The Designer

Jason Mitchell
Co-owner
Pool Craft
Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada

What the judges thought: Clean and contemporary, this project is a great example of how to maximize a small area. Ample space for entertaining sets off the pool as the crown jewel of the backyard.

Small wonder: A suitable entertaining and lounging space in a tight Toronto backyard was realized with a compact contemporary pool that’s big on style. The designer had two objectives: Create an environment suitable for soaking and sunning; and preserve as much greenery as possible. The result is a 12-by-20-foot pool that leaves ample room for artificial turf and tasteful shrubs around the perimeter wall.

The new black: Jet granite rock face coping is a nice contrast to the grey liner and borders not only the pool, but the cedar deck as well. This same coping also tops the 4-foot-tall stacked-stone wall with a sheet waterfall. The wall is a striking visual feature at night with a strip of LED lights mounted under the coping. A patio of interlocking pavers is complete with an elegant fire pit. A retractable shade on the cedar pergola invites stargazing at night.