Water Way
In Colorado’s chilly climate, a heated indoor pool makes sense, but this homeowner requested an everyday lap pool that could also be a focal point for the outdoor spaces. Architect John Cottle designed a pool that flows under a glass garage-style door to a stone terrace complete with mountain vistas. Mahogany-framed custom glass doors further expose the enclosed area. The indoor spa, framed in local stone to match the terrace, brings a touch of the outdoors inside. Rooftop solar panels heat the pool and spa along with the home’s domestic water supply and an automatic pool cover traps the heat to save energy. Builder: George Shaeffer Construction, Vail, Colo.; Architect: CCY Architects, Basalt, Colo.; Landscape architect: Land Designs by Ellison, Avon, Colo.; Photographer: Millman Photography.
Desert Oasis
A pool in Arizona doesn’t need protection from the cold, but the owner wanted to be able to swim in shade and in complete privacy. That was accomplished with a 68-foot-long wall of folding-glass doors that open to transform the pool deck into an outdoor terrace. The stunning view contrasts with the sound of moving water created by a waterfall wall, the fountain in the integrated spa, and overflowing twin columns. Above the spa is a domed ceiling with fiber-optic lighting that resembles a starry night. The homeowners picked up hand-dyed tiles in South Africa that bring the colors of the desert inside. Builder: Echelon Fine Homebuilders, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Architect: Richard Wengle Architects, Toronto; Design consultant: Sandra Wilken Luxury Properties, Scottsdale; Landscape architect: Neill/Vecchia & Associates, Scottsdale; Photographer: Michael Baxter.
Maine Workout
The retired owners of this new Maine home wanted an indoor pool for frequent exercise, but architect Robert Knight didn’t want it to be in the core of the house because of high moisture issues. “It needed to feel like it was an integral part of the floor plan but still loosely attached physically,” he says. His plan links the pool room to a guest suite via the screen porch of the main house. Roof glazing and floor-to-ceiling windows make it feel like a tropical environment. It’s easy to dangle feet in the pool from the raised deck, which also keeps guests from feeling nervous about taking a wrong step. To prevent roof condensation, Knight floated a large air supply duct along the roof ridge. Builder: Michael Hewes and Co., Blue Hill, Maine; Architect: Knight Associates, Architects, Blue Hill; Swimming pool contractor: Custom Pools, Newington, N.H.; Photographer: Brian Vanden Brink.
