Exterior home photo in Dallas

The designers at Betz take great pride in finding ways to optimize available space. This shallow lot included an unusual jog at one corner. The solution was to design the rectangular pool with a curved section at the corner so it would take attention away from the anomaly and direct it instead to the pool’s elevated feature wall.

Transitional exterior home photo in Austin

Example of a large classic backyard stone and rectangular pool design in Atlanta

Example of a mid-sized southwest custom-shaped lap pool design in Oklahoma City

Pool - mid-sized southwestern custom-shaped lap pool idea in Oklahoma City

Example of a mid-sized southwest custom-shaped lap pool design in Oklahoma City

Mid-sized southwest custom-shaped lap pool photo in Oklahoma City

Pool - mid-sized southwestern custom-shaped lap pool idea in Oklahoma City

Inspiration for a mid-sized southwestern custom-shaped lap pool remodel in Oklahoma City

Patrick Brickman
Beach style entryway photo in Charleston

Tucson, AZ Hacienda style home built by Wachs Construction Co., Inc.
Inspiration for a mediterranean patio remodel in Phoenix

Our client wanted a modern industrial style of backyard and we designed and build this outdoor environment to their excitement. Features include a new pool with precast concrete water feature wall that blends into a precast concrete firepit, an Ipe wood deck, custom steel and Ipe wood arbor and trellis and a precast concrete kitchen. Also, we clad the inside of the existing fence with corrugated metal panels. Photography: Daniel Driensky

Challenge This 2001 riverfront home was purchased by the owners in 2015 and immediately renovated. Progressive Design Build was hired at that time to remodel the interior, with tentative plans to remodel their outdoor living space as a second phase design/build remodel. True to their word, after completing the interior remodel, this young family turned to Progressive Design Build in 2017 to address known zoning regulations and restrictions in their backyard and build an outdoor living space that was fit for entertaining and everyday use. The homeowners wanted a pool and spa, outdoor living room, kitchen, fireplace and covered patio. They also wanted to stay true to their home’s Old Florida style architecture while also adding a Jamaican influence to the ceiling detail, which held sentimental value to the homeowners who honeymooned in Jamaica. Solution To tackle the known zoning regulations and restrictions in the backyard, the homeowners researched and applied for a variance. With the variance in hand, Progressive Design Build sat down with the homeowners to review several design options. These options included: Option 1) Modifications to the original pool design, changing it to be longer and narrower and comply with an existing drainage easement Option 2) Two different layouts of the outdoor living area Option 3) Two different height elevations and options for the fire pit area Option 4) A proposed breezeway connecting the new area with the existing home After reviewing the options, the homeowners chose the design that placed the pool on the backside of the house and the outdoor living area on the west side of the home (Option 1). It was important to build a patio structure that could sustain a hurricane (a Southwest Florida necessity), and provide substantial sun protection. The new covered area was supported by structural columns and designed as an open-air porch (with no screens) to allow for an unimpeded view of the Caloosahatchee River. The open porch design also made the area feel larger, and the roof extension was built with substantial strength to survive severe weather conditions. The pool and spa were connected to the adjoining patio area, designed to flow seamlessly into the next. The pool deck was designed intentionally in a 3-color blend of concrete brick with freeform edge detail to mimic the natural river setting. Bringing the outdoors inside, the pool and fire pit were slightly elevated to create a small separation of space. Result All of the desirable amenities of a screened porch were built into an open porch, including electrical outlets, a ceiling fan/light kit, TV, audio speakers, and a fireplace. The outdoor living area was finished off with additional storage for cushions, ample lighting, an outdoor dining area, a smoker, a grill, a double-side burner, an under cabinet refrigerator, a major ventilation system, and water supply plumbing that delivers hot and cold water to the sinks. Because the porch is under a roof, we had the option to use classy woods that would give the structure a natural look and feel. We chose a dark cypress ceiling with a gloss finish, replicating the same detail that the homeowners experienced in Jamaica. This created a deep visceral and emotional reaction from the homeowners to their new backyard. The family now spends more time outdoors enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Their professional lives allow them to take a trip to paradise right in their backyard—stealing moments that reflect on the past, but are also enjoyed in the present.

Hot tub - small modern backyard concrete paver and rectangular aboveground hot tub idea in Miami

Example of a mid-sized classic backyard stone and kidney-shaped lap hot tub design in Atlanta

Photo Credit: George Dzahristos
Example of a mid-sized transitional backyard stone and rectangular pool house design in Detroit

Example of a beach style patio design in Other

Update your outdoor space with new porcelain pavers! Inciting an exterior flooring revolution, porcelain pavers offer a high-style and super durable design solution. This new generation of pavers opens up a world of possibilities in outdoor design.