July 2007

he pool industry has taken note of America’s ever-shrinking backyards, and this property proved to be no exception.

“The location had a unique charm to it, if you like small spaces,” says Mark Allison, president of Allison Construction Inc.

With property lines and structures practically overlapping, the builder was confronted with a major challenge. But by using elevation changes and a combination planter/waterfall/wall, he created the impression of multiple outdoor rooms in a tiny space.

Desert oasis
The architecture in the burgeoning community had a Southwestern tone, and Allison sought to continue it in this backyard.

The design started with a kidney-shaped pool measuring 24-by-11-feet.

To make the space multidimensional, Allison raised the patio directly behind the aquascape. With a table, chairs and fireplace, this would mark another destination spot.

To enhance the separation between the pool and patio, the builder erected a short wall. A sheet fall cascades out of it into the pool, while plants thrive on top.

The barrier is covered with special terra-cotta-colored tiles. Their high-gloss coat and marbling in sapphire and gold reflect the surroundings. When the sky is clear, the wall shimmers with a mixture of warm beige and cool blue.

All told, Allison managed to squeeze in 600 square feet of deck space. The upper patio completes the Southwestern look thanks to its terra-cotta coloring.

There was no room for a traditional spa, so Allison got creative. In the sitting area of the vessel, he added therapy jets — “just like a hot tub” — which give the small pool an entirely new dimension.

The builder placed an island barbecue near the house. Thus, the homeowners can cook outdoors with easy access in and out.

Fitting a pool and raised deck with a chimney and barbecue grill into a backyard of 30-by-50-feet is a feat that would make David Copperfield proud.

When all is said and done, the builder managed to pack a lot of entertainment value into the tiny lot.