Thirty truckloads of beach sand were placed in this outdoor space to create a waterfront launch pad for the homeowner’s hobby of kite surfing. PAL lighting defines the edges of the area and terraces. Original outdoor living design by Ryan Hughes Design Build. Photography by Jimi Smith.

This Wooded Retreat project started with the removal of a large area of bamboo roots, re-grading the area after, and installing bamboo containment barrier. All root materials were be excavated and disposed of off site. We then graded the side yard to eliminate mounds and low areas, removed rocks and boulders which were be used on front bank. Grading was also done in preparation for fence installation. Bamboo containment barrier was installed from street down to back of property. 2 truckloads of top soil was hauled in to fill areas where bamboo roots were excavated. The newly installed topsoil was fine graded to prep for the fence and plantings. Tree work including tree trimming and tree removal throughout the site was done by Arborist Enterprises. This luxurious portion of this project included a complete landscape design featuring Trees and shrub installation with all disturbed ground covered with natural wood chips. Natural stone steps along driveway were installed using local gray/earth tone treads. The patio surface was installed using natural irregular flagstone, natural stone treads for steps, and PA Limestone boulders to retain grade around patio. The fire pit consisted of a natural stacked stone ring and ‘Zentro’ Smokeless Fire Pit insert. Natural stone paths were installed using natural large irregular flagstone slabs. All landscape lighting installed was Kichler LED light fixtures.

Gold Medal Design Award Winner at the 2015 Southwest Region Pool and Spa Show! This job is of a very rare scale for a residential pool and was under construction for nearly three years. This project actually began on a vacant lot, because once the house slab was in place there would have been no access. It was necessary to build a 300 foot long retaining wall then backfill behind it. Sixty truckloads of fill were compacted into place to provide the suitable base for this pool. This massive pool begins with an elevated fountain built adjacent to the windows on the back of the home. The water spills into a mid-level fountain, which surrounds a zero edge spa capped with 3” by 3” travertine tile and also features a travertine arm rest under the water. Travertine capped stepping stones in the middle fountain give access to the spa. From both the mid-level fountain and the spa, the water finally returns to the main pool. The longest part of the pool is a 75 foot by 10 foot lap lane that is 6 feet deep. A diamond pattern lane maker made of glass tiles runs the length of the of the lap lane. The pool then steps up to 4 feet to provide a large play area then finally terminates with a 450 square foot sun shelf. The pool elevation is 4 feet below the house. This accommodates the two levels of fountains dropping to the pool level. Numerous bullnose travertine capped steps and planter walls help to soften the transitions in elevation. The pool coping is 2 inch thick bullnose travertine. The matching travertine on the 3,500 sq. ft. patio is accented by a contrasting pattern. The entire pool has a tile interior. There were four different tiles used on the project totaling over 5,100 square feet. The tile was a custom blend, ordered in advance and was warehoused for over two years while the home was being constructed. As expected on a job of this magnitude, the pool features everything one might expect including cutting edge automation and equipment, 13 LED lights, and in-floor cleaning system. This magnificent swimming pool has an equally spectacular elevated lake view as a backdrop. Over 80 feet from the back of the house where the pool started is a fire pit area positioned perfectly to take full advantage of that view.

Gold Medal Design Award Winner at the 2015 Southwest Region Pool and Spa Show! This job is of a very rare scale for a residential pool and was under construction for nearly three years. This project actually began on a vacant lot, because once the house slab was in place there would have been no access. It was necessary to build a 300 foot long retaining wall then backfill behind it. Sixty truckloads of fill were compacted into place to provide the suitable base for this pool. This massive pool begins with an elevated fountain built adjacent to the windows on the back of the home. The water spills into a mid-level fountain, which surrounds a zero edge spa capped with 3” by 3” travertine tile and also features a travertine arm rest under the water. Travertine capped stepping stones in the middle fountain give access to the spa. From both the mid-level fountain and the spa, the water finally returns to the main pool. The longest part of the pool is a 75 foot by 10 foot lap lane that is 6 feet deep. A diamond pattern lane maker made of glass tiles runs the length of the of the lap lane. The pool then steps up to 4 feet to provide a large play area then finally terminates with a 450 square foot sun shelf. The pool elevation is 4 feet below the house. This accommodates the two levels of fountains dropping to the pool level. Numerous bullnose travertine capped steps and planter walls help to soften the transitions in elevation. The pool coping is 2 inch thick bullnose travertine. The matching travertine on the 3,500 sq. ft. patio is accented by a contrasting pattern. The entire pool has a tile interior. There were four different tiles used on the project totaling over 5,100 square feet. The tile was a custom blend, ordered in advance and was warehoused for over two years while the home was being constructed. As expected on a job of this magnitude, the pool features everything one might expect including cutting edge automation and equipment, 13 LED lights, and in-floor cleaning system. This magnificent swimming pool has an equally spectacular elevated lake view as a backdrop. Over 80 feet from the back of the house where the pool started is a fire pit area positioned perfectly to take full advantage of that view.

