Mid-sized transitional backyard concrete paver and custom-shaped natural pool fountain photo in Orlando

Heather Knapp
Inspiration for a contemporary pool remodel in New York

This project epitomizes luxury outdoor living, centered around an extraordinary pool that sets a new standard for leisure and elegance. The pool, features a custom-built swim-up bar, allowing guests to indulge in their favorite beverages without ever leaving the water. Surrounded by sumptuous lounging areas and accented with sophisticated lighting, the pool area promises an unparalleled aquatic experience. Adjacent to this aquatic paradise, the outdoor space boasts an entertainer’s dream kitchen and a mesmerizing fire feature, all framed by breathtaking panoramic views that elevate every gathering. Additionally, the estate includes a state-of-the-art all-purpose sports court, offering endless fun with activities like tennis, basketball, and the ever-popular pickleball. Each aspect of this lavish project has been meticulously curated to provide an ultimate haven of relaxation and entertainment.

This project epitomizes luxury outdoor living, centered around an extraordinary pool that sets a new standard for leisure and elegance. The pool, features a custom-built swim-up bar, allowing guests to indulge in their favorite beverages without ever leaving the water. Surrounded by sumptuous lounging areas and accented with sophisticated lighting, the pool area promises an unparalleled aquatic experience. Adjacent to this aquatic paradise, the outdoor space boasts an entertainer’s dream kitchen and a mesmerizing fire feature, all framed by breathtaking panoramic views that elevate every gathering. Additionally, the estate includes a state-of-the-art all-purpose sports court, offering endless fun with activities like tennis, basketball, and the ever-popular pickleball. Each aspect of this lavish project has been meticulously curated to provide an ultimate haven of relaxation and entertainment.

This project epitomizes luxury outdoor living, centered around an extraordinary pool that sets a new standard for leisure and elegance. The pool, features a custom-built swim-up bar, allowing guests to indulge in their favorite beverages without ever leaving the water. Surrounded by sumptuous lounging areas and accented with sophisticated lighting, the pool area promises an unparalleled aquatic experience. Adjacent to this aquatic paradise, the outdoor space boasts an entertainer’s dream kitchen and a mesmerizing fire feature, all framed by breathtaking panoramic views that elevate every gathering. Additionally, the estate includes a state-of-the-art all-purpose sports court, offering endless fun with activities like tennis, basketball, and the ever-popular pickleball. Each aspect of this lavish project has been meticulously curated to provide an ultimate haven of relaxation and entertainment.

The home’s minimalist backyard was designed primarily for family entertaining and features a custom vinyl pool with spa, lounge area and pool equipment room. While the style of the home is a bungalow, the sharp drop in elevation enables the basement level to be above grade at the back and the south side.

This project epitomizes luxury outdoor living, centered around an extraordinary pool that sets a new standard for leisure and elegance. The pool, features a custom-built swim-up bar, allowing guests to indulge in their favorite beverages without ever leaving the water. Surrounded by sumptuous lounging areas and accented with sophisticated lighting, the pool area promises an unparalleled aquatic experience. Adjacent to this aquatic paradise, the outdoor space boasts an entertainer’s dream kitchen and a mesmerizing fire feature, all framed by breathtaking panoramic views that elevate every gathering. Additionally, the estate includes a state-of-the-art all-purpose sports court, offering endless fun with activities like tennis, basketball, and the ever-popular pickleball. Each aspect of this lavish project has been meticulously curated to provide an ultimate haven of relaxation and entertainment.

This project epitomizes luxury outdoor living, centered around an extraordinary pool that sets a new standard for leisure and elegance. The pool, features a custom-built swim-up bar, allowing guests to indulge in their favorite beverages without ever leaving the water. Surrounded by sumptuous lounging areas and accented with sophisticated lighting, the pool area promises an unparalleled aquatic experience. Adjacent to this aquatic paradise, the outdoor space boasts an entertainer’s dream kitchen and a mesmerizing fire feature, all framed by breathtaking panoramic views that elevate every gathering. Additionally, the estate includes a state-of-the-art all-purpose sports court, offering endless fun with activities like tennis, basketball, and the ever-popular pickleball. Each aspect of this lavish project has been meticulously curated to provide an ultimate haven of relaxation and entertainment.

