Huntington Park PHTA Gold Award

5012 PHTA AOE GOLD 4C2020 Gold Award Winner | PHTA International Awards of Excellence

The Rocky Mountains inspired this award-winning backyard pool and waterfall design, which features all-natural stone hardscaping materials and lush, ornamental landscaping. The clients wanted a backyard where they could entertain, and their family and friends could make lasting memories. So a swim-up bar with an outdoor fridge, ice chest and plenty of storage was a must. The apex is the elegant stone grotto, boasting a waterfall that cascades into a 650-square foot pool below. Elite also designed a large 24’ long bench under the waterfall so guests can enjoy sitting together. The free-form concrete swimming pool sparkles with its black-plaster floor, while the stand-alone hot tub offers the homeowners year-round enjoyment. A custom pool house features an outdoor kitchen complete with granite countertops, refrigerator and plenty of space for dining and entertaining.

Because the yard has a small footprint, Elite designed an elevated layout area off the back of the pool to maximize precious space. Elevated trees and plantings provide more privacy and coverage, and help the large waterfall seem more visually connected into the landscape. By incorporating different elevations into the landscape, it gives the flat backyard a dynamic mountain-like terrain, including stone steps that lead to elevated patios tiled with natural travertine pavers.

Every material on this project is a natural stone or a natural material. The natural stone steps up to the layout area and stone path really emulate nature. Elite chose a natural “Terrano” Travertine for the pool deck and hand cut and carved stone for the coping. Elite Landscaping used black plaster and dark blue glass tile in the pool to emulate a natural lagoon. Beautiful outdoor seating areas are flanked by weathered sandstone and boulders with moss. At the center, a hand-carved boulder now functions as a natural gas-fueled fire pit.