Gold Medal Design Award Winner at the 2015 Southwest Region Pool and Spa Show! This job is of a very rare scale for a residential pool and was under construction for nearly three years. This project actually began on a vacant lot, because once the house slab was in place there would have been no access. It was necessary to build a 300 foot long retaining wall then backfill behind it. Sixty truckloads of fill were compacted into place to provide the suitable base for this pool. This massive pool begins with an elevated fountain built adjacent to the windows on the back of the home. The water spills into a mid-level fountain, which surrounds a zero edge spa capped with 3” by 3” travertine tile and also features a travertine arm rest under the water. Travertine capped stepping stones in the middle fountain give access to the spa. From both the mid-level fountain and the spa, the water finally returns to the main pool. The longest part of the pool is a 75 foot by 10 foot lap lane that is 6 feet deep. A diamond pattern lane maker made of glass tiles runs the length of the of the lap lane. The pool then steps up to 4 feet to provide a large play area then finally terminates with a 450 square foot sun shelf. The pool elevation is 4 feet below the house. This accommodates the two levels of fountains dropping to the pool level. Numerous bullnose travertine capped steps and planter walls help to soften the transitions in elevation. The pool coping is 2 inch thick bullnose travertine. The matching travertine on the 3,500 sq. ft. patio is accented by a contrasting pattern. The entire pool has a tile interior. There were four different tiles used on the project totaling over 5,100 square feet. The tile was a custom blend, ordered in advance and was warehoused for over two years while the home was being constructed. As expected on a job of this magnitude, the pool features everything one might expect including cutting edge automation and equipment, 13 LED lights, and in-floor cleaning system. This magnificent swimming pool has an equally spectacular elevated lake view as a backdrop. Over 80 feet from the back of the house where the pool started is a fire pit area positioned perfectly to take full advantage of that view.

Gold Medal Design Award Winner at the 2015 Southwest Region Pool and Spa Show! This job is of a very rare scale for a residential pool and was under construction for nearly three years. This project actually began on a vacant lot, because once the house slab was in place there would have been no access. It was necessary to build a 300 foot long retaining wall then backfill behind it. Sixty truckloads of fill were compacted into place to provide the suitable base for this pool. This massive pool begins with an elevated fountain built adjacent to the windows on the back of the home. The water spills into a mid-level fountain, which surrounds a zero edge spa capped with 3” by 3” travertine tile and also features a travertine arm rest under the water. Travertine capped stepping stones in the middle fountain give access to the spa. From both the mid-level fountain and the spa, the water finally returns to the main pool. The longest part of the pool is a 75 foot by 10 foot lap lane that is 6 feet deep. A diamond pattern lane maker made of glass tiles runs the length of the of the lap lane. The pool then steps up to 4 feet to provide a large play area then finally terminates with a 450 square foot sun shelf. The pool elevation is 4 feet below the house. This accommodates the two levels of fountains dropping to the pool level. Numerous bullnose travertine capped steps and planter walls help to soften the transitions in elevation. The pool coping is 2 inch thick bullnose travertine. The matching travertine on the 3,500 sq. ft. patio is accented by a contrasting pattern. The entire pool has a tile interior. There were four different tiles used on the project totaling over 5,100 square feet. The tile was a custom blend, ordered in advance and was warehoused for over two years while the home was being constructed. As expected on a job of this magnitude, the pool features everything one might expect including cutting edge automation and equipment, 13 LED lights, and in-floor cleaning system. This magnificent swimming pool has an equally spectacular elevated lake view as a backdrop. Over 80 feet from the back of the house where the pool started is a fire pit area positioned perfectly to take full advantage of that view.

