Small space design solutions

by Sally Bouorm | February 1, 2012 3:00 pm

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By Barry Justus

Builders of aquatic environments are often faced with designing projects and specific elements for small spaces. In these cases, consumer access to the Internet can often be a double-edged sword, as clients often want to include every conceivable option in this limited space. Thus, the job of the designer/builder is to pull in the reigns and offer a design solution that takes into account the client’s personal taste, the home’s architecture, the natural environment, safety and efficiency, while at the same time keeping the project on budget.

Small space design solutions take a creative approach and are sometimes more difficult to resolve than working with large spaces. Builders are often, but not always, limited by a relatively small budget, which must be overcome with design solutions.

Site accuracy a must

Since space is at a premium, builders need an accurate site survey. Surveys should be verified on site against the actual as-built construction. Up-to-date utility locates, zoning reviews, soil conditions and microclimates also need to be verified before the design is started.

Smaller spaces tend to be affected by microclimates; therefore, it is critical to track the sun’s movement throughout the space at different times of the day and different months of the year. For instance, a neighbour’s tree, trellis or house may block or disrupt the sun greatly. Shade, temperature and wind also become an important issue in these designs.

Taking these factors into account, there are some general design techniques such as multiple-use areas, elevations, use of colour theory, extended living spaces and planting techniques that can be used in a limited space environment. Every component of a small yard can serve dual or multiple purposes, for example:

• retaining walls can double as benches;
• raised bond beams can hide equipment pads;
• bunkers can be used as decks;
• pools, spas and water features can be designed as one unit;
• planting beds can serve as run-off containers;
• cabanas can serve as privacy screens; and
• fireplaces can act as a screen or bench.

Walls, ledges and raised bond beams

Retaining walls, spa walls and fireplace ledges can be designed to serve double duty by building them 0.45 to 0.5 m (18 to 20 in.) high to act as a permanent bench, saving the need for extra chairs.

Another creative use of space is to hide the equipment pad behind a raised bond beam in the pool wall (may be subject to the jurisdiction’s zoning and electrical codes). By installing the pool equipment behind a solid barrier, it can free up space in the cabana, while also limiting the amount of noise on the pool patio.

Bunker benefits

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The most effective use of small space is to locate equipment in an underground bunker that can be accessed via stairs or access cover. This design solution allows the area above the equipment vault to serve as a pool deck, or possibly even part of the actual pool or water feature.

Underground bunkers are also safe, energy efficient and quiet. Bunkers and equipment vaults may require additional permits and engineering and safety precautions for confined space areas.

TECHNIQUES FOR SMALL SPACE DESIGNS:
• focus on detail; • less variety; • create topography (e.g. steps, walkways, outdoor rooms and multi-levels); • use colour theory; • limit noise pollution; • extend the living space; • simple designs, unity and proportion.

One cohesive unit

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Another emerging trend in small space design is combining plunge pools, hot spas and swim spas into one unit. When considering this design solution, packaged commercial acrylic units are available from a variety of manufacturers, while clients with larger budgets can opt for concrete vessels, which can accommodate virtually every option contained in larger aquatic designs.

The lower water volume of these plunge pools, combined with a large heater or heat exchanger, allows them to be converted to a hot spa at the simple touch of a button. By adding benches and jets to a typical plunge pool, the client has the option of heating them up to spa temperature for weekends or parties. Another option is to have a relatively small hot spa attached to the plunge pool or as a combined spill-over spa.

Elevating elements

The addition of fire features, spillways, glass tile and interesting designs can also be used to further enhance a small space project. By combining these elements, the client can have all of the features of a larger space, while taking advantage of their small yard.

Small-space projects can use high-end materials while still remaining affordable, as the square footage is relatively lower, contractors can incorporate more exotic materials than on a typical large-scale project.

These projects appeal to high-end clients who want a unique showpiece. For example, the ability to control the yard and aquatic functions via automation or remote control is appealing to most clients. Whether linked to their home automation system or controlled via their smartphone and the Internet, the ability to warm up a hot tub on the way home from work is an amazing convenience.

Run-off containers

Many municipalities are concerned with hardscaping coverage and the ability to control surface water and run-off. However, this can be controlled by constructing concrete, raised-wall planters, which adds soft-space coverage to small yards, while also helping to control water run-off.

By choosing the appropriate plant material, the volume of water retained can be managed, while also slowing down the initial run-off after a storm. This issue can be critical in a small yard with a large house, as the water from the roof that gets dumped into the yard must be controlled, contained or channelled.

Further, swales separating adjacent lots must be precisely graded and free of plant material that will restrict the engineered flow of water through neighbourhoods. Swales are often blocked by homeowners or irresponsible landscapers who plant rows of screenings on the property’s lot line. Typical swale setbacks of 0.3 to 1 m (12 to 39.4 in.) must be maintained. One solution is to construct a narrow cast-in-place, or interlocking retaining wall at the setback limit. The planting bed can then be installed to give the desired screen effect without interfering with the neighbourhood drainage plan.

Another solution is to install a surge tank or water collection device on the property, under the hardscape deck. The surge tank will capture run-off water, which can then be used for irrigation, or treated and used for pool/spa make-up water. In areas with limited water resources this may be the best ‘green’ solution for the yard.

