Modern Pool Transformation
Indieatlantic, Florida
The overall goal was to update the older backyard construction to better match the modern needs and style of the client. The existing pavers around the backyard did not appear to have been installed properly. We discussed moving and reusing some of the existing pavers but recommended that removing and replacing the existing pavers is in their best interest. The existing vinyl fencing was removed due to blocking off a large portion of the backyard from being utilized. The cabana and the wall outside the master bathroom remained to block the noise from the pool pump.
The pool deck was redesigned with crisp, white concrete pavers to match the clients style. The new deck includes a single header course perimeter and is designed in a way to increase usable space and eliminate walking “pinch points”. A wood deck was proposed at the cabana edge and wraps the backside of the pool. Fountains were proposed in the deck that will cascade into the pool and create white noise. Part of the deck is proposed over the pool. This creates more space to walk around the cabana. New pavers were proposed beyond the cabana to create an outdoor dining and cooking nook. This area will double as an entertaining space. A pool shower was also proposed near the pool equipment in the previously unused paver nook.
For the clients secret garden request, we connected the pool deck by a walkway flanked with low concrete walls. This creates an entry feature to the garden that features a built-in wood bench and festoon café lights. The area at the end of the garden is large enough to accommodate a variety of uses such as lounge furnishings, entertaining area, firepit area, potted veggie garden, or hammocks.
The kid play area is a lawn in the far right corner of the yard. This area was previously unused and is situated perfectly for a kid-zone. A climbing wall and swing arbor are located across from the cabana at the far right of the yard. This helps to enclose the space and provide a visual end to the space. Limestone boulders are located in the landscape bed for playing and jumping.
To achieve more privacy we proposed a combination of plantings to achieve privacy and visual screening in the rear yard. A podocarpus hedge is proposed along a new privacy fence at the rear property line. Podocarpus quickly grows to form a living wall and can be trimmed at heights of 8-12’ if desired. A row of Chinese Fan Palms and Coontie are located in front of that to achieve a chic and lush edge at the new wood deck. The palms will blow in the breeze and create relaxing sounds.
This Modern Chic design incorporates a simple and lush plant palette. Plants with interesting texture and shape such as Traveller’s Palm and Foxtail Fern give a luxurious feel to the space. Plants such as Coontie, Giant White Bird of Paradise, and Green Island Ficus were used along the fenceline and throughout the yard to achieve a Modern Chic aesthetic as requested by the client.
This design will require yearly maintenance but no more than that of similar residences in the area. The plant palette features all Florida Native or Florida Friendly plants that are suitable for our local climate. Irrigation is recommended for the first three growing seasons but the plant palette is considered drought tolerant.