Gold Medal Design Award Winner at the 2015 Southwest Region Pool and Spa Show! This job is of a very rare scale for a residential pool and was under construction for nearly three years. This project actually began on a vacant lot, because once the house slab was in place there would have been no access. It was necessary to build a 300 foot long retaining wall then backfill behind it. Sixty truckloads of fill were compacted into place to provide the suitable base for this pool. This massive pool begins with an elevated fountain built adjacent to the windows on the back of the home. The water spills into a mid-level fountain, which surrounds a zero edge spa capped with 3” by 3” travertine tile and also features a travertine arm rest under the water. Travertine capped stepping stones in the middle fountain give access to the spa. From both the mid-level fountain and the spa, the water finally returns to the main pool. The longest part of the pool is a 75 foot by 10 foot lap lane that is 6 feet deep. A diamond pattern lane maker made of glass tiles runs the length of the of the lap lane. The pool then steps up to 4 feet to provide a large play area then finally terminates with a 450 square foot sun shelf. The pool elevation is 4 feet below the house. This accommodates the two levels of fountains dropping to the pool level. Numerous bullnose travertine capped steps and planter walls help to soften the transitions in elevation. The pool coping is 2 inch thick bullnose travertine. The matching travertine on the 3,500 sq. ft. patio is accented by a contrasting pattern. The entire pool has a tile interior. There were four different tiles used on the project totaling over 5,100 square feet. The tile was a custom blend, ordered in advance and was warehoused for over two years while the home was being constructed. As expected on a job of this magnitude, the pool features everything one might expect including cutting edge automation and equipment, 13 LED lights, and in-floor cleaning system. This magnificent swimming pool has an equally spectacular elevated lake view as a backdrop. Over 80 feet from the back of the house where the pool started is a fire pit area positioned perfectly to take full advantage of that view.

Gold Medal Design Award Winner at the 2015 Southwest Region Pool and Spa Show! This job is of a very rare scale for a residential pool and was under construction for nearly three years. This project actually began on a vacant lot, because once the house slab was in place there would have been no access. It was necessary to build a 300 foot long retaining wall then backfill behind it. Sixty truckloads of fill were compacted into place to provide the suitable base for this pool. This massive pool begins with an elevated fountain built adjacent to the windows on the back of the home. The water spills into a mid-level fountain, which surrounds a zero edge spa capped with 3” by 3” travertine tile and also features a travertine arm rest under the water. Travertine capped stepping stones in the middle fountain give access to the spa. From both the mid-level fountain and the spa, the water finally returns to the main pool. The longest part of the pool is a 75 foot by 10 foot lap lane that is 6 feet deep. A diamond pattern lane maker made of glass tiles runs the length of the of the lap lane. The pool then steps up to 4 feet to provide a large play area then finally terminates with a 450 square foot sun shelf. The pool elevation is 4 feet below the house. This accommodates the two levels of fountains dropping to the pool level. Numerous bullnose travertine capped steps and planter walls help to soften the transitions in elevation. The pool coping is 2 inch thick bullnose travertine. The matching travertine on the 3,500 sq. ft. patio is accented by a contrasting pattern. The entire pool has a tile interior. There were four different tiles used on the project totaling over 5,100 square feet. The tile was a custom blend, ordered in advance and was warehoused for over two years while the home was being constructed. As expected on a job of this magnitude, the pool features everything one might expect including cutting edge automation and equipment, 13 LED lights, and in-floor cleaning system. This magnificent swimming pool has an equally spectacular elevated lake view as a backdrop. Over 80 feet from the back of the house where the pool started is a fire pit area positioned perfectly to take full advantage of that view.

