San Jose: Water Features and Gardens with Views of the Hills
IMAGE 1 – PRIVATE BACKYARD CLUB FOR SAN JOSE HOME
To create the hardscape for this large San Jose home, our Koch & Associates designer took inspiration from the finest country clubs and spas.
With a home of more than 8,000 square feet, the outdoor landscaping needed to utilize its size and layout for poolside entertainment, eating and relaxing.
The property was dotted by swaying palm trees and surrounded by a softscape that was in good shape, so our client chose to focus on renovating the hardscape in the rear of the home.
The task of the Koch & Associates team: Design and build an outdoor living area that seamlessly complements the home and creates an easy flow of traffic and use.
IMAGE 2 – CREATE A COMFORTABLE BACKYARD AMBIANCE
Water is at a premium in drought-stricken California. But circulating fountains such as these require relatively little water and are still a popular option among our clients.
The concave hardscape’s supporting wall features earth-tone tiles, which work well with the basic colors of the home, set on the diagonal. The slightly curving surface makes tiling a bit more difficult, but the look is visually appealing and worth the effort.
The clients envisioned a backyard enclosure that allowed guests complete solitude from the everyday, so the height of the wall serves to block an adjacent parking area.
IMAGE 3 – THE WIDE-OPEN SPACES OF THE BACKYARD
Many homeowners like their outdoor living space to mirror indoor layouts: Relaxed, open and inviting, so that family and guests have comfortable spaces to interact and relax.
The backyard has little grass, but is perfectly situated and gives the area a natural feel and a calming natural effect.
There’s room for chairs and tables for flexible entertainment layout. The raised areas around the pool are ideal places to sit and chat with a cold drink in hand. With sets of standup tables, the same areas can manage larger groups for food and conversation.
The gas-powered fire pit in the foreground is a favorite spot at night when the temperature gets chilly.
IMAGE 4 – A BLUE POOL DESIGN FRAMED BY STRONG COLUMNS
An elevated view of the space reveals the shadows of late afternoon upon a crystal pool. On some projects, it seems, there can’t be too many columns. The homeowners loved the feeling of strength and substance these columns provide.
A cozy, covered area for food preparation and dining is off the home’s main living room. Because the indoor kitchen was in close proximity, our clients choose to keep a compact grill handy for outdoor barbecues.
This design separated the spa tub separate from the pool. Its location between steps on either side integrates it into the backyard without being obtrusive, and is convenient and private.
IMAGE 5 – WATER FEATURES AND POOL AS ONE
We value the tranquility offered by water features. The calming effect of gently flowing water is sought by homeowners who consider their backyards a refuge from the stress of their daily lives.
Today, water features such as these mini-waterfalls are increasingly popular in pools. The cascading water works as a delightful backdrop to a balmy evening spent at poolside, and the soft splashing creates a natural white noise.
IMAGE 6 – A BACKYARD LAYOUT WITH A CLEAR VIEW TO THE HILLS
An open metal fence rings the property without blocking the view of the hills beyond. To a visitor enjoying a late-night swim, the effect is one of being far removed from the bustle of the city – exactly what the owners were hoping for.
The trellis in the center of the image demonstrates how purely cosmetic structures can alter the impression of a space. Along with the palm trees, the trellis works like a wall with huge windows while lending a feeling of height and enclosure.
The patio surrounding the pool is slightly textured. The look is attractive but also keeps the area near the pool non-slippery.