Preventing dreams from going over a cliff
The first problem to overcome in the design phase of this project was how to integrate a large pool, spa, and complete entertainment space onto a cliff. The anomaly in this case was normally one can build upwards from the cliff by creating a number of retaining walls to complete this space; however, due to building restrictions from zoning, which limited construction to within 4.5 m (15 ft) of the house, building down the cliff was not an option. Therefore, it was decided the pool would be designed to slightly hang over the edge.
The challenge here was to come up with something that was structurally sound and still met the customer’s expectations. This design concept can be likened to that of standing on the bow of a ship, having the feeling of being out on the edge of a great view.
To do this, wraparound decks were added, which hung off the pool and put the customer out over the cliff. This was the first step in making the impossible possible.
Another design issue was figuring out a way to create privacy from neighbours, while at the same time maintaining sightlines. To do this, the project’s major feature requirements were used to overcome these challenges. For example, by placing the pool house at one end with a sloping roofline, it cut off the neighbour’s upper deck from looking down on the client’s lounge/spa areas, while on the opposite side, a water wall was integrated into the design to fulfil the client’s wish of incorporating the sound of falling water into the project.
The water wall design comprised a 2.4-m (8-ft) high weeping wall, which further helped privatize the backyard space by blocking out nearby neighbours without cutting out the view of sunsets. Again, due to the limited setback and building guidelines, creativity had to be used to achieve the necessary privacy while working on the cantilevered decks. Structures and walls were not permitted past a certain point, but the space still needed to provide the feel of being alone on the front of a ship bow. Another design element saw the use of large privacy glass panels, which would still allow the client to look out, while preventing neighbours from seeing inside.
Throughout the design process, 2-D and 3-D design elements were used; including 3-D fly overs/through movies for the client to watch. These are great tools to help give the client a sense of how the project will feel when completed. Now, with the pre-design phase completed, the next step was the planning stage. This did not mean the designing was over, as with all projects the plans are always evolving and a builder is never really finished re-designing until the project is completed.
Pre-construction planning
As with all pools, especially projects in the northern states and Canada, customers tend to want to be able to use their pools the same summer construction starts. This is not always possible, however, one way to help increase the number of installation projects and their efficiency is to start with a good design.
Although this may seem like common sense, the scope of planning can be very subjective and pressured by time. When in full production, most companies will have a number of projects on the go at the same time; therefore, the key is putting the effort in before the project starts to help prevent costly delays or mistakes as well as to limit future problems down the road. A $300 meeting of key personal can easily save a company $10,000 or more in production efficiencies, construction delays, and onsite mistakes.
For this project, a comprehensive construction timeline was put together, which outlined all of the major deliverables, which were then further broken down into smaller project schedules. This helped get all the parties involved early on in the project so potential issues could be addressed in advance. Project particulars, such as how to build a suspended pool and deck system while not undermining the house foundation were looked at extensively. Pre-construction time was spent in a room going over this process and how it was going to be executed. For example, these discussions included the amount of time the existing house pillars could be supported while the excavation work took place and the pool walls could be poured.
Working with various engineers to see what different options there were to make everything work helped keep this project on budget. Even the best plans in construction will change, but at least having a guideline in advance helped when bigger issues occurred, and they did.
All city planning and engineering departments were also involved well in advance of the season starting, which allowed the project to hit the ground running when the weather allowed. After months of design and planning to the point when construction was ready to begin, there was one more thing that had to be done before any shovels could hit the ground, which was talk to the neighbours.
