nordukfinehomes
Open concept kitchen - huge transitional u-shaped concrete floor open concept kitchen idea in Oklahoma City with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, recycled glass countertops, metallic backsplash, metal backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This organic modern design is built in an area known for having notable issues with ground movement. After speaking with the developer and reviewing the soil report with our Structural Engineer, we made our recommendations to the client. Since the budget for a full-blown pier and beam structure with void boxes under the pool was well beyond the comfort level of our client, they elected to have us utilize a float shell construction method. For this, we over-excavated the hole and placed a 12" layer of gravel beneath the shell of the pool. Drain lines lead from the deepest point under the pool down into a culvert, placed off to the side of the pool. A sump pump removes any excess water from the culvert as it accumulates. For the shell of the pool, we utilized a double matt of steel and increased the wall thickness to a minimum of 12". This gave added strength to withstand the volatile soil. The elements of fire, water, wood and stone were very important in creating the organic modern feel of this design. The layered effect along the back wall creates a visual stimulation across the length of the yard, without overwhelming the senses. Rather than creating walls only of hard materials, we used Ipe wood to create horizontal screen walls of a more organic nature. At either end, the raised wall and the fire feature are finished in a large-scale porcelain tile, with the look of stained concrete. Custom stainless steel scuppers, made by a local fabricator, create a soothing sound of falling water. The low wall at the center of the project is faced in natural ledgestone, and carries a color palette that set the tone for the entire project. Behind this wall and in front of one of the Ipe screens are three Desert Steel Giant Agave sculptures. The unique fire feature isn't quite a fire place, nor is it a fire pit. It is a linear fire burner, surrounded by a 4" thick cantilevered Leuder limestone hearth, with a backdrop wall of blue glazed clay tile. Although the pool was initially planned as a plaster pool, as the project began to take shape, the client elected to go all the way and finish it in a beautiful blue glass mosaic. Custom fabricated stainless steel cannon jets send a delicate arch of water over this deep blue, and draw attention to the three square wok planters on the far side of the yard. For the decking on this project, we elected to work with Mother Nature rather than against her. Two and a half inch thick concrete pavers, set on a bed of compacted, decomposed granite allow for movement around the pool that is easily fixed. If an area of deck moves around, we can simply lift the affected areas, re-level with DG bed, and re-set the pavers.

Stone-like concrete blocks form the retaining wall with matching concrete paver steps. The plant palette emphasizes grey foliage and white flowers to draw attention to the brick facade on the garage. Photo: Billy Goodnick

Rectangular live edge dining table with brown leather dining chairs, rusted steel pendant lights, floor to ceiling espresso-stained wood sliding doors, off-white walls and ceilings and heart pine wood floors in modern farmhouse style home in rural Idaho. Photo by Tory Taglio Photography

Located near the base of Scottsdale landmark Pinnacle Peak, the Desert Prairie is surrounded by distant peaks as well as boulder conservation easements. This 30,710 square foot site was unique in terrain and shape and was in close proximity to adjacent properties. These unique challenges initiated a truly unique piece of architecture. Planning of this residence was very complex as it weaved among the boulders. The owners were agnostic regarding style, yet wanted a warm palate with clean lines. The arrival point of the design journey was a desert interpretation of a prairie-styled home. The materials meet the surrounding desert with great harmony. Copper, undulating limestone, and Madre Perla quartzite all blend into a low-slung and highly protected home. Located in Estancia Golf Club, the 5,325 square foot (conditioned) residence has been featured in Luxe Interiors + Design’s September/October 2018 issue. Additionally, the home has received numerous design awards. Desert Prairie // Project Details Architecture: Drewett Works Builder: Argue Custom Homes Interior Design: Lindsey Schultz Design Interior Furnishings: Ownby Design Landscape Architect: Greey|Pickett Photography: Werner Segarra

Nat Rea
Example of a classic exterior home design in Providence

Mid-sized elegant backyard deck photo in Seattle with no cover

Cool colors and soft textures are the theme: Snow in Summer ground cover, Pink Breath of Heaven and White Breath of Heaven. Photo: Billy Goodnick
Photo of a small traditional full sun front yard concrete paver retaining wall landscape in Santa Barbara for spring.

