Project Background

 
The owners of this home in a quiet Walnut Creek neighborhood wanted to create an outdoor living space adjacent the pool, and directly connected to the house. The south-facing exposure created a very hot pool deck surface, so a covered environment where the family could spend time was a goal.  The owner also did not like the shape of the pool, but did not necessarily want to rebuild it, so finding ways to improve the overall area around it was important.
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Design Approach

The project takes advantage of the large backyard and engages the house with the swimming pool in this year-round lounging space.  The covered space allows direct access to the water, and additional deck features and water features were added, to help make the pool shape make more sense and provide seating/lounging areas at the same time.  A corner bench in the deep end of the pool itself was converted into a fascinating grotto behind a waterfall which emanates from a large stone structure above it. 

The yard was also segregated into two zones - - pool and grass, as a way to keep pets in a separate area.

Results

The covered space provides comfortable family area where adults can keep an eye on kids playing in the pool, and entertain guests at the same time. The hardscaping surrounding the pool area turns an odd-shaped pool into a sensible pooside seating area, and the landscaping that flows outward from the pool area both accentuates the view and provides separate entertaiment/play area for kids and pets. 

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