By Jason Cramp
In renovating this seven-year-old pool and landscape in Toronto, it was important to the family that more space be created in this small backyard for outdoor entertaining while the various new and old features remained consistent to generate a cohesive look.
M&S Architectural Ltd., of Bradford, Ont., the original company that performed the landscaping of the gunite pool with integrated, 1.8- x 2.1-m (6- x 7-ft) tiled, spillover spa in 2005, returned to the site in 2012 to renovate some of the backyard features. This included the addition of a stonewall with an integrated waterfall on the backside of the pool and the construction of an upper deck off the house using ipe wood to provide the family a means of access to the pool area from the kitchen. The pool patio was also extended using Wiarton Ebel flagstone to unite the house and landscaping.
A number of landscaping features were installed to accommodate the homeowner’s request for privacy, including pyramidal trees and lush boxwood hedges that enveloped the property to create a quiet, private area amongst the hustle and bustle of the busy neighbourhood. To further co-ordinate the project features, large colourful planters were also strategically placed at one end of the pool, which adds a touch of colour to the pool deck. The back fence was also reconstructed to provide additional privacy and incorporated stone pillars to co-ordinate with the masonry finish on the fascia of the home, while giving the fence a more substantial appearance.
The upper deck includes a custom privacy screen constructed of ipe wood and cultured stone, heightening the privacy of the space. The installation of custom wrought-iron railings gives the deck a more spacious feel, while also providing a full view of the backyard from the kitchen. It also provided the ability to create a waterproof area, beneath the deck, to house the pool equipment. This enables them to be kept out of sight, keeping the yard looking clean and sleek, whereby maximizing space for softscaping and lighting features, and muting the mechanical sounds.
