CASSION DRIVE

Challenge: To maximize the enjoyment of the modest, sloping backyard space of this Hamptons style home—as well as to make the pool layout something truly special with an eye toward privacy and budget, we put our thinking caps on and came up with this.

Solved: When a home’s backyard slopes away from the rear of the house—as does this one—the options for pool and landscape design can seem limiting. Which is why we were delighted to take on the challenge and turn what, to some, might have seemed like a disadvantage, into precisely the kind of problem we love to solve.

With two steps the full width of the back yard dropping to the pool, we transformed the yard into two tiers of utility. The pool, on the lower tier, is L-shaped. The two steps down from the higher backyard level join with a third step down directly into the shallow end of the pool which then splits into two uses.

A “stepping stone” takes you to the spa on one side, and the rest of the shallow end then takes two more steps down into the main portion of the pool. Just beyond the spa is a ledge that allows for seating in the pool to waist level. The shallow, perimeter landscaping blends from taller for privacy to the upper turf level.

The back porch is covered by a three-story high rooflet, affording a shaded area for seating. The slate blue sides of the home are accented with white trim, combine with the turquoise blue water of the pool and cobalt and cerulean blue tiles that trim the spa to create a lovely palette.

More Work to Explore

ESTATE LANE

Challenge: How could we leverage the materials available to us to define this large space and bring a sense of balance and order to the expanse behind a handsome mid-century home?

JAMESTOWN ROAD

Challenge: Turn an exceptionally narrow “problem” backyard into a showpiece that brilliantly celebrates the compact space with a fantastic design.

KATMAI DRIVE

Challenge: Design a lovely, functional backyard on this new-construction blank sheet.

BAREFOOT DRIVE

Challenge: Create a luxury outdoor space—an architectural tour de force—that seals the world out for ultimate privacy with luxury and style.

CASSION DRIVE

Challenge: Can you create a sense of intimacy and cohesion in an outdoor living space that is this big?

YOSEMITE LANE

Challenge: Site a pool at the top of a hill as an extension of the home, creating a stunning view and is easy access for limited mobility individuals.