Exterior solar shades and awning systems are the most efficient solution to protect your windows and patio areas from the sun's damaging heat and UV rays. Blocking up to 99% of UV, motorized retractable shading systems allow you to block the sun and heat or reverse the strategy to allow in natural light and heat as desired.

Modernity on University (sneak peek)

Masa Studio Architects

modern west University
Small modern backyard rectangular infinity pool in Houston with a water feature and decking.

20 3rd Street North, Naples FL 34102

Dante DiSabato

Matt Steeves
Inspiration for a large transitional courtyard custom-shaped natural pool in Other with a water feature and decking.

Landscapes of art in Versilia

Giuseppe Lunardini Architetto del Paesaggio

Dal solarium in legno della piscina si apre una vista mozzafiato sul parco. La piscina è impreziosita da bordure fiorite di agapanti, penniseto, carex e palme nane. Giuseppe Lunardini

Beverly Hills Post and Beam Mid-Century

Joel Reis Architecture and Real Estate Photography

Inspiration for a large midcentury backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Los Angeles with a hot tub and decking.

casa privata

MD Group

Piscina realizzata con tecnologia Myrtha Freedom di Piscine Castiglione. Colore interno bianco con materassino Softwalk sulle zone spiaggia e sul fondo della piscina. La copertura a tapparella garantisce minore evaporazione dell'acqua, minore utilizzo di prodotti chimici, minore dispersione termica nelle ore notturne

Kauai Lake Front Estate

Tropical Architecture Group, Inc.

Tropical resort style estate home
Photo of a mid-sized tropical backyard rectangular infinity pool in Hawaii with decking.

Selah Pool Builds ARR1901

Selah Pools & Spas

Expansive modern backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in Dallas with with a pool and decking.

Shipping Container Home - Kialla

JMB Modular Buildings

Photo of a contemporary backyard rectangular pool in Other with decking.

Idyllic Modern

David Thorne Landscape Architect

Marion Brenner Photography
Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard rectangular pool in San Francisco with decking.

Bal Harbour, Florida

Aquatic Consultants, Inc

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary rooftop rectangular infinity pool in Miami with a hot tub and decking.

Rick and Cynthia's Sunroom

G. Christianson Construction, Inc.

We recently completed a spectacularly beautiful sunroom for Richard and Cynthia. We worked previously with Cynthia on her business and because of our relationship, she felt comfortable asking us to build their Corvallis sunroom. The inspiration for this project came from the desire to have the ambiance of an outdoor hot tub, but without Corvallis’ cold wet weather. The sunroom adds a warm, bright 325 square feet just outside their kitchen and living room. This is the perfect addition if you are suffering from Corvallis’ cloud cover. The vibrant hues of the stained and finished Douglas fir glulam beams complement the beauty of the outdoors. These beams support the glass roof. In addition, the sunroom includes two operable skylights, a nine foot wide bifold door, a full glass roof system and full glass walls. Westview Sunrooms (the manufacturer) has a number of other beautiful ideas on their site: http://www.westviewproducts.com/pictures.html We would love the opportunity to build for you. Photo by Carl Christianson

Berry Family

Richard's Total Backyard Solutions

One of our favorite rustic backyard oasis! This simple, yet classic, Family Fun Pool features a moss rock waterfall, travertine coping, pea gravel around the pool, porcelain tile, and vibrant blue color of the Blue Stone plaster finish. (Not pictured, the cutest pool cleaner they got named Ella...who is furry with four legs!) Designer: Johnathan Gill Project Manager: Jose Zepeda Photographer: Ken Bullock

Desert Oasis in Phoenix

Unique Landscapes and Custom Pools

Taking a few steps back, the project only becomes more impressive as the sheer descent waterfall and custom spa make an appearance. The radiant glass mosaic tile on the spa spillway subtly denotes the transition from one feature to the next without detracting from the space's beauty.

Modern Outdoor Project in Miramar Florida

Luxapatio

Complete Outdoor Renovation in Miramar, Florida! This project included an Open aluminum pergola attached to the house with a white finish and double layered columns. The outdoor kitchen in this project was a ground level design with a granite counter and stone wall finish. All of the appliances featured in this kitchen are part of the Twin Eagle line. Some other items that where part of this project included a custom TV lift with Granite and stone wall finish, custom waterfall / fire pit, artificial grass installation and a pool / deck design. For more information regarding this or any other of our outdoor projects please visit our website at www.luxapatio.com where you may also shop online. You can also visit our showroom located in the Doral Design District (3305 NW 79 Ave Miami FL. 33122) or contact us at 305-477-5141. URL http://www.luxapatio.com

Rivercrest

LaRue Architects

Three zinc-clad boxes adorn this Lake Austin home, while the stone and stucco provide warmth on the ground floor. An outdoor living area lakeside blends seamlessly with the landscape leading up to the water beyond; a perfect spot for entertaining. Published: Luxe interiors + design, Austin + Hill Country Edition, November/December 2016 Photo Credit: Dror Baldinger

Naples Waterfront Modern Custom Home

BUILD

Beautiful backyard living.
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard rectangular pool in Miami with a hot tub and decking.

Carriagewood Estates

Ewing Aquatech Pools

Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard custom-shaped infinity pool in New Orleans with a pool house and decking.

