The Finishing Touch to Poolside Living
Functional and aesthetic, pool houses have gained popularity in recent years, notes Jonathan S. Trump, an experienced architect with Kimmel Bogrette Architecture + Site, Inc., in Conshohocken, PA. They provide a comfortable place to get out of the sun and avoid a constant flow of guests, water and food through the main house. With a little planning, homeowners can get the ultimate in design, while still accommodating their budget needs.
Plan for Perfection
When deciding what type of pool house is right for you, lifestyle choices, individual desires and site specifics should all be considered. "The topography of the home, its existing features, the way the sun and wind move across the property and landscaping should all be examined to best suit the pool house to its environment," says Trump.
"The location of a pool can impact the use and appearance of a pool house," he continues. Pool houses that are in close proximity to homes should complement their architectural features, while those that are further removed allow for more creativity during the design process. Bright colors and exotic plantings, for example, can be employed to establish a unique environment, such as a tropical escape.
A recent pool house, designed by Trump and located at a private residence in Greenville, DE, uses distance to its advantage. All that can be seen from the rear of the home is the roof of the pool house, which functions as a terrace and doubles as a chessboard, complete with 3-foot pieces. A waterfall descends from the rooftop into a vanishing-edge pool. Built into the side of a hill, the pool house features large glass doors that disappear into the walls, allowing the pool house to blend seamlessly with the deck. Inside, air conditioning, a flat screen panel television and a high-tech security system make use of the latest technology.
The Ashton Model
Searching for convenience, Kris and Kim Murphy of Fenton, MI, sought an outdoor changing room, bathroom/shower facility and kitchen area that provided easy access to their swimming pool. After selecting the Ashton model from Pool & Garden House Plans, the couple worked with a builder to make minor changes to the roof pitch and entryway in order to complement their home. Their most significant modification was to the covered porch area, which was expanded for entertaining purposes. "The porch is a respite from the hot sun and a great place to dine or enjoy the company of family and friends," says Kim.
The Murphy's children, Justin, 8, and Ashley, 6, spend more time enjoying the pool since they can use the bathroom or grab a quick snack without drying off completely. Outfitted with a sound system and a wireless Sharp LCD that can be viewed from anywhere in the pool area, Kris never misses a sports game while soaking in the spa with his kids. The family also uses the pool house for storage of supplies and lawn equipment. Enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the backyard, the pool filter and heater are hidden behind the pool house, which minimizes the noise generated by the equipment.
The Windham Model
David and Wendy DeRing moved to rural Chester, NJ, in the summer of 2003, with their two children, Samantha, 7, and Alex, 5. The family decided to build a pool for relaxation and enjoyment, situating it on a hill to take advantage of the surrounding views. After a summer of running back and forth to the house to get towels and refreshments, the DeRings ordered a complete set of architectural plans from the Coventry catalog. The Windham model, an elegant and stately design, quickly attracted their attention as a convenient solution for poolside entertaining and a perfect complement to their home.
The features of the Windham, including a sitting area with a small kitchenette and two side rooms for changing and storage, best suited the family's needs. The DeRings enlisted the help of a contractor to alter the roofline so that it would match their home. The original design was further altered. The windows across the front of the house were converted into French doors, which easily open for fresh air and quick access to the deck.
Inside, bluestone graces the floor and white, flowing curtains create an airy feel. A ceiling fan was installed to keep air circulating on hot days. A stereo, with speakers inside and outside, microwave, refrigerator and telephone make summer entertaining a snap. "The pool house provides easy access to ice cream and popcorn, which are things that kids need every minute," laughs Wendy, "and it saves me from an endless number of trips back into the house."
The Carlisle Model
Providing the perfect combination of function and beauty, the Zajdel family of Forest Hill, MD, fell in love with the Carlisle model. Its wraparound nature was the main point of attraction, explains Louise Zajdel. After being built by a contractor, her husband, Michael, used stacked stones on the outside of the pool house to match the home, installed the flooring and completed the interior painting. His personal touch is evident right down to the last detail.
Before the pool house was completed, guests had to enter the first floor of the home and walk through a tiled room to use the bathroom, which made for slippery conditions, Louise explains. Non-slip ceramic tile was installed throughout the pool house for safety. The Carlisle model features a kitchen area, complete with room for a refrigerator and microwave, a bathroom on one side and a shower and changing area on the other side. A high vaulted ceiling in the center provides a feeling of openness.
The pool house is put to good use, as the Zajdel's 13-year-old daughter entertains friends frequently by the pool. Family, friends and neighbors who attend the family's annual Fourth of July party have also reaped the benefits. "Guests no longer need to traipse in and out of the house for food and drinks," says Louise. "The pool house also adds an aesthetic quality to the entire neighborhood."
Article originally written by Marie Kannen for Pool & Spa Living magazine.