Open Air Structures in the Landscape
OUR McLEAN AND GREAT FALLS GARDEN STRUCTURES may serve as simple shelters or as fully independent outbuildings. Built structures help us to define outdoor living spaces and enhance the sensation of privacy and enclosure most of us seek in our backyards.
On the practical level, open-air structures offer shelter and shade and stand out as attractive focal points that draw you into the landscape. Once we’ve assessed the existing sun/shade characteristics of your yard, we typically employ a combination of existing natural features and built structures to arrive at a perfect balance of sun and shade for your backyard sanctuary.
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Pergola Designs
THE PERGOLA IS OUR MOST REQUESTED OPEN-AIR STRUCTURE. Functionally, it provides a nice partial shading effect because the intersecting lines of structure break up the direct sun. If desired, a pergola can be used as a framework for vines to inhabit. Once the plants have established, they provide natural shade and create a beautiful cool atmosphere beneath. In that case, built structure and living plant structure become one. In the photo (right) a pergola “ceiling” shades and helps define an outdoor living room.
The entire Surrounds team really delivered on an incredible backyard renovation. Went beyond expectations keeping the job site clean—and interacting with our kids!”
A pergola can be used as a visual anchor as shown in these pool environments.
Porches
WHEN BACK YARD SPACE IS LIMITED, there may not be room enough in the landscape for outbuildings. That’s when a well-designed porch addition can serve as a luxurious outdoor living or dining room. Whether open or screened, a porch connects indoor space to the garden. One of the most pleasurable aspects of a porch is that you can walk directly from the house into a room inside your garden.
Pool Houses & Pavilions
A POOL HOUSE DESIGN CAN BE ELABORATE, OR ELEGANTLY SIMPLE. The simple structure is sometimes called a pavilion or cabaña. This is a stand-alone open-air structure that provides shelter from sun and rain. It can be designed in any style and fits nicely into the pool environment.
This classically styled pavilion beautifully frames a view of the pool for swimmers taking a break from the sun.
View more images of this pool and patio environment here
This photograph shows a pool pavilion designed in the tropical “cabana” style with timber posts and a thatched roof. It is perched on a diving ledge overlooking the lagoon-style swimming pool.
View photos of this tropical pool environment here
Some clients go all out when designing a pool house. The more elaborate pool house may be air-conditioned. It may feature a wet bar or full-service kitchen and living room.
View this modern pool house and landscape project here
A pool house might even serve double duty as a guest cottage or summer bedroom for the homeowners. There is really no limit. We can take our client as far as imagination and budget will allow.
Pergolas, Porches & Pool Houses In Landscape Design
IT’S IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE THAT BUILT STRUCTURES are designed to fit into a landscape picture composed of multiple elements. The scale and style of these structures is tied to a balanced, thoughtfully crafted master plan. Would you like to speak with one of our registered landscape architects about developing a master plan for your site?
Discuss your ideas for open air structures and pool houses with a registered landscape architect
