Justin Fox | Principal Designer/Owner | California Landscape Studios | Irvine, Calif.
Jeff Stephenson | President | Splash Pools & Construction | Chino, Calif.
Luminous Details
Designer Justin Fox knew his audience.
These homeowners, for instance, would spend a fair amount of time in the large great room in the home’s back corner. With a large sliding-glass wall facing the back and a series of windows facing the side yard, it called out for wrap-around water to engage from all angles.
Immediately outside the great room door, Fox placed the true attention-getter — a reverse vanishing edge with clear acrylic panel. Color-changing lights in the pool intensify the glowing effect through the acrylic. The water spills into a gutter concealed by pebbles.
Photo: Jeri Koegel Photography
A fire bowl cantilevers from a concrete step. The low profile allows the fire effect to accent the yard without obstructing the view from any angle, maintaining spaciousness in a relatively compact area.
WHAT THE JUDGES THOUGHT
The simplicity of lines and finishes really caught my eye. The rectilinear, cantilevered fire feature is unique — I’ve never seen that before! The steel-troweled plaster finish on the pool walls is clean and lends a simple elegance.
—PAOLO BENEDETTI, principal and designer, Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa, Morgan Hill, Calif.
A portion of the yard slopes steeply up to the back fence. To somewhat conceal this, Fox placed a spa topped with a custom, metal trellis at the back of the waterscape. For the roof, Fox created an interlocking pattern — a modern take on those found in North Africa and the Middle East, in recognition of the client’s Egyptian heritage. The design was laser cut into sheet metal and installed overhead. Floating steps lead to the hot-water destination.
For subtle contrast and texture, Fox alternated two similar types of marble — one light gray with mild veining, the other nearly white. Corners on the raised walls are mitered for extra detail and comfort when sitting.
He finished the interior with white pebble to create a sense of expansiveness and maximize the glow behind the clear panel.
SUPPLIERS:
Pump, filter, heater, controller, sanitation, lights, jets, fittings, skimmers: Hayward Pool Products
Interior finish: National Pool Tile
Fire feature: American Fire Glass
Barbecue: Lynx
