Contemporary Pool House Meets Historical Charm

Dana Burgess on Oct 28, 2019

When our clients purchased their new home, they hoped to create an integral hangout space their family and friends could enjoy throughout the summer months. Their wish list included a pool, pool house, and an open terraced area with pergola.

The home’s expansive yard offered many opportunities for the placement of the pool house and its amenities. However, looking out onto the yard from the main house made it clear where the pool house needed to be situated. On axis with the previously renovated kitchen, both the pool and pool house are nestled into the landscape and offer beautiful views for the client to enjoy throughout the year.

One of the main goals of the pool house design was to make it look like it was an original building on the site, blending seamlessly in with its surroundings. Taking inspiration from the existing main house and guesthouse, which were originally built in the early 1900s, the pool house mimics the forms and materiality to create a cohesive look. Similar in size to the guest house, it only seemed natural to replicate the roof shape of the guesthouse for the 900SF pool house. Brick and slate roof tiles were selected to represent a close match to the guest house exterior.

Within the pool house, a generous open space provides plenty of room for entertaining and lounging. Along with radiant heat in the slab, the fireplace will offer many cozy evenings on cooler summer nights and extend outdoor entertaining into the Fall weather. On either side of the open space, a symmetrical wet bar and prep area will be handy for entertaining. A changing area with full bath is tucked away from view from the main space.

With a nod to the historical references on the exterior, the interior will comprise of more contemporary but warm materials. The client wanted to replicate certain elements and materials from both the main house and guesthouse, such as floating shelves over the bar, a stone surround at the fireplace, and a wood-look porcelain floor tile.

The client requested a simple design that offered a functional space. Large pocketing doors allow for an expansive and unobstructed view to the pool and main house beyond. A nearly flush threshold from pool house to terrace to grade creates an easy transition between interior and exterior.

The contemporary pergola structure will consist of a simple aluminum clad steel structure. Manually operated sun shades will be installed between the pergola structure to provide additional shade to the terrace. 

The allowed maximum ridge height of an accessory building required lowering the pool house and pool into the existing grade, providing the opportunity to create interesting landscape features. Lannon stone retaining walls, stone steps, and planting beds around the pool deck, will pull the overall vision of an inviting and luxurious space together.

Architects: Gary Beyerl, Erica Blawat, Dana Burgess (bba Architects)
General Contractor: Mark Potesta
Landscape Architect: Earth Developments
Pool Consultant: Rosebrook Custom In ground Pools
Civil Engineer: Greengard, INC. 

Products featured in these photos: 
Marvin Windows and Ultimate Multi-slide Pocket Door

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