BUILDER | Premier Landscaping & Design Ltd. Richmond Hill, Ont. www.premierlandscaping.ca Tel: 416-321-9626 Caribbean T A backyard with tropical appeal The priorities for this Richmond Hill, Ont., family in creating their backyard getaway were entertaining and having fun. They wanted a tropical vacation spot, right outside their patio door, that would complement their outdoor social lifestyle DREAMIN’ To transform the homeowner’s vision into reality, Premier Landscaping & Design Ltd., also in Richmond Hill, built a custom-designed, 19.8-m (65-ft) long, 3-m (10-ft) deep, architectural vinyl-lined swimming pool as the focal point. The pool’s length facilitates the homeowner’s interest in swimming for exercise and features a racing stripe down the centre, while the large shallow end provides ample room for the kids to play. The 90-degree corners with contrasting continual-radius edge along the entire length of the pool creates a formal/contemporary look, while the rock-faced step and wall coping, combined with pool-level bull nosing, gives the design modern appeal. The property’s elevation created an opportunity to develop a multi-level terrace incorporating a barbecue platform, morning beverage/bistro area and comfortable access to the pool and sun deck. The majority of the pool deck was constructed using sawn-cut, sandblasted Owen Sound limestone. All stair treads and vertical planters were highlighted with limestone coping that features a bush hammered technique to add a pocked finish to the hardened surface. Opposite the contoured pool wall is an eleveated sun deck featuring a limestone border with Brazilian Ipe inlay. A double, spill-over water feature was inset into the sunning deck, creating the soothing sound of water gently pouring into the pool. The self-sufficient cabana in the background includes a flat-roof design that incorporates the pool’s solar heating system. Constructed from stucco and limestone this feature compliments the house and pool deck. It comprises of a screened-in sitting area, kitchen, built-in barbecue and bar and a woodburning fireplace. The extensive pool and landscape lighting furthers the backyard’s functionality and ensures the entertaining continues well after dark. A separate hot tub was installed off the master bedroom to provide a private retreat during the summer and extended use throughout the winter. Finally, the use of tropical palm trees, Bougainvillea and Dipladenia, along with specimen Beeches and evergreen hedges truly create a lush, secluded resort feel. www.poolsspaspatios.com Pools, Spas & Patios ■ 53 PSP_Annual_2011(1).indd 53 3/16/11 10:00:30 AM 3/9/11 12:10:35 PM