Traditional Swimming Pool Ideas and Designs
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This hot tub which is located in Glen Ellyn, IL measures 7'0" x 10'0" and is raised above the deck level. The water depth is 3'0". The tub features 8 hydrotherapy jets, an LED color-changing light, an automatic pool safety cover, Valder's Limestone coping and natural stone veneer on the exterior walls. Photos by Larry Huene.
Exterior Worlds Landscaping & DesignA couple by the name of Claire and Dan Boyles commissioned Exterior Worlds to develop their back yard along the lines of a French Country garden design. They had recently designed and built a French Colonial style house. Claire had been very involved in the architectural design, and she communicated extensively her expectations for the landscape.
The aesthetic we ultimately created for them was not a traditional French country garden per se, but instead was a variation on the symmetry, color, and sense of formality associated with this design. The most notable feature that we added to the estate was a custom swimming pool installed just to the rear of the home. It emphasized linearity, complimentary right angles, and it featured a luxury spa and pool fountain. We built the coping around the pool out of limestone, and we used concrete pavers to build the custom pool patio. We then added French pottery in various locations around the patio to balance the stonework against the look and structure of the home.
We added a formal garden parallel to the pool to reflect its linear movement. Like most French country gardens, this design is bordered by sheered bushes and emphasizes straight lines, angles, and symmetry. One very interesting thing about this garden is that it is consist entirely of various shades of green, which lends itself well to the sense of a French estate. The garden is bordered by a taupe colored cedar fence that compliments the color of the stonework.
Just around the corner from the back entrance to the house, there lies a double-door entrance to the master bedroom. This was an ideal place to build a small patio for the Boyles to use as a private seating area in the early mornings and evenings. We deviated slightly from strict linearity and symmetry by adding pavers that ran out like steps from the patio into the grass. We then planted boxwood hedges around the patio, which are common in French country garden design and combine an Old World sensibility with a morning garden setting.
We then completed this portion of the project by adding rosemary and mondo grass as ground cover to the space between the patio, the corner of the house, and the back wall that frames the yard. This design is derivative of those found in morning gardens, and it provides the Boyles with a place where they can step directly from their bedroom into a private outdoor space and enjoy the early mornings and evenings.
We further develop the sense of a morning garden seating area; we deviated slightly from the strict linear forms of the rest of the landscape by adding pavers that ran like steps from the patio and out into the grass. We also planted rosemary and mondo grass as ground cover to the space between the patio, the corner of the house, and the back wall that borders this portion of the yard.
We then landscaped the front of the home with a continuing symmetry reminiscent of French country garden design. We wanted to establish a sense of grand entrance to the home, so we built a stone walkway that ran all the way from the sidewalk and then fanned out parallel to the covered porch that centers on the front door and large front windows of the house. To further develop the sense of a French country estate, we planted a small parterre garden that can be seen and enjoyed from the left side of the porch.
On the other side of house, we built the Boyles a circular motorcourt around a large oak tree surrounded by lush San Augustine grass. We had to employ special tree preservation techniques to build above the root zone of the tree. The motorcourt was then treated with a concrete-acid finish that compliments the brick in the home. For the parking area, we used limestone gravel chips.
French country garden design is traditionally viewed as a very formal style intended to fill a significant portion of a yard or landscape. The genius of the Boyles project lay not in strict adherence to tradition, but rather in adapting its basic principles to the architecture of the home and the geometry of the surrounding landscape.
For more the 20 years Exterior Worlds has specialized in servicing many of Houston's fine neighborhoods.
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SURROUNDS Landscape Architecture + ConstructionPhotography: Morgan Howarth. Landscape Architect: Howard Cohen, Surrounds Inc.
Paradise Valley SpasJacuzzi® is the most widely recognized brand in the hot tub industry. With 5 hot tub collections to choose from, Jacuzzi® has a spa to meet the needs of every customer. With impressive exterior and lighting elements, industry-leading hydrotherapy, and glass touch-screen control technology, you’ll never look at hot tubs the same way again!
Sofia Joelsson DesignSofia Joelsson Design, Interior Design Services. Backyard Pool, Terrace, two story New Orleans new construction, outdoor Dining, Planters, columns, chandelier,
Green Mountain BuildersGreen Mountain Builders has recently completed a luxury remodel in one of Naples’ premier communities, Audubon Country Club. The remodel included the outdoor living area, including pool, spa, deck and fabulous screen enclosure. Also included was a guest suite with bedroom and bath, plus the front facade and and back entry from the lanai into the house. The focal point of the outdoor living area is the magnificent screen enclosure. State-of-the-art construction allows for a MegaView picture window featuring unobstructed views of the beautifully landscaped championship golf course. The middle screen section provides 34 clear feet of no obstruction, while the side sections are 32 feet and 23 feet, respectively. The middle section is arched to follow the arch design of the deck. This is a stunning development in screen enclosures that is destined to become extremely popular.
NSPJ ArchitectsSteeply pitched roofs, brick exterior with half-timbering, and steel windows and doors which are all common features to the English Tudor style. While staying true to the character of the property and architectural style, unique detailing like bracketed arbors make it well suited for its garden setting.
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This freeform pool in Elmhurst, IL measures approximately 15'0" x 33'0". The raised hot tub is 7'0" round, and has a waterfall spilling into the pool. Other features include a thermal shelf with bubblers, flagstone coping and brick paver decking. Photos by Larry Huene.
Paradise Valley SpasHydropool Swim Spas are the latest trend in the pool and spa industry. Hydropool has the smoothest and most powerful adjustable current stream of any swim spa on the market. You can say goodbye to the weekly maintenance that a regular pool requires, because Hyrdropool swim spas are self-cleaning.
Whether you are a serious swimmer looking to train in the comfort of your backyard or the casual swimmer who wants to enjoy the relaxation of a pool, Hydropool is the ultimate swim spa, hot tub, and aquatic gym all-in-one.
Traditional Swimming Pool Ideas and Designs
Cameo Homes Inc.Spacious pool in this backyard of a home we built in Utah.
Utah Custom Home Builders, Cameo Homes Inc.
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