Enclosed dining room - farmhouse enclosed dining room idea in Boston with beige walls

The expanded patio has proper pitch and embraces the corner of the home, slate chip mulch replaced plain gravel under the cantilevered portion of the home. Renn Kuhnen Photography

Ryan Bent
Country exterior home idea in Burlington

This Wooded Retreat project started with the removal of a large area of bamboo roots, re-grading the area after, and installing bamboo containment barrier. All root materials were be excavated and disposed of off site. We then graded the side yard to eliminate mounds and low areas, removed rocks and boulders which were be used on front bank. Grading was also done in preparation for fence installation. Bamboo containment barrier was installed from street down to back of property. 2 truckloads of top soil was hauled in to fill areas where bamboo roots were excavated. The newly installed topsoil was fine graded to prep for the fence and plantings. Tree work including tree trimming and tree removal throughout the site was done by Arborist Enterprises. This luxurious portion of this project included a complete landscape design featuring Trees and shrub installation with all disturbed ground covered with natural wood chips. Natural stone steps along driveway were installed using local gray/earth tone treads. The patio surface was installed using natural irregular flagstone, natural stone treads for steps, and PA Limestone boulders to retain grade around patio. The fire pit consisted of a natural stacked stone ring and ‘Zentro’ Smokeless Fire Pit insert. Natural stone paths were installed using natural large irregular flagstone slabs. All landscape lighting installed was Kichler LED light fixtures.

Gold Medal Design Award Winner at the 2015 Southwest Region Pool and Spa Show! This job is of a very rare scale for a residential pool and was under construction for nearly three years. This project actually began on a vacant lot, because once the house slab was in place there would have been no access. It was necessary to build a 300 foot long retaining wall then backfill behind it. Sixty truckloads of fill were compacted into place to provide the suitable base for this pool. This massive pool begins with an elevated fountain built adjacent to the windows on the back of the home. The water spills into a mid-level fountain, which surrounds a zero edge spa capped with 3” by 3” travertine tile and also features a travertine arm rest under the water. Travertine capped stepping stones in the middle fountain give access to the spa. From both the mid-level fountain and the spa, the water finally returns to the main pool. The longest part of the pool is a 75 foot by 10 foot lap lane that is 6 feet deep. A diamond pattern lane maker made of glass tiles runs the length of the of the lap lane. The pool then steps up to 4 feet to provide a large play area then finally terminates with a 450 square foot sun shelf. The pool elevation is 4 feet below the house. This accommodates the two levels of fountains dropping to the pool level. Numerous bullnose travertine capped steps and planter walls help to soften the transitions in elevation. The pool coping is 2 inch thick bullnose travertine. The matching travertine on the 3,500 sq. ft. patio is accented by a contrasting pattern. The entire pool has a tile interior. There were four different tiles used on the project totaling over 5,100 square feet. The tile was a custom blend, ordered in advance and was warehoused for over two years while the home was being constructed. As expected on a job of this magnitude, the pool features everything one might expect including cutting edge automation and equipment, 13 LED lights, and in-floor cleaning system. This magnificent swimming pool has an equally spectacular elevated lake view as a backdrop. Over 80 feet from the back of the house where the pool started is a fire pit area positioned perfectly to take full advantage of that view.

Beachy backyard paradise on Padaro Lane Carpinteria. We imported about 5 truckloads of sand in order to raise the sand level 16 to 18 inches to allow views of the beach - before, it felt like there was a barricade between you and the ocean. It was an unlovely and unusable space. We created a great gathering area with a custom built flagstone bench and several large flagstone slabs for the fire pit. We found the perfect contemporary furniture and placed it around the fire pit. The furniture is custom made with Ipe wood, pre-cast concrete, embed sea glass, aggregate and fossil shells. It had to be heavy enough to not blow away or wander down the beach.

