Inspired by Nature

River dance: “The challenge was to create a very big vanishing-edge pool with spectacular views from all angles,” Francois Theriault says. He came up with a striking, Lazy L-shaped pool that seems to flow right into the Richelieu River. The homeowners also wanted the pool’s waterfall to look natural and have a dramatic sound effect. So Theriault employed a rough-edged weir and wall using Techo Bloc pavers. “This product matched perfectly with the house, and it’s less expensive than natural stone,” he explains.

Up for the challenge: The pool’s shape came about because Theriault had to first remove an old concrete vessel that was too close to the house and nonfunctional. He used that original hole as part of the new pool, to save money for the clients. Hydraulics proved to be trickier than usual because the equipment room was far from the pool, but the team was up to the challenge. The distinctive formwork concrete steps were designed in response to the client’s request for a large first step that could double as a sun shelf.