Services We Provided

Design | Patio | Pool Coping | Grill Island | Outdoor Kitchen | Lighting |
Firepit | Irrigation | Tree, shrub and perennial planting

Contemporary Bliss – Needham, MA 

Embarking on a transformative journey, a family of five sought to reinvent their modest Needham backyard into a modern sanctuary—a place where cherished memories with loved ones would flourish. Their ambitious vision encompassed a multifaceted dream: a compact yet elegant pool and spa for rejuvenating summer swims and autumnal relaxation, a sleek gas fire pit for gatherings, and a versatile lounging area—all thoughtfully designed to conserve the expansive lawn for their children’s athletic endeavors.

To blend with their pre-existing outdoor kitchen grill island, we proposed a 9’ by 21’ inground plunge pool, complete with an integrated spa. This design not only aligned with the family’s modern tastes but also strategically utilized the space, preserving the lawn and adhering to local zoning regulations. The plunge pool’s modest dimensions represented an ideal balance, infusing luxury into the backyard without sacrificing the treasured play area.

A Key Collaboration: Communicating a Design Theme

Collaborating with Easton Pools, distinguished for its custom pool designs, we optimized the space to accommodate a plunge pool—a refined, space-efficient water feature ideal for compact areas. Plunge pools are typically sized from 13 to 23 feet in length and about 4 to 6 feet in depth, offering a cool sanctuary without the spatial demands of conventional pools. These pools are lauded for their straightforward upkeep and swift installation, making them an accessible luxury.

Easton Pools’ seasoned expertise and dedication to customization were instrumental in the installation, ensuring the process was tailored to the family’s desires. The plunge pool, measuring an elegant 9’ by 21’, includes a built-in spa, marrying the soothing comfort of a hot tub with the refreshing joy of a swim. The hot tub, adjoined to the pool, provides a cozy haven of warmth and tranquility.

The pool’s charm is further amplified by customizable RGB lighting, which bathes the water in a spectrum of hues, setting a magical scene that can be adjusted for any event or mood. This feature not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds to the sensory delight of the outdoor sanctuary.

With the expertise of Easton Pools, the plunge pool became the crowning feature of the backyard, embodying the spirit of a modern retreat and realizing the family’s vision of a perfect outdoor escape.

Material Choice

Our landscape architectural plans offered a variety of choices regarding the pool’s placement and orientation, fire pit designs, and shade structure concepts. Prioritizing the preservation of green space, the homeowners opted for large, movable umbrellas instead of a fixed shade structure, providing adaptability as their children’s needs evolved. The option to introduce a permanent shade feature remains a future possibility.

The chosen fire pit, with its clean lines and rectilinear form, echoed the family’s preferences and functional needs. Materials were carefully selected to merge with the contemporary retreat envisioned, guiding homeowners in picking pavers, colors, and a distinctive block for the fire pit.

The selection of hardscape materials was pivotal in achieving the contemporary aesthetic of the landscape architectural design. Techo Bloc Para pavers were chosen for the pool decking, celebrated for their large-scale, ultra-smooth texture and fine lines characteristic of modern design. The fire pit was constructed using Techo Bloc Graphix blocks, known for their eye-catching ultra-modern double-sided design. Techo Bloc Raffinato was the material of choice for the pool coping, celebrated for its sleek and simple look.

Together, these Techo-Bloc products contributed significantly to the desired contemporary look, providing a harmonious blend of modern style and functional elegance. To infuse the space with unique character, minimalist single-spout water fountains were installed at the pool’s edge, cultivating a tranquil ambiance. The planting scheme featured Boxwoods, Karl Foerster Feather Reed grass, and Deep Pink Peonies, contributing to the area’s sleek and modern vibe.

The Importance of Proper Irrigation

Netafim drip irrigation lines were chosen for efficient and effective watering, particularly for new plantings, ensuring water efficiency, nutrient delivery, uniform application, energy saving, soil health, disease prevention, and adaptability.

The addition of bistro lights cast a warm glow above the fire pit, creating an inviting atmosphere for evening socials. A discreet, stand-up outdoor shower offered practicality and a touch of luxury to the comprehensive design.

This collaborative endeavor culminated in the creation of a custom modern haven, purposely aligned with the family’s aspirations and way of life. The transformed outdoor area now stands as a celebration of innovation, meticulous planning, and the relentless quest for a contemporary oasis destined to host many joyous occasions for years to come.

Landscape architectural plan for our Needham customers plunge pool project

Hear what this Needham family had to say about Land Design Associates