This Wooded Retreat project started with the removal of a large area of bamboo roots, re-grading the area after, and installing bamboo containment barrier. All root materials were be excavated and disposed of off site. We then graded the side yard to eliminate mounds and low areas, removed rocks and boulders which were be used on front bank. Grading was also done in preparation for fence installation. Bamboo containment barrier was installed from street down to back of property. 2 truckloads of top soil was hauled in to fill areas where bamboo roots were excavated. The newly installed topsoil was fine graded to prep for the fence and plantings. Tree work including tree trimming and tree removal throughout the site was done by Arborist Enterprises. This luxurious portion of this project included a complete landscape design featuring Trees and shrub installation with all disturbed ground covered with natural wood chips. Natural stone steps along driveway were installed using local gray/earth tone treads. The patio surface was installed using natural irregular flagstone, natural stone treads for steps, and PA Limestone boulders to retain grade around patio. The fire pit consisted of a natural stacked stone ring and ‘Zentro’ Smokeless Fire Pit insert. Natural stone paths were installed using natural large irregular flagstone slabs. All landscape lighting installed was Kichler LED light fixtures.

This Wooded Retreat project started with the removal of a large area of bamboo roots, re-grading the area after, and installing bamboo containment barrier. All root materials were be excavated and disposed of off site. We then graded the side yard to eliminate mounds and low areas, removed rocks and boulders which were be used on front bank. Grading was also done in preparation for fence installation. Bamboo containment barrier was installed from street down to back of property. 2 truckloads of top soil was hauled in to fill areas where bamboo roots were excavated. The newly installed topsoil was fine graded to prep for the fence and plantings. Tree work including tree trimming and tree removal throughout the site was done by Arborist Enterprises. This luxurious portion of this project included a complete landscape design featuring Trees and shrub installation with all disturbed ground covered with natural wood chips. Natural stone steps along driveway were installed using local gray/earth tone treads. The patio surface was installed using natural irregular flagstone, natural stone treads for steps, and PA Limestone boulders to retain grade around patio. The fire pit consisted of a natural stacked stone ring and ‘Zentro’ Smokeless Fire Pit insert. Natural stone paths were installed using natural large irregular flagstone slabs. All landscape lighting installed was Kichler LED light fixtures.

The original site was in rough shape and needed considerable remediation. Extensive grading was necessary to create more usable backyard space. As part of this, Southview hauled away over 100 truckloads of excavated soil.

For this young family, their existing space wasn’t working for their lifestyle. Besides the aesthetics, they felt the kitchen wasn’t living up to its full potential. A list of their wants/needs included an open, sleek design that allowed their three children to eat at the island and have a place at a nearby desk to complete homework or watch television while dinner was being prepared. With the family’s main traffic area leading directly from the garage into the kitchen, it was critical to consider a place for the kids to place their schoolwork, sports equipment, art supplies and even bring in groceries. With all of that in mind, we added lockers for each child right at the garage entry, with the idea that the cabinets could be transitioned into additional pantry storage as the family matures. With the new open space, we were able to update the room using dark and light grays, on the cabinetry and walls. Combining the elegance of traditional design with the fresh and refined look of contemporary style trends, we mixed natural wood and stone and dark oak flooring with the contemporary look of paneled cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, sleek hardware, and a glass and marble tile backsplash. By mixing these materials the home’s traditional heritage is kept intact, but the young tech savvy family now has a fantastic space where they can gather for family meals and entertainment. Kate Benjamin Photography

This Wooded Retreat project started with the removal of a large area of bamboo roots, re-grading the area after, and installing bamboo containment barrier. All root materials were be excavated and disposed of off site. We then graded the side yard to eliminate mounds and low areas, removed rocks and boulders which were be used on front bank. Grading was also done in preparation for fence installation. Bamboo containment barrier was installed from street down to back of property. 2 truckloads of top soil was hauled in to fill areas where bamboo roots were excavated. The newly installed topsoil was fine graded to prep for the fence and plantings. Tree work including tree trimming and tree removal throughout the site was done by Arborist Enterprises. This luxurious portion of this project included a complete landscape design featuring Trees and shrub installation with all disturbed ground covered with natural wood chips. Natural stone steps along driveway were installed using local gray/earth tone treads. The patio surface was installed using natural irregular flagstone, natural stone treads for steps, and PA Limestone boulders to retain grade around patio. The fire pit consisted of a natural stacked stone ring and ‘Zentro’ Smokeless Fire Pit insert. Natural stone paths were installed using natural large irregular flagstone slabs. All landscape lighting installed was Kichler LED light fixtures.