These clients desired a more beautiful, functional and low maintenance space for the steep yard between their contemporary, urban home and the creek below that would work for entertaining beyond Minnesota’s short pool season. The couple envisioned a contemporary, less curvilinear, more private poolscape that would suit the house and include a water feature and more modern fire pit. Plantings were to be minimal, except for colorful annuals.

The existing layout was poor, with inadequate decking by the existing concrete pool and unused paved terrace area above. The freeform pool’s crude coping detracted from the natural surroundings and the materials bore little connection to house itself.

The team repaired the pool, expanded the lower terrace, incorporated an elegant water feature and fire pit, rearranged features to optimize sunlight for four loungers, and mixed a variety of surfaces that reflect the house and conceals the pool equipment. The designer even considered the needs of the smallest family member, their homeowners’ Yellow Lab.