Allison Cartwright
Inspiration for a contemporary backyard custom-shaped pool remodel in Austin with decking

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.

Peter Christiansen Valli
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Modern pool with Brazilian ipe wood decking, Lueders Stone pool coping and a fire pit with crushed glass.
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Cliff FInley
Inspiration for a large modern backyard stone and rectangular infinity hot tub remodel in Atlanta

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3 story custom beach front home. Photo by: Julia Lynn Photography
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Elevated pool with water spitters
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Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2013 Houzz
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See In, See Out / Jessica Mims / www.SeeInSeeOut.com
Mid-sized tuscan backyard concrete paver and rectangular lap pool house photo in Austin

This pool was rebuilt from its previous location, in the backyard and away from the house, to the side yard and elevated 8' to bring it in line with the house. A pool house with a fireplace, seating, and draperies was added at one end, while a water feature and spa were added to the side. Lush plantings were added to the property, pool area, and in coordinating pots and urns. The pool decking is blue stone.

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This stunning luxury backyard features a glowing infinity-edge pool framed by elegant water features and handcrafted tile insets, creating a tranquil resort-style atmosphere. A dramatic stone-clad pergola anchors the space, complete with string lighting, a cantera stone fireplace, and custom lounge seating beneath heavy wood beam rafters. The symmetrical fountain wall and elevated spa offer serene sounds and visual balance, while Mediterranean-style planters, brick and masonry columns, and wrought iron railings add architectural depth. Set against a vivid twilight sky, this backyard retreat merges classic European charm with modern luxury pool design.