Ortus Exteriors - NOW this house has everything the homeowner could ever need or want! Under the 900 sq. ft. attached roof, grill and smoke meats with the 25 ft. kitchen, serve drinks while watching the game by the bar, or sit on the hearth of a stone fire place. The rare, Sinker Cypress, reclaimed wood used for the roof was brought in from the swamps of Florida. The large pool is 48 by 23 feet with a Midnight Blue finish and features an immense boulder waterfall that used 12 tons of rock! The decking continues to the back of the pool for an elevated area perfect for dancing or watching the sunset. We loved this project and working with the homeowner. We design and build luxury swimming pools and outdoor living areas the way YOU want it. We focus on all-encompassing projects that transform your land into a custom outdoor oasis. Ortus Exteriors is an authorized Belgard contractor, and we are accredited with the Better Business Bureau.

This comprehensive backyard remodel showcases a transformation into a luxurious, modern outdoor retreat. The centerpiece of the project is the replastered pool and spa, now revitalized with a fresh, smooth finish that enhances both aesthetic appeal and durability. Surrounding the water features, new pour-in-place concrete coping has been installed, offering clean lines and a cohesive look that elevates the overall design. The outdoor kitchen has been fully remodeled, featuring a striking granite countertop that blends seamlessly with white smooth stucco finishes for a crisp, contemporary appearance. This space is now perfectly suited for both casual grilling and upscale entertaining. Adjacent to the pool, custom pour-in-place concrete steps and a bench-integrated firepit create a functional yet elegant gathering space. Both the bench and the firepit are finished with matching white smooth stucco, ensuring consistency in design. The firepit is uniquely integrated with a cascading waterfall, combining elemental contrast and soothing ambiance. Flagstone flooring and steps have been upgraded to premium upscale tile, offering improved durability, ease of maintenance, and a modernized aesthetic that complements the new finishes throughout the space. Overall, this backyard remodel harmoniously blends contemporary design with functional luxury, creating an inviting outdoor environment for relaxation, entertainment, and enjoyment.

I was initially contacted by the builder and architect working on this Modern European Cottage to review the property and home design before construction began. Once the clients and I had the opportunity to meet and discuss what their visions were for the property, I started working on their wish list of items, which included a custom concrete pool, concrete spa, patios/walkways, custom fencing, and wood structures. One of the largest challenges was that this property had a 30% (or less) hardcover surface requirement for the city location. With the lot size and square footage of the home I had limits to how much hardcover we could add to property. So, I had to get creative. We presented to the city the usage of the Live Green Roof plantings that would reduce the hardcover calculations for the site. Also, if we kept space between the Laurel Sandstones walkways, using them as steppers and planting groundcover or lawn between the stones that would also reduce the hard surface calculations. We continued that theme with the back patio as well. The client’s esthetic leaned towards the minimal style, so by adding greenery between stones work esthetically. I chose the Laurel Tumbled Sandstone for the charm and character and thought it would lend well to the old world feel of this Modern European Cottage. We installed it on all the stone walkways, steppers, and patios around the home and pool. I had several meetings with the client to discuss/review perennials, shrubs, and tree selections. Plant color and texture of the planting material were equally important to the clients when choosing. We grouped the plantings together and did not over-mix varieties of plants. Ultimately, we chose a variety of styles from natural groups of plantings to a touch of formal style, which all work cohesively together. The custom fence design and installation was designed to create a cottage “country” feel. They gave us inspiration of a country style fence that you may find on a farm to keep the animals inside. We took those photos and ideas and elevated the design. We used a combination of cedar wood and sandwich the galvanized mesh between it. The fence also creates a space for the clients two dogs to roam freely around their property. We installed sod on the inside of the fence to the home and seeded the remaining areas with a Low Gro Fescue grass seed with a straw blanket for protection. The minimal European style custom concrete pool was designed to be lined up in view from the porch and inside the home. The client requested the lawn around the edge of the pool, which helped reduce the hardcover calculations. The concrete spa is open year around. Benches are on all four sides of the spa to create enough seating for the whole family to use at the same time. Mortared field stone on the exterior of the spa mimics the stone on the exterior of the home. The spa equipment is installed in the lower level of the home to protect it from the cold winter weather. Between the garage and the home’s entry is a pea rock sitting area and is viewed from several windows. I wanted it to be a quiet escape from the rest of the house with the minimal design. The Skyline Locust tree planted in the center of the space creates a canopy and softens the side of garage wall from the window views. The client will be installing a small water feature along the garage for serene noise ambience. The client had very thoughtful design ideas styles, and our collaborations all came together and worked well to create the landscape design/installation. The result was everything they had dreamed of and more for their Modern European Cottage home and property.

