Pool and Patio

Pool and patio design starts as a relationship of duality that expands in all directions into the rest of the outdoor space. Respect to home architecture is a priority for pool and patio design, because it places these elements in proportion to the remainder of the landscape. It also provides a focal point around which to build any number of patio styles that extend architecture into green space to create new form through functionality.

The sizes of pools and patios size are based on the lifestyle of the residents and the way they intend to use these new structures. Many people want a custom pool just for family use. Other people intend to use the pool and patio to host outdoor events and large gatherings. For such clients, we have to take the time to clearly understand their future plans in order to create something that will effectively accommodate the number of people estimated to attend the average event. Some patios can be massive in size, taking up a large portion of the yard to accommodate many different activities and interests. It is not uncommon for us to construct other structures near the pool that are also used to host outdoor entertainment events. Such things as outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and outdoor fireplaces are often located at the end of a custom swimming pool.

Pool patios can be constructed using any number of materials. Ideally, these materials should be selected according to their ability to support key architectural elements the overall theme of the landscape. For instance, over the past few years, we created a number of contemporary landscapes in the Memorial Area. Concrete pool patios worked very well for these environments because they supported a clean look with stark linear forms. In French and Mediterranean landscapes, we built stone patios that allude to the rocky cliffs of the Riviera, Italian Coast, and Greek Islands. On one project, we used actual rocks to create special patios around natural swimming pools built to emulate woodland ponds or waterfalls. Still another project involved creating a pool with no patio.

As diverse as these many projects were, all pool patios we have created over the years share certain basic elements. No matter what materials we use to construct them, we make construct patios as flat as possible so that they can comfortably and safely support foot traffic. We also build them with some sort of drainage system that allows water to quickly run off before it forms a hazardous, slick surface. We can incorporate any number of unique drainage systems as either integrated or concealed elements of the patio itself.

Keep in mind too that Exterior Worlds not only develops the plans for pool and patio construction, but we actually find the best possible pool contractor to install the materials and handle the construction end of the project under the strict management of the landscaping plan we develop in partnership with the homeowner.