FUNCTIONALITY
A large area of golf green was installed for playing basketball since the homeowner’s association doesn’t allow for actual game courts.
Three tiers of retaining walls to create a middle area for the fire pit and golf green, and a lower area for the pool/lounging spaces.
The fire pit and golf green are in the middle tier and is more easily accessible than lowest tier. These two spaces will be used througout the year, not only during pool season.
Synthetic turf was used in multiple areas, at the in-wall bench near the fire pit and under the pergola/swing area, because it is a low maintenance solution (no mowing or watering required). This provided a change in texture, visually softened the hardscaped areas and is soft on bare feet.
Two in-wall benches were installed for increased seating areas – one at fire pit and one over at deep end of pool.
A sun-lounging patio is located to capture afternoon sun (facing southwest).
The lounging area with a couch and chairs is located to be in the afternoon/evening shade cast by adjacent woods.
Fire pit area is located to “perch” over the pool space and the backyard.
We dedicated space in new planting areas for stand-alone planters for the homeowner’s vegetables and herbs; zone hardy blueberry shrubs were also planted to be harvested and enjoyed.
The back columns of the pergola sits on top of a masonry wall that offers privacy in the pool from the neighbors. It could also be used as a ledge for drinks and snacks. It also houses outlets for charging phones/tablets to keep the kids connected!
Mostly drought-tolerant, sun-loving plants were used since they are planted in rock mulch and get full sun almost all day long.
A thoughtful low-voltage lighting system automatically turns on once it is dark; it will also illuminate the space throughout the long, dark winter months.
”Stadium seating” limestone walls in the game area provide added seating for onlookers.
AESTHETICS
The clients did not have a specific style in mind; they wanted the new materials to compliment what was existing and to be pleasing to look upon from the main living area inside the house.
Rock mulch was specifically requested, as opposed to wood mulch, to attempt to deter snakes and/or to more easily see the snakes.
A simple yet attractive pool without the clutter: no diving board, slide or handrails.
The limestone and Buckskin walls were selected to complement the color of the pre-existing upper patio space.
Lower patios and steps are composed of various kinds of bluestone to accentuate the border around the upper patio.
Textured and colored concrete coping and pool deck is a grey-ish blue to carry out the tones of the bluestone.
Laminar jets at the pool create stunning arcs of water and also make a pleasant and calming noise.
The El Dorado Stone, Gas fire pit is not only stunning, but captivates a great view overlooking the pool.
Three hanging seat swings at the pergola/masonry wall creates a unique and cozy place to ‘hang out’.
PROJECT CHALLENGES
The slope of yard required tiers of retaining walls to create more functional space in the backyard. It posed many challenges for our crews to navigate and easily moving around to access each of the spaces, safety, etc.
We did not want the walls to be too tall – nothing over 4 feet and nothing over than 29” along any of the walking paths to protect against a fall hazard. This created limitations as to how far into the yard the pool could go, since the yard does slope agressively. In the end, we pushed the pool to the 10 grade loss line from top of existing patio to bottom of lowest wall.
Side yard utility and drainage easements heavily dictated how much space on either side that we had to work with.
Both the designer and foreman have a very healthy fear of snakes, but they unfortunately had to witness quite a few more than they would have liked with this project!
The association that the home is located within does not allow either game courts or vegetable gardens which were both on the client’s wishlist. We were able to reframe their needs and provide different solutions including the putting green space and container garden areas.
Existing soils were not condusive to pool installation so a number or helical piers were installed around the perimeter of the pool for support, adding time and money to the project.
In addition to our landscape crew, there were 11 other subcontractors on this project, which can be a logistical nightmare. We subcontracted out the pool, electrical, two different gas guys, carpenter, painter, fencing, concrete, irrigation, synthetic turf and a mason. With the help of our amazing project manager Kelley Woodhead, we were able to navigate the installation by utilizing Gantt schedules, project coordination and excellent communication.
CRAFTSMANSHIP AND INNOVATION
Our crews excelled in craftsmanship for this project. It can be a challenge to regrade a very steep piece of land. We were able to no only excavate what we needed to remove, but do it gracefully and very technically to create each individual space precisely and planned.
