By Jason Cramp
This expansive backyard in Oakville, Ont., came equipped with a lush, walking trail backdrop, which Solda Pools Ltd., in Brampton, Ont., drew inspiration from to create an organic, free-flowing design that incorporated rockery and other natural materials as to not depart from the esthetic character the site offered.
To accommodate the homeowner’s request of creating a multi-purpose backyard, which included a covered outdoor entertainment space, dining and cooking areas, storage amenities, and various safety considerations, Solda Pools designed the project in a manner that would see the pool and spa strategically separated (but not segregated) from other parts of the backyard.
To do this, a wrought-iron fence secured the pool area, which includes a large 5.5- x 11-m (18- x 36-ft) freeform shaped pool and a co-ordinating deck-level grey fibreglass spa, leaving the remainder of the backyard open for other outdoor activities.
The 2.4-m (8-ft) deep pool was also equipped with two fibreglass steps (one in the shallow end and one in the deep end) and an armourstone diving rock feature. The pool and spa were finished with Eramosa stone coping.
A 2.7- x 3.5-m (9- x 11.5-ft) shade structure and a 2.1- x 4.3-m (7- x 14-ft) cabana/storage shed were also installed within the confines of the pool area. The shade structure, which is finished with board-and-batten cladding and a tongue-and-groove cathedral ceiling, features a wood-burning fireplace, providing the perfect place to relax poolside on a cool summer evening. To keep everything co-ordinated, the cabana was also finished with board-and-batten cladding. A large, freeform acid-etched concrete deck with various garden pockets throughout brings all of these features together within the pool area.
The integration of rock retaining walls capped off the rustic feel, along with a new composite deck, which houses a stone barbecue cookout and provides access to the backyard from the home’s second floor.
