YORK, PA
Designed by: Brad Groff
Codesigned by: Chris Hock
Moving from a home with a swimming pool and mature landscaping, the homeowner wished to begin immediately creating a similar outdoor environment for her new home. Landscape and pool designers were brought in before the construction on the house was completed so the design could be finalized and allow the landscape work to begin immediately. Heavy equipment for the pool and patio construction could come in before the final grading and seeding were done on the property. Establishing perimeter planting right away to begin providing privacy to the new pool was also important. The landscape crews were able to finish the project in time for the homeowner to begin using the outdoor living space soon after moving in.
The homeowner desired a secondary outdoor living space and swimming pool that would compliment the large deck constructed by the home builder. A dense planting screen was requested between the pool and the side property line for privacy. The topography of the lot and the location of the house and deck would provide adequate privacy on the other two sides. Various shade and flowering trees as well as plantings with primarily summer interest were to be included in the project.
The property was located in a new subdivision and, since the home was one of the first to be build, all of the neighboring properties were empty. This presented a challenge when attempting to locate trees and shrubs to best provide privacy for the pool area. The property had several setback and right of way restrictions that dictated the placement of the pool and trees. Drainage issues on the site required some unique solutions, such as a seepage pit located directly behind the swimming pool, to accommodate run off. Drains incorporated throughout the patio connect to the seepage pit to handle the excess runoff.
The swimming pool shape had been chosen by the homeowner in advance and it was up to the landscape designers to incorporate it into the overall design. The patio was designed with long curves and arches to compliment the shape of the pool. A planting area in the center was raised and enclosed with a low wall to add interest and additional seating. Since the entire pool area is visible from the deck above and the first floor indoor living spaces as well as bedrooms on the second floor, it was important the layout and design look attractive from many vantage points. Small flowering trees were used in the space, quite close to the pool, to minimize and soften the vertical height of the home’s three story rear façade. Sweet Bay Magnolias were chosen because their tendency to hold their leaves well into autumn after the pool would be closed for the season.
Concrete pavers where used for this project for several reasons. Budgetary constraints dictated the use of more cost effective materials so pavers were chosen over real stone. With the many curves used in the design the pavers allowed flexibility and ease of installation. Wall blocks and caps that complimented the pavers could then be used for the steps and the raised planting area to give the space a cohesive look.
This project illustrated the benefits of bringing the pool contractor and landscape contractor together early on a project so that the two designs could be blended together more successfully. While both contractors where hired separately and the swimming pool was a stock shape, the resulting project has a more custom feel that suits the homeowners tastes and lifestyle. The homeowner’s forethought of beginning the project early allowed for an easier installation process and schedule and resulted in a new home they could move into that was completed and ready to enjoy both inside and out.
