Another angle of the grotto, again light colored polymer stone panels, complements of Dixon Dawson of Modern Method Gunite company, best in the Nation. Photography by Paul Ladd

Photo: Margot Hartford © 2015 Houzz Landscape Design: Chris Kukula http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/56354604/list/my-houzz-backyard-cottage-office-and-an-artful-low-water-garden

Advanced Imaging Methods
Transitional home design photo in Philadelphia

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.

Inspiration for a farmhouse home design remodel in Denver

Advanced Imaging Methods

Advanced Imaging Methods
Transitional exterior home idea in Philadelphia

a 'lasagna mulch' method to enrich the soil in preparation for spring planting around a lemon tree which has been affected by the ongoing drought in an attempt to gather more water thru the winter el nino rainy season TERRA SECO GARDENS

Photographer- Dustin Peck http://www.houzz.com/pro/dpphoto/dustinpeckphotographyinc Designer- Traci Zeller http://www.houzz.com/pro/tracizeller/traci-zeller-designs Oct/Nov 2016 Greener Pastures http://www.urbanhomemagazine.com/feature/1427

Advanced Imaging Methods
Home design - transitional home design idea in Philadelphia

This is a travertine pool deck we installed for a client in the Cincinnati, Ohio area. The color is Noche and is laid in a French pattern. We have a unique installation method that allows us to install the travertine pavers in the freeze/thaw Ohio climate. This is some of the highest quality travertine you'll find anywhere. If you would like to speak with us about designing or installing your travertine pool deck or patio, please visit our website http://www.twobrothersbrickpaving.com. If you're not located within a 100 mile radius of Cincinnati, Ohio, we would be happy to share with you our source for travertine pavers: http://www.twobrothersbrickpaving.com/where-to-buy-travertine-pavers/

LUXUDIO
Inspiration for a small industrial cork floor home gym remodel in Columbus with white walls

Design ideas for a contemporary landscaping in San Francisco.