By Jason Cramp
Although this homeowner’s backyard in Sydney, N.S., was rather petite, when it came time to maximizing the once unusable space, compromise was simply not an option.
In constructing this backyard retreat, Olympic Pools & Spas, also in Sydney, created an extension of the family’s indoor space to create an outdoor oasis, complete with a variety of features, without making the backyard feel cramped or appear crowded.
The main element in the backyard is a 4.8- x 9.7-m (16- x 32-ft) vinyl-lined pool, which has a 1-m (3-ft) shallow end that gradually slopes to a 2.4-m (8-ft) deep end. It includes a dual, light emitting diode (LED)- lighting system, salt chlorine generator, heat pump, 1.8-m (6-ft) walk-in step and a diving board.
Another focal point of the backyard is the 2.3- x 2.3-m (7.4- x 7.4-ft) Bullfrog Spa, which features a variety of therapeutic jet packs for an optimal massage. The hot tub’s sandstone interior finish and mahogany skirt co-ordinates with other features in the backyard, including the dyed, stamped-concrete pool deck and the neighbouring cedar-shingled storage shed.
Various other elements of the design followed a nautical theme, including a rope railing with monkey’ fist knots and glass marine buoys, while the deck was designed with multiple exit and entry points, which created the impression of a larger, more open space.
Finally, as there was no green space in the backyard, strategically placed plants and grasses, along with lanterns and candles, were used to complete the resort-like atmosphere.
