard kidney-shaped and tile infinity pool remodel in Los Angeles

An historic St. Louis home by architect Frederick Dunn has a refurbished yard designed in harmony with the clean lines of the home and grounds. Some of the limestone pavers around the heated pool are tented to aid in water run off. The pool also has fountain features. Photo by Toby Weiss for Mosby Building Arts

spaulding landscape architects, llc
Inspiration for a coastal backyard rectangular and stone pool house remodel in New York

www.DanielKellyPhotography.com
Mid-sized elegant backyard round and stone hot tub photo in Houston

AFTER - Randy Angell, Designer Updated pool and spa with outdoor fireplace and awning addition
Inspiration for a timeless custom-shaped pool remodel in Dallas

Peter Koenig Landscape Designer, Gene Radding General Contracting, Creative Environments Swimming Pool Construction
Example of a huge trendy backyard custom-shaped and concrete paver hot tub design in San Francisco

Small spaces can be the best. This pool and spa separated with a sheet of acrylic gives this pool an uninterrupted look. The limestone wall acts as a backdrop for the garden urn creating a focal piece of art

A backyard retreat in Dallas, Texas that features a wonderful outdoor living area and luxury swimming pool. This private oasis features a custom designed covered outdoor living pavilion with exposed timber beams and stone columns. The pavilion also features an BBQ grill, outdoor kitchen and seating area for entertaining the entire family. The luxury swimming pool features a travertine terrace and limestone coping. A backdrop fountain feature with decorative spouts, urns and tile which provides a focal feature and relaxing background noise.

View of diving cove extend to volleyball area and baha sun deck. sunken pool house in background. Design by: VanElders Design Studio. Matt Kocourek Photography, www.mattkocourek.com

We worked with Jeff Lindfors, an amazing landscape designer here in LA, to create an indoor/outdoor feeling for this home. The shape of the pool was remodeled to respond to the architecture and 60' wide pocket doors. The art is from the Owner's private collection. It's great to sit outside at night and listen to the Hollywood Bowl concerts happening below.

The long, lean swimming pool and raised spa were set perpendicular to the home to take full advantage of the rectangular property. Extra-wide limestone coping provides a stunning frame, hides the skimmers with custom stone lids, and seamlessly blends with the random-rectangular limestone deck running the full width of the home. A custom pool house and mature, layered hedges add complete privacy to this beautiful backyard. Phil Nelson Imaging

This tranquil and relaxing pool and spa in Fort Lauderdale is the perfect backyard retreat! With deck jets, wood deck area and pergola area for lounging, it's the luxurious elegance you have been waiting for!

The pool features a submerged spa and gradual entry platforms. Robert Benson Photography.
Example of a mid-sized cottage backyard rectangular pool house design in New York

Matt Vacca
Pool - small southwestern backyard concrete and rectangular pool idea in Phoenix

Jason Warren
Mid-sized elegant backyard concrete paver and custom-shaped pool fountain photo in Los Angeles

Pool fountain - mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular pool fountain idea in Dallas with decking

Benjamin Hill Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary courtyard lap pool remodel in Houston