The large pavers for the pool deck for this three-acre residential estate on the Provo River at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains are the "Mega Lafitt' Toscana blend series (Belgard). Photo: Belgard

This three-acre residential estate is nestled at the base of the Wasatch Mountains and sits on the Provo River, a blue ribbon fly-fishing destination. Although the home and landscaping was beautiful, the owner desired additional amenities and engaged In-Site Design Group (In-Site) of American Fork, Utah for master planning/landscape design for a project that would be constructed in two phases. In-Site met with the owners to better understand their vision and goals, incorporated those goals and project visions into a landscape master plan for the backyard (phase 1), and for a new one-acre family park (phase 2) adjacent to the home.

The back yard showcases an open gazebo, a two-story enchanted playhouse, a koi pond, and a cantilevered deck overlooking the landscaping. In-Site Design Group did the master plan for all the landscaping, including the overall layout of the pond. The homeowner and Platinum Landscape collaborated on the details. Plantings here include a "Crimson King' maple (left foreground), with a "Weeping Blue Atlas' cedar (background right), "Karl Forester' grasses at waters edge, along with "Crimson Pygmy' barberry, "Bird's Nest' spruce shrubs and massings of "Shasta' daisies, purple coneflowers and blue petunias.
Photo: In-Site Design Group

Phase 1
Phase 1 included the addition of a swimming pool and swim-up grotto, water slide, waterfall into the pool and a raised gunite spa with a matching raised planter. The swimming pool was strategically placed with the raised waterfall/slide between the home and the river to create privacy from river users and from the adjacent homes on the other side of the river. These elements were built by Paradise Pools. A formal fountain/koi pond and garden area were also incorporated into the overall design of Phase 1.

Belgard pavers ("Mega Lafitt' Toscana blend) were strategically placed around existing cottonwood trees. Patio furniture, decorative planter pots and boulders complement the hardscape.
Photo: Belgard

Phase 1 also included a detached garage that also houses a recreation room, pool equipment, full indoor/outdoor kitchen and dining area, guest living quarters and much more. Landscaping was added around the mature cottonwood trees scattered through the undeveloped back yard area. Some of the other existing trees were also preserved, which added great value to the new hardscape installation. A built-in paver fire pit is nestled into some of those mature trees.

Landscape construction for phase 1 was completed by Kuhni Landscaping of Orem, Utah. Kuhni Landscaping paid careful attention to bring reality to the different landscape features creating functional outdoor rooms that are soft and inviting in the backyard.

An arching bridge with grass surfacing spans a section of the Provo River and allows access to a little island. A brick veneer was used in keeping with the use of brick for the home fa?????ade and other buildings on the estate.
Photo: In-Site Design Group

Phase 2
For phase 2, Platinum Landscape LLC was invited by the owner to create a family park on the adjoining property.

In partnership with In-Site Design Group, Platinum Landscape and the homeowner transformed the space into a magical destination. The general contractor, Robison Homebuilders, constructed the Enchanted Playhouse and covered gazebo. The talented team of professionals created a destination that is loved by all who experience it.

The freestanding open top gazebo of wood timbers supports a custom swing. The intricate metal artwork is patterned after vines.
Photo: In-Site Design Group

Belgard pavers, installed by Castle Rock Paving, were used for the pathways throughout the yard, enabling one to cruise the perimeter on a bike, or simply stroll around the garden on a leisurely evening walk. As the 2011 Hardscapes of North America Residential Winner and 2013 Honorable Mention winner, Platinum Landscapes abilities are on display. Along the path, one will see a freestanding gazebo with intricate metal artwork patterned after vines supporting a custom swing.

Jayco Masonry completed the freestanding gazebo and all brick, stone and metal work. The two-story playhouse, with the operating waterwheel, captures one's gaze. The 90-ft. long natural stream circulates under the path and feeds into the large koi pond, the focal feature of the yard in phase 2 construction. Well-placed boulders with bordering plants were finishing touches to this truly spectacular setting.

"Urbana' 3pc (Bella &Toscana blend) pavers lead to the covered gazebo. The steps and columns are the rough-hewn textures of the "Celtik' collection in a "Sierra' color.
Photo: In-Site Design Group

The recessed pickle ball court, hidden from view, attracts kids of all ages. Platinum Landscape installed the pickle ball court. CJ Foundations did the footing walls, and materials were supplied by The Tennis Co., who also helped with the layout.