Newly relocated El Paso, our client wanted to have a backyard to play with the kids, good energy, handle drainage for onsite ponding & entertain. This initial project was designed to phase in their dream backyard. This is phase 1 which includes steel reinforced rocksalt concrete stained, rockwall planters, low voltage lighting, custom gas firepit, tiffway hybrid bermuda & evergreen trees for privacy screening. Other phases to come.

Beach style home design photo in Atlanta

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2013 Houzz
Dining room - 1960s medium tone wood floor dining room idea in Dallas with white walls

Betz was contacted by the homeowner’s landscape architect. At this stage, the only thing in place in the backyard was the roof structure and concrete foundation for an elevated loggia across the back of the home. The initial plan called for the placement of a pool and sports court several steps down at ground level.

Newly relocated El Paso, our client wanted to have a backyard to play with the kids, good energy, handle drainage for onsite ponding & entertain. This initial project was designed to phase in their dream backyard. This is phase 1 which includes steel reinforced rocksalt concrete stained, rockwall planters, low voltage lighting, custom gas firepit, tiffway hybrid bermuda & evergreen trees for privacy screening. Other phases to come.

Located near the base of Scottsdale landmark Pinnacle Peak, the Desert Prairie is surrounded by distant peaks as well as boulder conservation easements. This 30,710 square foot site was unique in terrain and shape and was in close proximity to adjacent properties. These unique challenges initiated a truly unique piece of architecture. Planning of this residence was very complex as it weaved among the boulders. The owners were agnostic regarding style, yet wanted a warm palate with clean lines. The arrival point of the design journey was a desert interpretation of a prairie-styled home. The materials meet the surrounding desert with great harmony. Copper, undulating limestone, and Madre Perla quartzite all blend into a low-slung and highly protected home. Located in Estancia Golf Club, the 5,325 square foot (conditioned) residence has been featured in Luxe Interiors + Design’s September/October 2018 issue. Additionally, the home has received numerous design awards. Desert Prairie // Project Details Architecture: Drewett Works Builder: Argue Custom Homes Interior Design: Lindsey Schultz Design Interior Furnishings: Ownby Design Landscape Architect: Greey|Pickett Photography: Werner Segarra

Newly relocated El Paso, our client wanted to have a backyard to play with the kids, good energy, handle drainage for onsite ponding & entertain. This initial project was designed to phase in their dream backyard. This is phase 1 which includes steel reinforced rocksalt concrete stained, rockwall planters, low voltage lighting, custom gas firepit, tiffway hybrid bermuda & evergreen trees for privacy screening. Other phases to come.

Minimalist bathroom photo in San Francisco

Cutting pup plantings separated from existing drought tolerant succulents. Mass cuttings reused to save Owner's initial investment. Serene pool view with Los Angeles background.

Newly relocated El Paso, our client wanted to have a backyard to play with the kids, good energy, handle drainage for onsite ponding & entertain. This initial project was designed to phase in their dream backyard. This is phase 1 which includes steel reinforced rocksalt concrete stained, rockwall planters, low voltage lighting, custom gas firepit, tiffway hybrid bermuda & evergreen trees for privacy screening. Other phases to come.

This backyard concept is designed for a modern Toronto home, showcasing a clean, low-maintenance patio space perfect for both relaxation and entertaining. The space features interlock-style pavers, a central fire pit built with stone blocks, and a border of minimal landscaping with native plants. The design focuses on functionality, privacy, and aesthetic balance, ideal for urban and suburban homes across the GTA. From initial prep to final installation, the images show the complete process, including labor and layout work — giving homeowners an idea of the professional workflow involved in creating a premium outdoor living space.