Managing the views and space
It was very important to maintain strategic openings through the gardens and trees to enhance the key scenic views across to the Caledon Mountain in the distance. As in good photography, it is important to identify the main view or focal point and ‘frame’ it with trees or landscape features to amplify it.
To strengthen the organic design esthetic, a fibreglass pool with natural flowing lines was installed as the centrepiece to anchor this project. Gracious flagstone decking was installed to allow for spacious lounging and the ability to easily entertain several families. It is important to think about the increased space clients actually need for loungers and engaging more than two or three guests as opposed to the traditional 0.9 m (3 ft) of ‘sidewalk’ that wraps around pools. For this reason, the design team also created a ‘break-out’ area just off the pool deck, allowing larger gatherings to effortlessly spill over onto the adjacent lawn area kept at the same level.
A fire pit with natural stone boulder seating completes the picture when the entire project comes to life at night with dramatic lighting. The system includes light-emitting diode (LED) lighting in the pool to make the white fibreglass dazzle.
To further connect the home’s different levels, an extensive wooden deck was installed at the upper-level walkout with steps down to a new intermediate dining area complete with patio furniture and an umbrella. The design team chose to use tempered glass railings in these areas to protect a little more from the wind and open up as much visual access to the landscape and water features as possible. Intermediate levels are very important in keeping a connection to the landscape, rather than the giant unsightly flights of steps usually accompanying upper and lower terraces.
Continuing to follow these steps down brings one to the intermediate hot tub area. Installing a tub between the upper and lower walkouts allows for efficient and meaningful traffic flow between all levels of this landscape and home. Additionally, the heightened vantage point of the hot tub cantilevered over the falls and lower pond area allows one to survey the entire water course, waterfalls, reflecting pond, sand beach play area, and pool at the same time.
Natural connections to water
With an extensive change to the grades in place, this allowed for a substantial water feature to be created with many cascades from the upper level all the way down and around—terminating in a serene reflecting pond complete with water lilies, flowering aquatic plants, and fish for the children to feed daily. The water course purposefully meanders off the edge of the mid-level dining area and wraps around the hot tub and under the natural stone bridge to come to rest only 3 m (10 ft) from the swimming pool. To further enhance this falling water, carefully placed misters were installed in conjunction with the irrigation system to create fog that envelops visitors in an aura of mystery.