The beach entry playground set allows kids to play on the swings or in the water of the Provo River. Timber tunnel archways planted with clematis lead to a raised planter with a specimen Japanese maple in a raised paver planter. Large Colorado spruce trees were used extensively to create a mature setting. Flowering pear and cherry trees were strategically placed amongst London plane trees. A palette of perennials, shrubs and other trees was used methodically to create layers of color and texture throughout the growing season.

The small transition walkway (foreground) leading to the pool deck has "Mega Bergerac' 3-piece Sierra pavers.
Photo: Belgard

A large lawn integrates the separate areas and is used for family activities.

Team Members:
1. In-Site Design Group LLC: Landscape design, overall site master plan, coordination with Inouye Design on cantilevered deck off gazebo and the dual side fireplace.

The sunken fire pit in the pool deck and seat walls are "Celtik Wall' in a Toscana color, both capped by "Mega Bergerac' large square pavers.
Photo: Belgard

2. Inouye Design: Home designer; detached garage, gazebo and wheelhouse/enchanted 2-story playhouse.

3. Robinson Homebuilders: General contractor. Built detached garage, covered gazebo and the wheelhouse/enchanted playhouse.

The seat wall surrounding the formal fountain in this private space is fabricated from the "Celtik Wall' (Sierra blend) collection.
Photo: In-Site Design Group

4. Jayco Masonry: Masonry contractor for all brick and stonework, including the gazebo, arched bridge, arching tunnel pergola and buildings.

5. Kuhni Landscaping, the landscape contractor, constructed, oversaw and coordinated the landscaping for Phase 1. They also assisted with on-site design of Phase 1 as well as excavation of the pool and other project elements.

Water jets and a glass bead/pebble finish imbedded with mosaic turtles give the illusion of a sandy beach entry for the pool. Flanking the pool is a natural stone raised spa and a raised planter, both equipped with sheer descent waterfalls into the pool. The pool and spa systems can be controlled remotely via smart phone. An ornamental iron perimeter fence (left) borders the pool.
Photo: Paradise Pools & Construction

6. Hansen Welding built the ornamental iron fence.

7. Platinum Landscape was the landscape contractor who constructed, oversaw and coordinated Phase 2 landscaping. The contractor also assisted with onsite design of Phase 2.

The pool features a swim-up grotto with waterfall and water slide. While the cave (grotto) beneath the slide is gunite made of concrete (for safety), as is the slide, explains Jason Lott of Paradise Pools & Construction, there is a blend of natural and faux rocks around the sides of the water feature. The grotto features stalactites, stalagmites, a fossilized T-Rex skeleton head embedded in the wall and fiber-optic lights twinkling on the ceiling. The Provo River is seen from certain areas of the yard, but here the waterfall rocks intentionally block the view from the river to give the homeowners more privacy.
Photo: Paradise Pools & Construction

8. Paradise Pools: pool, spa, waterfall, swim up grotto and waterslide contractor.

9. Castle Rock Paving was the contractor who installed all the Belgard pathways, pool deck, patios, stairs and fire pit. Castle Rock is no longer in business.

10. Plants: Oregon Acres and Linden Nursery.

A pathway of pavers with existing stone benches leads to a timber tunnel arbor with clematis growing up the sides, terminating at a raised planter with a specimen Japanese maple and two different types of mossy groundcover.
Photo: In-Site Design Group

A flagstone pathway leads to a secluded seating area. Irish moss helps stabilize the flagstone and soften the look. Large evergreens create privacy; the purple of "Munstead' lavender adds color.
Photo: In-Site Design Group

The path to the playhouse is "Mega Bergerac' 3pc (Sierra) pavers.
Photo: In-Site Design Group

The covered gazebo by Inouye Design makes use of rustic timbers and natural stone for the walls and flooring. The back of the gazebo opens onto a cantilevered deck overlooking the large koi pond.
Photo: In-Site Design Group

A low arching foot bridge of "Urbana 3-piece pavers ("Bella & Toscana' blends) spans a 90-ft. long stream. The metalwork mimics landscape plants.
Photo: In-Site Design Group

The "enchanted" two-story playhouse was built by Robinson Homebuilders, the general contractor. The playhouse has an operating waterwheel. A 90-ft. long natural stream circulates under a pathway and flows into a large koi pond bordered by expertly placed boulders.