This project epitomizes luxury outdoor living, centered around an extraordinary pool that sets a new standard for leisure and elegance. The pool, features a custom-built swim-up bar, allowing guests to indulge in their favorite beverages without ever leaving the water. Surrounded by sumptuous lounging areas and accented with sophisticated lighting, the pool area promises an unparalleled aquatic experience. Adjacent to this aquatic paradise, the outdoor space boasts an entertainer’s dream kitchen and a mesmerizing fire feature, all framed by breathtaking panoramic views that elevate every gathering. Additionally, the estate includes a state-of-the-art all-purpose sports court, offering endless fun with activities like tennis, basketball, and the ever-popular pickleball. Each aspect of this lavish project has been meticulously curated to provide an ultimate haven of relaxation and entertainment.

This comprehensive backyard remodel showcases a transformation into a luxurious, modern outdoor retreat. The centerpiece of the project is the replastered pool and spa, now revitalized with a fresh, smooth finish that enhances both aesthetic appeal and durability. Surrounding the water features, new pour-in-place concrete coping has been installed, offering clean lines and a cohesive look that elevates the overall design. The outdoor kitchen has been fully remodeled, featuring a striking granite countertop that blends seamlessly with white smooth stucco finishes for a crisp, contemporary appearance. This space is now perfectly suited for both casual grilling and upscale entertaining. Adjacent to the pool, custom pour-in-place concrete steps and a bench-integrated firepit create a functional yet elegant gathering space. Both the bench and the firepit are finished with matching white smooth stucco, ensuring consistency in design. The firepit is uniquely integrated with a cascading waterfall, combining elemental contrast and soothing ambiance. Flagstone flooring and steps have been upgraded to premium upscale tile, offering improved durability, ease of maintenance, and a modernized aesthetic that complements the new finishes throughout the space. Overall, this backyard remodel harmoniously blends contemporary design with functional luxury, creating an inviting outdoor environment for relaxation, entertainment, and enjoyment.

