Design Guide Online Editorial

Aquaterra Outdoor Environments is known for their breathtaking pools and landscape, but their broad capabilities are highlighted in this addition of a one-of-a-kind outdoor veranda structure. The company both designs and constructs these custom-made additions, working within the client’s budget and staying true to the architectural integrity of the pre-existing home. Whether your family is growing, more grandkids are on the way, or you’re looking to entertain on a grander scale, Aquaterra is here to meet your needs.

Design Concept:

The Aquaterra Outdoor Environments experts designed this 855-square-foot, outdoor living addition, for a residence in McKinney, Texas. The design focus was to cohesively create an entire outdoor living environment that would define multiple outdoor living spaces with minimal barriers. Catering to every possibility of entertainment in an outdoor setting, as it would an indoor setting, the living addition includes a top-of-the-line luxury kitchen, dining terrace, granite bar and a dry stack stone fireplace. Although this arrangement is exposed to the outdoor climate, this space is guaranteed to feel like home! Not only was this entire area designed to accommodate space for entertainment in a covered setting, it also includes a custom designed pool, sufficient space for sun bathing and a beautiful landscape that cohesively integrates the entire backyard.

The Details:

Without question, this Aquaterra client utilized the expertise the company has to offer to design and construct a breathtaking, resort-like, outdoor living venue in a residential setting. The outdoor structure, which was custom designed so that it would correlate with the existing architecture, contains some of the most uniquely, outstanding features that are usually seen in elaborate commercial venues and interior spaces.

With an overall height of more than 25 ft. tall, the panoramic view of the landscape and sky are accentuated when gazing upon the handsome handcrafted work of the exposed tongue and groove cedar ceiling. Also, when inside or outside of the structure, the entire structure is enriched by a unique cedar gable design for decoration. As displayed in the image below, the room consists of a distinctive lighting design with a unique use of elegant chandeliers for dim light. This, along with repurposed antique light fixtures carefully arranged, gives the space an alluring ambiance in the evenings!

The structural support columns and all of the walls were built to match the existing architecture of the home. A beautiful blend of lueders limestone and light-colored brick, which match the character of the home, were laid so that the new structure would look as if it was always there. 

When designing a landscape the first priority is to design a pool to suit the client’s wishes, meet the budget, and allocate the best location for the pool. This freeform pool design consists of a pool and spa combination that is approximately 860 total square feet and has a depth of 3’6” to 9’-0”. Also, the pool consists of a 35’ terraced water feature in length that begins at the spa and continues alongside the entire back of the pool. The terraced water feature is the prime element, which prompts the most desired mood of tranquility while lounging by the pool, dining at the bar, or sitting by a cozy fire! Subsequently, after a pool design is complete and finalized, designing the most important component that will complement all of the structural elements will begin: the landscape!

Photos and material courtesy of Aquaterra 

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Related terms: Architects, Architects and Building Designers, Builders, Designers, Outdoor Living, Remodeler

by: Rachel Duke