Hill Side Overflow Pool with Infinity Edge

Design Ecology

Benjamin Lasseter
Photo of a large contemporary backyard rectangular infinity pool in Austin with a hot tub and decking.

Azalea - The New American Home

User

Azalea is The 2012 New American Home as commissioned by the National Association of Home Builders and was featured and shown at the International Builders Show and in Florida Design Magazine, Volume 22; No. 4; Issue 24-12. With 4,335 square foot of air conditioned space and a total under roof square footage of 5,643 this home has four bedrooms, four full bathrooms, and two half bathrooms. It was designed and constructed to achieve the highest level of “green” certification while still including sophisticated technology such as retractable window shades, motorized glass doors and a high-tech surveillance system operable just by the touch of an iPad or iPhone. This showcase residence has been deemed an “urban-suburban” home and happily dwells among single family homes and condominiums. The two story home brings together the indoors and outdoors in a seamless blend with motorized doors opening from interior space to the outdoor space. Two separate second floor lounge terraces also flow seamlessly from the inside. The front door opens to an interior lanai, pool, and deck while floor-to-ceiling glass walls reveal the indoor living space. An interior art gallery wall is an entertaining masterpiece and is completed by a wet bar at one end with a separate powder room. The open kitchen welcomes guests to gather and when the floor to ceiling retractable glass doors are open the great room and lanai flow together as one cohesive space. A summer kitchen takes the hospitality poolside. Awards: 2012 Golden Aurora Award – “Best of Show”, Southeast Building Conference – Grand Aurora Award – “Best of State” – Florida – Grand Aurora Award – Custom Home, One-of-a-Kind $2,000,001 – $3,000,000 – Grand Aurora Award – Green Construction Demonstration Model – Grand Aurora Award – Best Energy Efficient Home – Grand Aurora Award – Best Solar Energy Efficient House – Grand Aurora Award – Best Natural Gas Single Family Home – Aurora Award, Green Construction – New Construction over $2,000,001 – Aurora Award – Best Water-Wise Home – Aurora Award – Interior Detailing over $2,000,001 2012 Parade of Homes – “Grand Award Winner”, HBA of Metro Orlando – First Place – Custom Home 2012 Major Achievement Award, HBA of Metro Orlando – Best Interior Design 2012 Orlando Home & Leisure’s: – Outdoor Living Space of the Year – Specialty Room of the Year 2012 Gold Nugget Awards, Pacific Coast Builders Conference – Grand Award, Indoor/Outdoor Space – Merit Award, Best Custom Home 3,000 – 5,000 sq. ft. 2012 Design Excellence Awards, Residential Design & Build magazine – Best Custom Home 4,000 – 4,999 sq ft – Best Green Home – Best Outdoor Living – Best Specialty Room – Best Use of Technology 2012 Residential Coverings Award, Coverings Show 2012 AIA Orlando Design Awards – Residential Design, Award of Merit – Sustainable Design, Award of Merit 2012 American Residential Design Awards, AIBD – First Place – Custom Luxury Homes, 4,001 – 5,000 sq ft – Second Place – Green Design

Pool Design Ideas with Decking

Swimming pools are heavenly during hot Australian and New Zealand summers and are the perfect way to cool down, relax, entertain friends and even get fit. A pool can also create visual interest, especially when you consider features like coloured pool tiles, lighting and landscaping. If you are short on space, you might still fit a lap pool, plunge pool or swim spa, all of which could be focal points in your small garden. As you plan your pool design, map out your space and determine what size, shape and style works best for you. Browse the photos on Houzz for design ideas for above ground pools, inground pools, as well as pool landscaping and novelty features like pool slides or water features. Then, save your favourite photos to an ideabook, and get in touch with the experts behind your favourite picks.

What type of pool should I install?

The dimensions of your backyard will determine the type of inground pools you can install. Take into account boundary restrictions and pool fencing compliance. Fibreglass versions are cheaper, and quicker to install; whereas concrete constructions are better suited to tricky sites and give you more freedom in design. If you’re on a tight budget or don’t want to commit to an inground pool, above ground pools are a more affordable alternative. If you only have a small backyard, a plunge pool is a great solution, and can easily run along a boundary wall or down the side of a house. This option is also low maintenance, can be heated for use in winter, and can do double duty as a swim spa. A long, narrow space, on the other hand, could fit a lap pool, whereas a water feature could fill an awkward space. If your backyard features a stunning vista, consider an infinity pool to accentuate the view.

What pool fencing options are available?

While the specifics vary from state to state, fencing is required of most pool designs. However, pool fencing doesn’t have to obscure your pool design. Glass fencing is increasingly popular for this reason exactly, and is available framed, frameless, semi-frameless and even in-ground. A cheaper alternative is aluminium or steel fencing, which, again, are available in a variety of styles: flat top, loop-top, double-top and wire-based.

What pool landscaping features should I consider?

To get the most out of your pool, design an area that offers multiple hangouts. Include a nearby barbecue, dining area, seating for lounging and outdoor shower. Having shaded areas will give you more reason to stay poolside longer, too. Timber decking and stone paving are popular choices for pool surrounds, and are also helpful in creating zones. Just imagine a raised timber platform with a daybed – a luxurious, resort-style addition to any pool design. Leafy trees and rocks will create a more natural-looking oasis, and will help provide more privacy for swimmers. Where you want your landscape to be the main focus, keep pool equipment and furnishings to a minimum.