I was initially contacted by the builder and architect working on this Modern European Cottage to review the property and home design before construction began. Once the clients and I had the opportunity to meet and discuss what their visions were for the property, I started working on their wish list of items, which included a custom concrete pool, concrete spa, patios/walkways, custom fencing, and wood structures. One of the largest challenges was that this property had a 30% (or less) hardcover surface requirement for the city location. With the lot size and square footage of the home I had limits to how much hardcover we could add to property. So, I had to get creative. We presented to the city the usage of the Live Green Roof plantings that would reduce the hardcover calculations for the site. Also, if we kept space between the Laurel Sandstones walkways, using them as steppers and planting groundcover or lawn between the stones that would also reduce the hard surface calculations. We continued that theme with the back patio as well. The client’s esthetic leaned towards the minimal style, so by adding greenery between stones work esthetically. I chose the Laurel Tumbled Sandstone for the charm and character and thought it would lend well to the old world feel of this Modern European Cottage. We installed it on all the stone walkways, steppers, and patios around the home and pool. I had several meetings with the client to discuss/review perennials, shrubs, and tree selections. Plant color and texture of the planting material were equally important to the clients when choosing. We grouped the plantings together and did not over-mix varieties of plants. Ultimately, we chose a variety of styles from natural groups of plantings to a touch of formal style, which all work cohesively together. The custom fence design and installation was designed to create a cottage “country” feel. They gave us inspiration of a country style fence that you may find on a farm to keep the animals inside. We took those photos and ideas and elevated the design. We used a combination of cedar wood and sandwich the galvanized mesh between it. The fence also creates a space for the clients two dogs to roam freely around their property. We installed sod on the inside of the fence to the home and seeded the remaining areas with a Low Gro Fescue grass seed with a straw blanket for protection. The minimal European style custom concrete pool was designed to be lined up in view from the porch and inside the home. The client requested the lawn around the edge of the pool, which helped reduce the hardcover calculations. The concrete spa is open year around. Benches are on all four sides of the spa to create enough seating for the whole family to use at the same time. Mortared field stone on the exterior of the spa mimics the stone on the exterior of the home. The spa equipment is installed in the lower level of the home to protect it from the cold winter weather. Between the garage and the home’s entry is a pea rock sitting area and is viewed from several windows. I wanted it to be a quiet escape from the rest of the house with the minimal design. The Skyline Locust tree planted in the center of the space creates a canopy and softens the side of garage wall from the window views. The client will be installing a small water feature along the garage for serene noise ambience. The client had very thoughtful design ideas styles, and our collaborations all came together and worked well to create the landscape design/installation. The result was everything they had dreamed of and more for their Modern European Cottage home and property.

This project epitomizes luxury outdoor living, centered around an extraordinary pool that sets a new standard for leisure and elegance. The pool, features a custom-built swim-up bar, allowing guests to indulge in their favorite beverages without ever leaving the water. Surrounded by sumptuous lounging areas and accented with sophisticated lighting, the pool area promises an unparalleled aquatic experience. Adjacent to this aquatic paradise, the outdoor space boasts an entertainer’s dream kitchen and a mesmerizing fire feature, all framed by breathtaking panoramic views that elevate every gathering. Additionally, the estate includes a state-of-the-art all-purpose sports court, offering endless fun with activities like tennis, basketball, and the ever-popular pickleball. Each aspect of this lavish project has been meticulously curated to provide an ultimate haven of relaxation and entertainment.

This project epitomizes luxury outdoor living, centered around an extraordinary pool that sets a new standard for leisure and elegance. The pool, features a custom-built swim-up bar, allowing guests to indulge in their favorite beverages without ever leaving the water. Surrounded by sumptuous lounging areas and accented with sophisticated lighting, the pool area promises an unparalleled aquatic experience. Adjacent to this aquatic paradise, the outdoor space boasts an entertainer’s dream kitchen and a mesmerizing fire feature, all framed by breathtaking panoramic views that elevate every gathering. Additionally, the estate includes a state-of-the-art all-purpose sports court, offering endless fun with activities like tennis, basketball, and the ever-popular pickleball. Each aspect of this lavish project has been meticulously curated to provide an ultimate haven of relaxation and entertainment.

Paragon Pools Executives named Masters of Design 2019 by Pool and Spa News for their custom spa project, “Courtyard Centerpiece.” “Arising from the dry desert, an elevated spa and fire element creates a mesmerizing visual for both day and night enjoyment, transforming a courtyard into the centerpiece of the home.” The award-winning design features an elevated, perimeter overflow spa, with iridescent blue mosaic tile. Artistic tile-lined channels were integrated to direct water from the spa catch basin to the pool with a floating step to allow passage between the channels. And, a custom linear fire pit with blue fire glass intersects the spa.

A sleek architectural lap pool designed for both performance and lifestyle. Featuring an elevated L-shaped form, integrated spa, beach entry and dark reflective mosaics, the pool combines minimalist design, uninterrupted sightlines and everyday functionality.

A sleek architectural lap pool designed for both performance and lifestyle. Featuring an elevated L-shaped form, integrated spa, beach entry and dark reflective mosaics, the pool combines minimalist design, uninterrupted sightlines and everyday functionality.