Custom Swimming Pool Builder Creates Backyard Design
When our client was first embarking on building her new home, she knew that the backyard space was going to be a critical component. She wanted a backyard that was built to fit her needs & a very special kind of swimming pool. Unfortunately, many pool builders she met with had tried to sell her on a massive swimming pool that would take over her whole backyard. Sadly, many pool builders are more interested in selling the biggest pool possible instead of giving the client a pool that’s perfect for them.
Our client was clear, she wanted a plunge pool. A small swimming pool that could accommodate her taking a dip in the warmer months to cool off & would help her two dogs do the same. She was thankful to find a pool builder that shared her vision: Monji Landscape Companies.
Our client didn’t just want a pool builder she also wanted landscape designer that could create a garden design that offers lots of different colors & textures. A grass area would be important for the dogs as well. As part of the landscape design process, we made sure to maintain a focus on water management & maintenance. Finally, she also wanted a larger patio space for family to visit & for her to host small parties.
As custom pool builders, we think it’s essential to look at each swimming pool through the unique needs & wants of our client. This client was clear from day one: she wanted a small pool to soak in & get cool in the summer. As pool builders & designers we saw this a great opportunity. We set out to build a simple, yet beautiful plunge pool that would also serve as a visual focal point for the rest of landscape design. We created a clean, linear swimming pool that was right-sized for her needs. It’s also purposefully placed directly off the main patio so that the visual is captured by all the main windows.
Next, we set out to create our client’s patio space. First, we decided on a footprint of concrete that would accommodate access to the pool & plenty of seating area without dominating the entire backyard. Much like many pool builders, it’s unfortunate that many concrete contractors simply just try to sell clients on more & more concrete. In reality, the more & more concrete you add can make the yard feel incredibly sterile & hot. It’s essential to find a balance between functional needs (walkways, seating areas, etc.) & visual comfort (creating a space that truly relaxes you when you are in it).
After the concrete patio was poured, we designed an airy lattice patio structure that spans a generous portion of the residence & offers a ton of shade for the area. We also incorporated fans & lights to complete the structure. Now, even in the hottest months of Summer our client has a place to stay cool. Finally, we constructed an outdoor kitchen island that offers her all the essentials: a gas grill & an outdoor fridge for cool drinks. We used a rich veneer stone to give it texture & capped it with a smooth, concrete countertop.
Our final item of construction was to bring the entire design together with the landscaping. We knew we would need a grass area for our client’s dogs, but we were also mindful of keeping that area proportioned to the drought mandates. We created a lush, green lawn area off the main patio so her dogs would have plenty of space to run & play. Even with the lawn area, we still had a ton of planter area to address. We did not want to burden our client with too much maintenance in the planter beds so we ‘ate’ up some of that footage using a rock border around the lawn. This also helps to keep the mulching out of the grass when the dogs stray into the flower beds. Finally, we filled the planting beds with a diverse mix of plants, trees & shrubs that totally changed the backyard into a true garden.
