2016 International Awards of Excellence
Pool Environments, Inc.
plano, Texas
9729851576
pool environments
Category
Installations in the U.S. & Canada > Residential Concrete Pools > Pools with a Vanishing Edge - 601 sq. ft. or more
Description
The clients for this project are both Olympic swimmers, one of them bringing home the Gold, for the USA. So, when they asked for a lap pool, we knew immediately that this would be no ordinary lap pool! Since they would be using this lap pool not only for personal training, but also for coaching students, it was important that we get the details correct. Our team researched regulation standards for size, depth, wave gutter, and interior lane and target markings, ensuring that our clients would enjoy the convenience of swimming laps in their backyard, without sacrificing anything. Marrying beauty with function, we had suggested a beautiful contrasting glass tile for the lane and target markers. Our client took the sample, filled the kitchen sink, and dropped the tile in the water. He slid his hand across it, and said, “Nope. Too slippery.” That’s when we learned that a kick-turn target is truly a target for their feet. We had to find a glass tile that fit the aesthetic of the project, while providing a non-slip surface for kick-turns.
We re-surfaced the existing covered patio with Lueder limestone, giving it a richer appearance, that plays off the cast stone details on the exterior of the home. The covered patio leads to the inner courtyard area of the project. Keeping with the modern formality in the adjacent living room, we created a formal courtyard, anchored by four Savannah Hollies and over-sized square steel planters, with boxwoods and seasonal color. The decking design in the courtyard is meant to lead you through the space, out to the pool area, and is softened by the use of synthetic turf spacing. The over-scaled stepper pad arrangement in the courtyard allows generous enough space to accommodate tables and seating when the client holds events in the backyard.
The central view through the courtyard leads the eye down the length of the spa and the upper pool, to the full-width infinity edge. We did not want the focus of the space to be the lap pool, so we dropped it 30” lower, and turned it perpendicular to the main pool. It leaves a bit of discovery to the project, as the lap pool only comes into view when you approach the end of the upper pool. The decking around the pool is a Bone colored concrete, flanking the Lueder limestone coping on the pool, while the tile is an Ombre effect of pale blue glass tile from Ann Sacks. With the Bermuda Luna Quartz plaster finish, the over-all color palette remains subtle and understated, allowing pops of color through the landscaping and furnishings.
Winner Status
- Silver
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