Creating Sophisticated Outdoor Living Areas
( This article was originally published in Pool Magazine click here )
As a pool builder, when I’m creating a sophisticated outdoor living area, frequently I look to incorporate exciting transitions which immerse you into the entire backyard. The technique was accomplished adeptly by a very famous landscape architect in the California Bay Area, by the name of Thomas Church.
Updating a Timeless Classic
My firm, Creative Environments was selected to update the swimming pool area on one particular backyard design which was done by Thomas back in the mid 1930’s. In his original concept, there was no swimming pool incorporated into his design. The pool, however, was added to the yard in the late 1970’s. Roughly five decades later, our company finds itself with the good fortune of remodeling the swimming pool accenting this timeless design
Researching The Work of an Iconic Designer
When we initially took on this daunting historical remodeling project, my son Nicco and our landscape designer, Peter Koenig did a lot of research on Thomas Church. We started by visiting his most iconic yard landscape design project of the Donnell Ranch Pool and Landscape in Sonoma.
Creating Transitions in the Outdoor Living Area
Thomas was known for his ability to design inviting backyard environments by creating different elevations. These micro-environments were ideal for various purposes and enhanced the enjoyment of the landscape experience. Thomas achieved this by installing steps that gradually transitioned you to a new texture or environment area as you traveled through the yard.
This particular project that we remodeled is a classic example of transitioning from one texture to another. Our designer, Peter Koenig, worked together with our clients and us to maintain the original integrity of the “Master’s Design”. The real trick here was to maintain the theme of the backyard and at the same time use the construction methods of today’s high standards.
Planning Micro Environments
This backyard is full of micro-environments that are separated by pathways along with the many different textures used along with elevation changes that transition from one area to the next. Did we honor the original integrity of the design? You can be the judge.
The test to see if we got this right was when I was invited to a social gathering by our clients. I took the opportunity to observe the 75 guests in attendance. Gradually, each found a corner of the outdoor living area to enjoy.
Rethinking The Backyard For Night-Time Recreation
A swimming pool in the backyard used to be primarily just for daytime recreation. However, in today’s designs the pool and entire backyard is equally enjoyable both during the day and at night. With today’s LED lighting we’re able to intelligently position accent lighting to make the backyard a more usable space at night. But, are LED Edison bulbs good? Read on for more info!
First and foremost, I look to accomplish this by adding well-lit spas, hot tubs and water features that live poolside along with exciting amenities like outdoor kitchens and pavilions. There’s nothing cozier and more inviting than a fireplace and fire pit next to the swimming pool.
These elements all add up to creating a superior outdoor environment. When properly lit, the backyard becomes a thoroughly enjoyable evening experience as well. It’s definitely a privilege that we in the swimming pool industry are able to provide through the creative work we’re able to do.
Conceptualizing The Complete Outdoor Living Area
When conceptualizing the design we need to think past the swimming pool as our only dog in the fight and think about how the entire backyard space is used for entertainment. The projects which my son Nicco and I build, along with the help of Peter Koenig and the rest of our team of talented artisans, incorporate all of those exciting lifestyle features.
These completely immersive environments transition from the pavilion to the outdoor kitchen to the sports court seamlessly. When accompanied by beautiful landscape and lighting, well-conceived concrete paver pathways provided by professionals like concrete-repair.co.uk, they help navigate guests throughout the backyard to a well-appointed swimming pool. One that isn’t just filling in the negative space of the yard but by was oriented specifically to have guests transition to the right location and direction from the point of entry of the house.
Spa and water features only help to enhance the view. Not only from the house looking at the pool but also the view from inside the spa or pool looking back at the house. This particular project is a perfect example of the micro-environments we plan in every one of our projects.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if you are planning a brand new yard or working with an older one. It all starts with a well-conceived design that permeates through all the other features that comprise the backyard entertainment areas. Owning a swimming pool in your backyard today is all about the “Lifestyle”. As my good friend, Vance Gillette would tell all of us in the swimming pool industry; we are not in the swimming pool business but rather in the “Backyard Entertainment Business”.
Thomas Church put a lot of thought into his designs that are still just as relevant today as they were 90 years ago. These days, we all need to listen to the old masters as we continue to improve and build upon on what others have done that came before us. If we want to grow our industry then we need to continue to improve upon the past.
My son Nicco, represents the next generation of pool builders who will carry this torch into the future. I asked him to relay some of his thoughts, and close this op-ed piece by discussing what being in the backyard entertainment industry means to him.
Final Thoughts – Nicco Baumann
A swimming pool is not the entire yard, it’s a luxury component of our client’s private spaces. It, therefore, needs to coalesce with other microenvironments in harmony, rather than compete with them. An important role as a contractor on these projects is to step outside of the pool and envision the flow throughout the yard. We have to ask ourselves how well did we utilize the space given to us and is it balanced?
The backyard entertainment industry today is only limited by our client’s and designers’ imaginations. It’s incredibly gratifying to bring a project to life and materialize our client’s dreams.
I’m very fortunate to be working alongside my dad and learning from his immense experience as well as other builders and designers in the industry. My generation still has a lot to learn from the old guys but I’m excited to see where we take this industry in the next 50 years.
