To most people the front yard doesn't seem like a good place for a hot tub. But Crystalview Pool, Spa & Patio's clients wanted just that: A hot tub in the front yard - that was private and easy to get to. Quite a tall order. Lucky for Crystalview the home is perched about 30 feet above the street in this very hilly North Vancouver, British Columbia neighborhood and the terrain itself provided a good measure of privacy. A thoughtful selection of plantings completes the secluded location.
The clients originally wanted an in-ground spa, but this portable Sundance model provides easy access to equipment along with the water therapy associated with portable spas. The homeowners got the built-in look they wanted with the stacked-stone surround and the wooden slab benches; both materials are used throughout the property.
Says Crystalview's Sean Batt, "The spa provides a wonderful focal point for the very usable front yard."
What the judges said:
"I like that the wood around the spa is the same wood used in the nearby bench. Looks like they accounted for accessing the equipment and created a somewhat private spa that doesn't feel claustrophobic." ROBERT NONEMAKER, principal of Outerspaces, specializing in landscape and watershape design and construction, and Robert Nonemaker Exterior Designs, a watershape consultancy.
"A well-designed enclosure for a portable spa. Good use of materials - the wood and stone look great together and tie the spa into the surrounding hardscape. Plantings are also nice, helping to create a sense of privacy without blocking views." LEE ANNE WHITE, photographer, landscape designer and writer; former editor-in-chief of Fine Gardening Magazine and author of numerous books including Taunton's Pool Idea Book.
"The stone skirting matches the stonework on other parts of the house giving the installation a purposeful look." DAVID TISHERMAN, principal and founder of David Tisherman's Visuals, principal and founder of Genesis 3 Design Group, and an award-winning designer and teacher.
