Pool and Spa Project in Trending Lakeview

Spring time and thoughts turn to outdoors activities. Vacation plans and thoughts of those special resort locations are ever present in our subconscious minds. Many are reconsidering their travel plans as the cost of living and air travel is on the rise.

The alternative may be creating that resort in one’s own back yard.

The Couvillion family decided to take that approach just in time for spring festival season in New Orleans. The final piece of a successful renovation to a mid-century modern residence, the pool, spa and pool house adds a sophisticated statement and compliments the original design intent of local architect Albert J. Saputo. The architect designed and built this residence as his own home in 1959. The Couvillion’s as the current and third owner, assembled a design and construction team of Bailey and Associates Architects, Daly-Sublette Landscape Architects and Creole Construction to bring reality to their vision. It was important to have the design and construction team working collaboratively to work out design ideas and cost while addressing construct-ability concerns.

The original Saputo design allowed for gracious entertaining space both inside and out but time and modifications made by different subsequent owners had not taken full advantage of the sites great potential.

525 square foot pool and spa is nestled into a patio deck of scored concrete with a rock salt finish resembling large worn stone pavers. The pool apron of 3 inch thick concrete creates a clean and contemporary line. Surrounded by lush landscaping including specimen bamboo and assorted tropical plants, the pool becomes the focal point from the interior entertaining spaces of the main house and the detached pool house. The new pool house of approximately 600 square feet offers the multipurpose space of a shower, changing area and recreation space for relaxing, watching sports, or providing guest quarters for family and friends.

Unique features of the pool makes all the difference and goes beyond what is typically found in most pool installers typical offering. This design incorporates a fountain wall that creates the pleasant sounds of falling water and refreshes guests with a cooling place to sit and feel the shower. A spa with a zero edge allowing the water to spill into the pool. A shallow area for sunning and lounging while in the water also doubles as a place to cool ones toes after a long day in the urban jungle. There are integrated benches that offer resting places strategically placed around the pool. The A-typical shape and the salt water chemistry provide visual interest and user comfort that is both pleasing and environmentally friendly. Low voltage lighting with L.E.D. lamps allows for colorful and ever changing mood lighting.

Perhaps the most important feature is one that is not apparent at first look. It is the special plaster finish that gives the pool its beautiful water color. Visibly the pool bottom appears white, but add water and that beautiful aqua color appears as the quartz chips that are embedded in the plaster finish refract  the light.