Mike Peterson, President | Vince Kaminsky, Designer/Sales | Sonco Pools and Spas | Machesney Park, Ill.
Yin and Yang
Pool builder Mike Peterson had never quite received a request like this from a homeowner: “If you’re going to nail this project, you need to understand more about Buddha and more about zen to bring it into this environment. I want you to look up what ‘zen’ means.”
So Peterson did. He found one source that defined it as “the practice of steadying the mind and seeing into one’s nature.”
Peterson, owner of Sonco Pools and Spas in Machesney Park, Ill., used that definition as a springboard for designing this backyard.
The client, a successful businessman, wanted a backyard “resort” to serve multiple purposes: as a play area for his young family, a sophisticated spot in which to entertain, and a peaceful retreat for the mind. Oh, and while he preferred a sleek and modern look, incorporating a statue of Buddha was a must.
Peterson, along with fellow Sonco designer Vince Kaminsky, came up with the perfect balance. First, they decided to raise the fiberglass spa. This served as a visual stepping stone to the pool’s focal point — the Buddha, placed at the very top between two fire bowls. In addition, raising the spa provided needed elevation for the installation of two waterfalls.
Secondly, a number of seating areas were designed around the pool, with two standouts: a modern pavilion and a pergola. The first housed a full outdoor kitchen and freestanding bar set under a modern flat-top roof. The contemporary pergola, constructed of oversized, custom-cut cedar beams, stands on the opposite side of the pool and offers a deep-seating area perfect for entertaining or relaxation. Both were fitted with pop-up flat-screen TVs.
The final touch utilized the latest in pool and home automation, making the entire backyard operable by smartphone.
SUPPLIERS:
Fiberglass pool: Barrier Reef Fiberglass Pools
Pump, filter, heater, controller, chemical feeder: Hayward Pool Products
Hardscape and coping: Unilock
Waterproofing: Deck sealed with SRW products
Interior finish: Ocean Shimmer
Waterfeature, drain covers/fittings: CMP
Fire feature: Grand Effects
Lights: PAL Lighting
Jets/swim currents/spa components: Barrier Reef Cube Spa, Hayward booster pumps
Skimmer: Barrier Reef Waterco Skimmer
Cover: Automatic Pool Covers Inc.
Aluminum fencing: Ultra Manufacturing
Outdoor elements: Flat-roof pavilion, furniture, kitchen components by Firemagic; grill by Green Egg; sound system including four underground subwoofers by Klipsch; TVs by Sunbrite