At this waterfront residence in Rocky River, Ohio, about 15 miles outside of Cleveland, the homeowners requested a deck where they could host a sit-down meal for 100 guests, placed in such a way that the lake view from the living room would not be disrupted. They also requested a swimming pool. After presenting multiple designs, HWH Architects Engineers Planners ultimately created an infinity pool at the top of the bluff with a tiered waterfall cascade and a large rectangular Trex Company deck below connected by stairs. The checkerboard pattern in the deck will serve as a small helicopter-landing pad. Prior to construction, the area was an unsightly vegetated hillside overlooking the lake.

BEFORE

The west side suburb of Rocky River, about 15 miles from downtown Cleveland, is the home of David and Adrina Neiderest. When the Lake Erie residence became available, they jumped at the opportunity to live on the shore. Once the interior of the home was redesigned, they turned to Craig R. Brown, ASLA, of HWH Architects Engineers Planners Inc., of downtown Cleveland for the exterior. They explained that they wanted a deck approximately 10' below the bluff to host 100 guests for a formal dinner. They wanted to be able to sit in the home without anything, trees or vegetation included, obstructing the lake view. They imagined an 80' x 15' rectangular deck, with a swimming pool as a separate project. HWH explained that having a landscape architect look at both proposed elements and incorporating them into a cohesive design would create a better project, and the homeowners agreed.

A key request of the homeowners was an unobstructed view of the lake. Before the gazebos were built, silhouettes were set up in their planned locations to confirm that the roofs would not interfere with the view. The fence at the edge of the deck was constructed out of glass, and while a clear top edge was the original plan, a lighted top rail (previous page) was chosen both for safety and aesthetics. The 20' x 40' infinity pool includes four fountain jets that stream water into the pool, and gas fire features set on either side of the pool.

Three weeks later, HWH presented multiple concepts. The Neiderests liked the 20' x 40' infinity pool design at the top of the bluff and large deck below connected by stairs, with heavy masses of plant material stabilizing the slope. When they saw the design where a protruding infinity pool cascaded into a waterfall tumbling to the deck level below, they knew this would be the perfect mix of relaxation areas set into a resort environment.

The waterfall drops were initially planned to be varied with one long drop, but when the adjacent retaining walls were set at 30" elevation changes, the waterfall was adjusted accordingly to align. This made holding the hillside easier and produced a stronger rushing waterfall sound. The pool and waterfall were constructed with cast-in place concrete walls, which were then faced with ceramic tile. Rainbow colored Vista Professional Outdoor Lighting was placed in the waterfall tiers as well as in the jets by the pool.

As plans progressed, the design team faced several challenges. The first involved finalizing the deck elevation. The design incorporated two gazebos, primarily to frame the waterfall but also adding a stage, storage, an informal bar, and protection for the elaborate sound system. The husband was concerned that they would disrupt his view from the house. HWH suggested that the contractor set up silhouettes of the gazebos and check various deck levels. This was done, and the deck was placed approximately 15' below the infinity pool level.

Construction became a blend of specialty firms. The owners hired Green Impressions, a contractor well versed in construction along a bluff, as well as separate pool installers and deck contractors. A crane was required to auger footers out over the hillside. Extensive shoring and grade beam tie backs set the waterfall and edge of the infinity pool. The waterfall drops were initially to be varied with one long drop, but aligning the drops with the wall heights, approximately 30", made it easier to hold the hillside and produced a stronger rushing water sound. The pool and water features were constructed with cast-in-place concrete walls and then faced with ceramic tile. Landscape terrace walls were built out of Unilock segmented block with a custom color sandstone finish, and the perennials irrigated with a Rainbird System. The deck was made of Trex Company's eco-friendly recycled material with a checkerboard pattern added to serve as a small helicopter-landing pad. Several railing styles were reviewed, and glass systems were quickly focused on, as they would provide a clear view of the lake and shield seasonal winds. The owners originally wanted a clear top edge to the glass, but saw the advantage of incorporating a lighted top rail to highlight the deck edge for both aesthetics and safety.

The tiered slope from the pool and deck area down to the entertaining patio consists of six landscape terrace walls on either side of the waterfall. The walls were built from Unilock segmented block with a custom color sandstone finish. The walls are heavily planted with native roses, sedum, liriope and catmint perennial, and irrigated with a Rainbird system to stabilize the slope. Stairs on the sides of the walls lead from the home to the deck, 15' below the pool level.

Other design features incorporated into the project include gas fire elements set on either side of the infinity pool and the waterfall, rainbow colored Vista Professional Outdoor Lighting for the water wall, and four fountain jets streaming water into the pool.

The final feature, and among the most important for the homeowners, was a state-of-the-art sound system. An audio enthusiast, Dave wanted to be able to coordinate music with the water and lighting effects, similar to Las Vegas resorts.

The final project was successful. On summer nights when the Neiderests are on their deck with waterfalls, music, and lights in full display, pleasure boats drifting offshore, pedestrians congregate on the nearby public pier to enjoy the spectacle. The oasis they created for themselves is bringing joy to others along the lake.

Project Team
Landscape Architecture: HWH Architects Engineers Planners Inc., Cleveland
Construction Coordination & Landscaping: Green Impressions Landscaping, Sheffield, Ohio
Pool & Waterfall: Hi Tech Pools, North Olmsted, Ohio
Deck System: Dream Decks, Akron, Ohio
Sound System: Light Year Music, Parma, Ohio

Vendors
Landscape Material: Native Roses, Sedum, Liriope and Catmint Perennial
Deck Material: Trex Company Inc.
Gazebos: Cedar Siding & Metal Roofs
Pavers: Unilock Beacon Hill, Unilock Copthorn
Retaining Walls: Unilock Pisa II Extra Large (custom color)
Lighting: Vista Outdoor Lighting
Irrigation: Rainbird