Balance: Balance is achieved when a landscape has equal visual weight on both sides, and in the foreground and background. A lot of time was spent focusing on balance during the hand-sketching phase of the design, but the 3D software really brought the project to life. This software also helps determine when a space is unbalanced. In this case, the post and beam structure at the firepit provided much-needed balance. In the early stages of the design process, this structure was not included and the design was ‘heavier’ on the right hand side due to the pergola, tanning ledge, and the forest. Therefore, something was needed on the left to help restore the balance, and this structure helped to even things out.
Unity: The simple, linear style of the landscape matches the contemporary architecture of the house, tying them together and creating a sense of unity. By using the materials from the house on the raised and lowered pool walls, and on the pergola, everything is co-ordinated. The paving stones and step materials were also kept consistent throughout the project. The use of four different, but similar, staircases helped the landscape develop a rhythm.
Texture: The retaining walls shift from common segmented stone near the house to a more natural boulder and plant system down the hill. This mirrors the effect of walking away from the built structure toward the natural river.
Getting the perfect shot
A couple weeks after completing the project, and with permission from the homeowners, Waterworks planned for a professional landscape photoshoot. When the project was inspected the day of the shoot, it was realized the clients had not furnished the space yet. In fact, the clients had been on vacation since the pool handover and training. As a result, the author went home and gathered his own patio furniture to furnish the site and ready it for the photography session.
Later, after the plants had grown in more and the client had time to add their own furnishings, a second photoshoot was completed just in time for this article.
Overall, the client was thrilled with the project—as was Waterworks Pools & Spas as the company earned several industry accolades, including a silver award in the Pool & Hot Tub Council’s (PHTCC’s) 2019 Canadian Design & Construction Awards, an Award of Landscape Excellence (design speciality) from Landscape New Brunswick, in addition to being recognized by an industry trade magazine.
Brad Cross is the designer, project manager, and co-owner at Waterworks Pools & Spas in Moncton, N.B. He is one of the youngest members of the Society of Watershape Designers and holds diplomas in landscape design and interior design, along with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. His landscape designs focus on the architecture of the home, the unique features of the site, and the homeowner’s personal taste. Cross can be reached via email at brad@waterworkspools.com.
