Desert Gem
At California Pools & Landscape, we realize that each client is unique and will approach their project in their own way. Our design team can accommodate any level of involvement a client has in mind. Our Desert Gem project is a modern beauty and perfect example of a wonderful collaboration with a very involved client. This client had a passion for design, and a very specific vision for their property. Our team worked tirelessly alongside them to make it happen seamlessly.
Our clients were a couple who had recently retired from a fast-paced California lifestyle to settle into a more tranquil life in Arizona. They had purchased a gorgeous property at the base of Camelback Mountain and wanted the mountain vista to serve as the central point of focus in their home. During the building process, they oriented all of the windows towards the mountains and the pool area in the back.
For the pool, they were seeking a modern, industrial look that would both match their home well and complement the surrounding natural areas. They wanted the pool itself to be fashioned out of a copper-colored metal to match the industrial look of the home itself. Obviously, constructing a pool out of metal presents functional problems, so we were tasked with the unique challenge of sourcing material with the right look and feel that would also not rust.
Our team went to work! We scoured the region to find the tile material that would suit the couple’s vision with both form and functionality. Once we found it, we miter-cut the tile, giving it almost imperceptible grout joints and the appearance of a single sheet of copper-toned metal. We elevated the pool slightly to make it a focal point, introducing some unique lines, and built the entire backyard around it.
With the rest of the outdoor area, we took a “destination” approach, creating several distinct areas for relaxing. As our clients liked to entertain, we made the spa fairly large and added an outdoor kitchen. We installed a striking fireplace behind the spa, creating another seating area with jaw-dropping mountain views. We continued the industrial theme with a sleek metal-roofed ramada – which in fact was one of our most bespoke ramada projects to date. We built the fireplace with matching tile from the pool area, tying together the look with cohesion. We continued the modern approach with metal planters for the landscaping.
Throughout this project, we sought to create a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors. As the home had floor-to-ceiling windows, we wanted to create a sense of uninterrupted flow as people moved from living room to backyard. We used 24 x 24 Travertine decking, creating grout joints that matched the home exactly. We used natural, organic materials that lent a softness that kept the modern look warm and inviting. We finished the project off with majestic Saguaros and lighting that complemented the natural desert landscape.
For the duration of this great project, we collaborated completely with the homeowners. At California Pools & Landscape, we encourage clients to get involved as much or as little as they care to. For this modern gem, we enjoyed interacting with homeowners with such great vision and passion!
