Modern art: creative ways to add warmth to contemporary design - Aqua Scapes

Pool & Spa News, Feb 27, 2004 by Rebecca Robledo

For homeowners who like to be on the cutting edge, there's nothing better than contemporary design. Its advocates pride themselves in thinking outside the box, says Gregory Lombardi, president of Gregory Lombardi Design Inc. in Cambridge, Mass. "It's a private club: If you understand it, you're in; if you don't get it, you're clearly on the outside," Lombardi states.

Perfectionists also feel at home with this genre. "It's clean and crisp, and doesn't have a lot going on," says Michael Glassman, landscape designer and president of Michael Glassman & Associates in Sacramento, Calif. "They tend to be such disciplined, exacting people that it appeals to their sensitivities."

But this lack of ornamentation rubs some people the wrong way, says Michael Schneider, ASLA. "People fear that they will have something that's too cold or rational," says the principal and director of Orange Street Studio in Los Angeles.

We humans tend to be most at ease with the familiar. That's why some like to keep contemporary structures at a distance. "I think most people can't envision themselves living in it," Lombardi says. "They say, 'I couldn't have that for me because it's too cold, institutional or corporate.'"

But contemporary designs don't have to feel cold. Small touches turn them from bland to grand, as these projects illustrate.

Jack Chandler & Associates Yountville, Calif.

Pool built by Dal Pino Pools, Sacramento, Calif.

This sleek, modified triangle features a long infinity edge that arcs to mirror the line of the house. The pool walls are raised, as are planters around the aquascape, to divide the backyard into three distinct "rooms," making the spaces feel cozy. But all elevations are kept at 2 feet or less.

Contemporary flair: Modified triangular shape, custom-made stainless steel arc handrail, gridlike tile pattern.

The humanizing touch: Warm, homey patio furniture with thick cushions make the place feel cozy. Soft elevation changes create separate rooms.

In the designer's words: "[The walls] were kept to a scale that's comfortable to be up against," says Dave Roche, a landscape architect with the firm. "If you're sitting in a piece of furniture in front of it or walking past it, you don't feel hemmed in."

Gregory Lombardi Design Inc. Cambridge, Mass.

Pool built by American Pool Construction Co., Seekonk, Mass.

Though it's still considered a geometric shape, the ellipse is softer than a rectangle. The thick stone steps have slightly chiseled edges, so they don't appear machine-made. The spa spillway features thick, irregular, iridescent glass tiles over a dark base, creating a hand-made feel.

Contemporary flair: Elliptical shape, square spa with slight curves to follow pool.

The humanizing touch: Handcrafted accents on steps and tile give the pool a connection to man and nature. The Deer Isle granite decking has a warm, lavender tinge.

In the designer's words: "It's a bit more idiosyncratic and slightly whimsical," says Gregory Lombardi, landscape architect and the company president. "lf it didn't look so thought-about, if there were just acres of [regular] tile up a wall, that would probably convey a more impersonal feel."

Orange Street Studio Los Angeles

Designed in conjunction with DesignARC, Los Angeles Pool built by Atlas Pools, Los Angeles Waterfeature built by Tony Devoto, Los Angeles

This property includes an entryway waterfeature and a lap pool in the backyard. The simplicity of form and materials heightens the onlooker's awareness of nearby elements. For example, shadows are cast on the water by a nearby olive tree and the warm, yellow color of the house reflects on the water's surface.

Contemporary flair: Simple forms, minimal materials.

The humanizing touch: A simple wall of horsetail gives a connection with nature. A combination of textures--concrete pavers, black pebbles and wooden steps--give a soft feel. The stone deck goes to the water's edge, inviting swimmers.

In the designer's words: "You're getting this great play of shadow and light and warm colors being reflected on the surface:' says Michael Schneider, ASLA, principal and studio director. "Surrounding you are the warm tones of the house, the shade of the olive tree, the rustling of the horsetail, the warmth of the leak bench. These things aren't experienced in isolation one from the other."

Both Sides of the Door Oakland, Calif.

Waterfeature built by Both Sides of the Door

This waterfeature was created in a home built in the 1950s as an example of modern architecture. The concrete aquascape begins with the stainless steel waterfall and follows alongside a walkway, terminating with two 8-foot square pools that flank the porch.

Contemporary flair: Stainless steel on waterfeature wall, mirroring forms.

The humanizing touch: The water starts with curved forms. Long, arcing grasses add a graceful accent. Small river rock on the surrounding landscape showcases light and shadow.

In the designer's words: "[That's] another way to activate your curiosity," says Rick Driemeyer, landscape designer and the company owner. "Your eye wants to follow the light and shadow. It creates a sense of calm because it's some thing that we recognize."