poolhouse + live roof

see also: finished project pictures ↓

The Goals:

Tactical: site a pool and pool house addition in a way that makes it look as if it has always been there

Emotional: provide a space for private rejuvenation or entertaining, and cool enough for the kids to hang out with their friends

The Client: hard working and busy family

The Timeline: planning & design = 6 months, implementation (pool, building & site) = 8 months (fall, winter, spring)

The Approach: it is a matter of perspectives and angles! I encouraged the homeowners to site the pool house slightly off of parallel to the pool, to create a forced perspective that opens the view from above and below (they went for it!). We also sited the pool on an angle that ever-so-gently departs from the existing hot tub and deck, opening up the transitions between the home, existing patio space, pool and pool house. These critical design moves also ensured that the green roof of the pool house became a part of the view from the 1st floor great room, rather than impeding the view. A series of layered rock gardens retain the hillside behind the pool house, infiltrating and directing rain water while offering enjoyable style points viewed from above and below.

Project Partners:

MODS - pool & pool house siting, site design, construction observation

Vive Home Transformations - pool house construction

Olson Toon Landscaping - pool area construction

Kittleson Landscaping - site construction

Jada’s Garden - planting design & installation