Homeowners relax poolside and soak up the ultimate backyard
Nothing says “summer fun” better than an outdoor swimming pool. The summer season is short here in Illinois so we should strive to enjoy every minute whenever possible.
That was the thinking behind the Deerfield homeowners' decision to upgrade their outdoor living environment, which included having a swimming pool, outdoor kitchen and entertainment area built in their spacious backyard.
The homeowners were referred to architect and builder Michael Menn of Michael Menn Ltd. in Northbrook. Menn met with the homeowners to determine their wants and needs and then created a comprehensive design that incorporated everything the homeowners dreamed of. At the top of the list was the homeowner's desire to combine their family's active lifestyle with their frequent entertaining of family and friends.
“They are a close-knit family with a wide circle of friends and comfortably accommodating everyone was very important,” Menn said. “This was a key factor in my design of the backyard, along with making it a space that both kids and adults would equally enjoy.”
The in-ground swimming pool measures 20-by-44 feet, with an attached, four-season, 9-by-9-foot hot tub. There were several other items the homeowners wanted to be included in the design of the backyard, such as a fire pit, outdoor TV, sound system, dining area and a cabana. The cabana features a bathroom, changing area, storage and some mechanical systems.
The fully equipped outdoor kitchen, with Viking appliances, is perfect for al fresco dining. It includes a barbecue grill, rotisserie, stainless steel storage drawers, sink and refrigerator.
The homeowners wanted their outdoor living space to last for many years and to be enjoyed by everyone of all ages. They chose to invest in quality outdoor furniture manufactured by Brown Jordan. The furniture selection includes padded chairs and loungers with durable fabrics, tables and umbrellas.
Menn worked with a media integrator who provided music throughout the backyard with the speakers concealed in rocks, floors and in the ground. The large flat-screen TV was specially selected for its use outdoors. It is ideal for watching sporting events and movies.
Menn coordinated all the components into a cohesive design for their ultimate placement and assisted with all final material selections. The design incorporated areas to socialize with a custom-built enclosure that is situated close to the dining table and next to the sunning and pool area. The custom-made fire pit and TV were located on the opposite side of the pool as a conversation area away from the pool, yet close enough to dive in.
There are specific construction elements involved in an undertaking of this magnitude, such as utilities (gas, plumbing, electric), concrete and landscaping. Access to a residential backyard for a project of this size can be a challenge.
“This project was not an exception,” Menn said. He and his trade partners carefully planned how they would access the backyard for everything from digging foundations, delivering materials and installing the pool, to upgrading the electrical system and bringing in new gas service lines.
It took weeks of coordination and scheduling of every trade so that sequencing allowed each trade their designated time slots. The pool was designed by Platinum Pool Care and the landscape design and stonework were designed by Schloss Landscaping.
The homeowners wisely decided to have a new backup generator installed for the entire house and pool. This step required significant planning to determine the appropriate electrical and gas loads that would be needed. The hot tub is heated during the winter months to soak and relax, while the homeowners wanted to guard against the air conditioning and other electrical systems failing in the summer heat.
“Our dreams equal the photos. We love our yard and could not have imagined a better result,” the homeowners said. “Now that the COVID situation appears to be coming to an end, we are hoping to again host parties, celebrations and family events in our backyard later this summer.”
• David Lewis is a publicist and features writer based in Morton Grove.