MILLERSVILLE, PA //  Award Winner
Designed by: Brad Groff

Codesigned by: Chris Hock

        Our client contacted us to find out where to start with a pool project.  They new they wanted an area that could entertain a large group of people.  The pool house needed a bathroom, TV area, and a kitchen to help facilitate the outdoor party.  They also wanted the pool area to be a great place for kids, family, and friends to gather for fun.   A hot tub was also on there wish list.  They needed someone to design, build, and coordinate the entire project.  Our role was to give them all they wanted without sacrificing style or function.  We wanted each area to flow smoothly into the next.  We had to accommodate the traffic flow primarily from the main house’s kitchen to the pool area.  Although it was a less priority, access from the approximate 2,000 sq.ft. finished basement was a must.  I fortunately got to experience first hand the execution of this project.  They had me over for a party of over 75 people and no one was crowded and no one could believe the transformation.

        We did have to design and work around the sand mound, the septic reserve, and the properties rear set back.  With these restrictions, we could not build the lower retaining wall any closer to the sand mound.  On the upper side of the property, the placement of the pool fence could not be moved any further up hill.  We were able to get a variance with the township to allow us to build the pool house into the setback.  A seepage pit was dug to contain any run off from the new pool terrace.  During construction, we also redirected any downspouts that we could to run underground to the seepage pit.

        We started with a couple design concepts setting the pool, pool house, hot tub, retaining walls, steps and outdoor kitchen.  They were set on having a diving area and a separate area for water sports.  This was going to cover most of our usable area.  We quickly realized how complex this project would be.  We then worked with the various contractors to work out the specifics.  As disheartening as it was, we had to realize plant material was at the bottom of there priorities.  We were able to introduce some plant material to pull everything together.  The sweetbay magnolias play a major part at night.  We have all four trees lit up to bring more dimension to the nightscape.

        We basically chose most of the materials right off of the existing house.  We wanted this new area to be an extension of the house.  We chose the mortared shadow stone for the walls because it was currently on the front of the house.  Previously the entire back was stucco and we wanted to bring more architectural detail to the pool area.  We used stucco for some areas to provide a nice transition.  The flagstone wall caps match the front porch and front sidewalk.  Travertine pavers were introduced to give a simple elegant look.  Travertine was also used for the coping of the pool and hot tub.

        This project is the most unique project I have ever worked on.  I think the average person lives this space in awe.  The designer and contractors walk this space and realize the forethought of everything.  The elevation of the pool height could not be any lower or higher if we were to keep the pool centered.  If it was lower we would need more steps between the house and the pool.  This would make the main path uncomfortably narrow.  If we raised the pool we would need more steps to go to the basement causing the same problem in a different area.  The elevation of the pool house was crucial to provide a comfortable transition to a special area.  Drainage took a lot of forethought.  The pool coping needing to stay level and there was not much room to move the water.  All elevations were shot and determined before any ground was broke.