Sierra Madre Rock Pool Oasis

Swimming Pool Construction
Sierra Madre

Every Element of Rhythm is Achieved Here
1. The Beat: The palm trees and boulders, strategically placed throughout the landscape (except at the grotto), are evenly spaced and balanced, creating a consistent beat that establishes the foundational rhythm of the garden.
2. Flow & Movement: The flow of the landscape directs the eye along winding paths, across lawns, and over the pool. Movement is dynamically created by the interplay of plants and boulders on opposite sides of the pool, enhanced by the flowing water from the spa and grotto. The pathways and decks guide the journey, seamlessly connecting the various elements.
3. Pace & Tempo: The repetition of palm trees sets a steady pace, while the plant materials and colors add a lively, energetic tempo. Grouped in smaller clusters, they repeat with variations, creating a dynamic rhythm that feels both structured and spontaneous.
4. Contrast and Syncopation: Unexpected elements like the boulders embedded in the grotto wall and the striking dinosaur sculpture introduce moments of surprise. These accents provide a counterpoint to the rhythmic complexity of the plants, adding layers of contrast against the calm expanse of the large pool.
5. Alternation: The design incorporates alternation beautifully, with large ornamental banana trees alternating with palms. As the plant materials progress toward the back of the yard, they increase in size, creating a rhythmic transition that changes as you move through different sections—from the fire pit and lounging areas to eating spaces and transitional zones near the house.
6. Unity and Cohesion: Despite the diverse functionality of different areas—lounging, dining, relaxing—all spaces are unified by a consistent use of plantings, boulders, paving materials, and palm trees, all contributing to the overarching tropical theme. This cohesion binds the varied elements into a harmonious whole.
7. Emotional Impact: The yard captivates not only with its vibrant water features and whimsical dinosaur but also through the sense of discovery it offers. As visitors move between spaces, the ever-changing rhythm of elements keeps the journey engaging and exciting. Yet, thanks to the unity and interconnectedness of the design, the space never feels chaotic; instead, it flows with a purposeful harmony.

Vision: The owners, originally from the East Coast, were inspired to create a vacation-themed tropical oasis in their backyard, a space that would evoke the feeling of being on holiday. They wanted a spectacular yet functional yard for friends, family, and their growing family of children. The initial yard consisted of a large lawn with an artificial rock pool tucked away in the back corner, lacking the inviting, resort-like ambiance they envisioned. Their goal was to transform the space into a vibrant retreat, enjoyable not just from the pool but also from various vantage points within the main house and guest house. They desired a space that was not just functional but also artistic, unique, and reminiscent of a tropical getaway.

To achieve this vision, the existing pool was demolished, and the soil from the new and much larger pool was repurposed with artisticly place boulders to create a large hill at the back of the pool, cleverly concealing a sizable RV. This elevation also provided the perfect setting for a natural grotto, designed without the clichéd look of synthetic rocks or unnatural waterfalls where water seems to magically defy gravity. One of the Mark’s key dislikes is the artificial appearance of such features, where water flows in ways that look forced and unconvincing. Instead, the design emphasized authenticity, using natural boulders and carefully engineered placements that harmonize with the landscape’s overall rhythm.

By embracing the concept of void and mass, the landscape directs the viewer’s eye artfully through the yard, showcasing the natural beauty of the boulders and the skilled craftsmanship required to build a grotto that feels organic and grounded. The result is a captivating, cohesive environment that perfectly captures the essence of a tropical vacation, bringing the owners’ vision of a unique and engaging outdoor retreat to life.