Multi-purpose structures

Careful space management must be considered when designing cabanas and gazebos in small yards. Clients’ wish lists often include toilets, change rooms, bars, fireplaces, built-in grills, shade structures, outdoor televisions—all in one area. Although careful attention to traffic flow and dual-use design is essential, clients will need to be reminded of the ‘less is more’ design philosophy when coming up with the final plan.

Cabanas are often used as a place to house pool/spa mechanical equipment. Pumps, heaters and blowers can be quite noisy and generate a considerable amount of waste heat; however, an insulated cabana with proper ventilation makes it a suitable space for year-round use. To conserve as much space as possible, one solution is to build the cabana over top of a concrete equipment bunker. This provides a safe, quiet place for the mechanical room and an excellent footing structure for the cabana or gazebo located above.

Fire effects

Fireplaces, grills, flame effects and fire pits require careful planning—especially in small space designs. The obvious danger of live flames and heat demand a stringent regard for client safety. Various techniques include isolating the flame effect with height or barriers such as walls, water and screens, while limiting flame automation effects to keyed-in controllers can also help prevent unauthorized use.

Common sense, local building codes and great designs will allow these spectacular effects to be implemented safely in a small space. In some cases, however, safety concerns may prevent the inclusion of these types of features.

Focus on the little things

To create a functional, esthetically pleasing small space design, builders should focus their attention to the small, intricate details of the project. For example, this can be achieved by disguising all skimmer lids and control panels by eliminating as much plastic as possible, and by using more costly, detailed construction materials such as Ipe, glass tile, mosaics and natural stone. Further, design unity or the use of repetitive colours and textures can have a calming influence, while the use of mirrors or tempered frosted glass can create interesting visual effects.

The lessor the variety of plant and construction material, however, will result in a more visually pleasing presentation; therefore the number of colours, shades and textures presented to the viewer should be limited.

Colour theory

Colour theory principles can be used to create a mood for the design space. For example, warm colours can give the space a perception of intimacy or even make the space appear larger. Both proportion and scale can be manipulated to achieve visual balance. Combining colour theory with simplistic designs and minimal variety will result in a pleasing and inviting environment.

Exterior and interior integration

Seamless integration of interior and exterior architecture becomes critical in small areas. For instance, during nice weather, doors can be left open to listen to the soft sounds of falling water in a well-designed yard. However, care must be taken to limit these types of features in small spaces, as large volumes of water falling from a significant height can overwhelm the senses of a client who is trying to relax.

Building indoor pools, spas and water features also require particular care in project design. The high cost to construct these environments often result in small pools that require efficient use of space. In these cases, combining all of the aquatic features into a single area and installing an underground bunker to house the equipment are both cost effective and energy efficient design strategies.

These projects are often attempted by contractors with little knowledge of waterproofing, flow rates, design, sanitization and air quality. This lack of knowledge in both design and construction can lead to poor air quality and damage to the structure of the home.

Strategies and techniques

Building aquatic features in a small space can be a logistical nightmare for some contractors. Small yards leave limited room for stockpiling both equipment and the materials necessary to complete the project. As a result, the use of project scheduling software (i.e., GANNT charts) and overall organization skills become paramount.

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A good starting point for any particular project, however, is a thorough and complete design, which may include engineering, soil tests, as well as perspective and 3-D renderings. Further, obtaining the necessary allowances and permits from the municipalities ahead of time will also save headaches down the road.

Utility and private locates (e.g., backyard gas lines, underground sprinklers, septic beds, 12-volt lighting and other unknown variables can be located by private contractors), tree hoarding, steel plate access routes (i.e., laying steel plates on top of a mulch bed helps to spread the weight of heavy machinery and prevents damage to the property, tree roots and building foundations). Critical path protection will not only result in a smooth construction process but also satisfied clients and neighbours. It can also pay large dividends for builders to thoroughly document site conditions before, during and after construction with both photographs and videos. Covering both the client’s and neighbour’s property with hoarding, landscape fabric and steel fences keeps cleanup to a minimum, limits damage, presents a professional image and keeps the job site safe and secure.

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Dealing with narrow access routes is another common problem with smaller yards. This limits machinery size and the logistics of material handling and storage. An interesting and innovative approach to remedy these situations is to dig the pool with a small excavator and evacuate the earth via portable conveyor system. This allows material to be removed safely and efficiently in a cost-effective manner. These conveyors can also be operated in reverse to supply material to otherwise inaccessible locations. By limiting the number of trips by heavy equipment into these narrow spaces, the risk of damage to the home’s exterior walls and foundation in the access pathway is reduced.

Another strategy is to construct the project in stages. By starting construction at the rear of the yard and completing half of the project to the finishing stage, builders can take advantage of the small space. Materials can be stored in the yard and larger mechanical equipment can be used to install heavy stonework or large trees. If the entire pool shell is installed first it becomes impossible to manoeuvre in the yard.

Although small yards are often challenging, elaborate and profitable projects can be created to satisfy the needs of the most discerning clients by using efficient design and construction techniques.

 

 

Barry Justus is the owner of Poolscape Inc., a landscape contractor and pool designing and building company based in Burlington, Ont. He can be reached at barry@poolscape.com[6] or by visiting www.poolscape.com[7].

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/small-space-design-solutions/

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