Today, I want to share with you an exciting project that had us on the edge of our seats. It all started with a magnificent paver driveway we installed last year, boasting a whopping 5,500 square feet. Complete with a mesmerizing water feature, intricate inlays, and a picturesque walkway leading to the front porch, this driveway in the beautiful neighborhood of Hilton Village (Newport News, Virginia) was a true work of art. Little did we know that an even greater challenge awaited us - the installation of a 22,000 pound plunge pool. Join me as we dive (see what I did there?!) into all the details of this nerve-wracking endeavor.

There's not much that hasn't changed about this backyard! When the wetland buffer was moved the possibilities opened up, and we've made quite the transformation at this home in the Cypress Creek neighborhood of Smithfield.

First up is the Forno Bravo pizza oven, which required some interesting modifications to keep the inside as hot as possible and insulated well.

Supply chain delays are a dreaded part of our post-2020 world that continue to impact us today and while we try to finish projects as quickly as possible, sometimes the situation is out of our control. That was the case for this Yorktown home, but our main focus was to make the backyard one worth waiting for...and thankfully we were able to deliver!

Break out the tissues, because this is by far our most emotional video yet...
This couple was just like you and I - living their lives, trying to save money, and enjoying their marriage when an unexpected cancer diagnosis took them by complete surprise. They started to re-evaluate how they were spending their time and money, and realized that their outside space was creating stress instead of enjoyment. It's exactly the kind of transformation we love to take on.

What started as an afterthought or a luxury - a backyard they could love - became a high priority, and that's where we stepped in...

We covered some of these details in Part 1, but this is a project that we have been involved with for much longer than we anticipated! Long story short, when the wetland buffer behind the Cypress Creek neighborhood in Smithfield got moved, the possibilities opened up for these clients, and we all got right to planning what we would add to a beautiful backyard pool.

One big change we started with was the actual pave color. Instead of having to apply new stain themselves, we suggested these homeowners opt for a new, chocolate border around the pool to make the space pop. At the same time, though, we needed to make sure Phase 1 and 2 were cohesive. Nobody wants to look at a backyard and see exactly where one project ended and another one began! Plus, there was one more key element to add...

The pool in this Yorktown home started out as a mess - between rain, mud, and all the elements, there was a lot of cleanup to do! Luckily we got to work with River Pools for this project. They laid down some 57 gravel to mitigate the mud, making sure there was a sump pump and plenty of drainage to prevent any future issues with excess water beside or underneath the pool.

At that point we stepped in to add some curves and lines to the space along with a simple pool deck and patio. Since there is a koi pond already in their backyard, we extended the pavers from the pool right to the edge of the pond for a continuous backyard flow.

Watch the video and scroll through the pictures to see this messy transformation!

We've finished this pool update in Hampton, and added on a lot of character in the meantime! This house's smaller backyard already had a pool installed, but started showing some major wear and tear. With concrete and drainage issues, plus the homeowner's desire to add a little pizzazz, we were called in to provide some upgrades and fix what was broken...and add a little fun on top of that with a mini putting green!

So what were the major changes?

Sometimes our projects involve a lot of installation, and sometimes we're connecting the dots with what is already in the backyard. This fun job in Yorktown is the latter! We always love working with a good River Pools installation, and this one is no exception. The backyard pool features 57 gravel and creates the perfect setup for what we're going to add.

When we originally wrapped up this backyard pool project in the Cypress Creek neighborhood of Smithfield, we thought we were done. We had built as much as was allowed by the environmental approvals we obtained, and the homeowners loved their space. But we were pleasantly surprised when we got a call...

We wanted to create a backyard paradise at this home in Yorktown, but with 1200 square feet of pavers, we had a lot to do - and a lot to work with! The first step was to add some additional privacy with a fence and landscaping that includes green giant arbor trees to create a little separation from the neighbors.

The main event is the River Pools swimming pool, where we added some curves, colors, and textures to make the space pop. Since kids will be visiting this backyard a lot, we added a water wall both for beauty and to create a 'natural' diving board - we can promise it will be used over and over again! On the side for the adults is a hot tub surrounded by a stone wall, so the grown ups can relax while the kids play.

And believe it or not, this is only phase 1...

 This house in Hampton already featured a pool, but the homeowner's style changed right around the time they started realizing there were major drainage issues with the original design. Instead of what was already there, they wanted a clean look with lots of curves and a few big upgrades that would make their outdoor space even more enjoyable.

We started the project by taking out a fence and some concrete as we mapped out a new design. While there was originally a weir installed - no, not weird! It's a waterfall mouthpiece - we ripped that out as well with a vision for a brand new water feature and another pretty epic upgrade.

When these homeowners decided to put in a pool, they weren't messing around...and we were happy to provide them with so much more. While the centerpiece is, of course, River Pools' swimming pool I-series, there are about a dozen additions that will complete this backyard oasis in a tucked-away corner of Yorktown. So what are we going to install?

Sure, this Virginia Beach home already featured a beautiful pool as the highlight of the backyard, but somehow it needed a little more...and, as always, we had a few ideas 😏 The challenge for this space was to combine a concrete pool with pavers in a natural looking way, and add a little privacy in the meantime.

The elements we added - a seating wall for coziness, shade panels, some landscaping featuring ligustrum, and color-changing lights - all achieved this goal, but what we're REALLY here to talk about is the brand new outdoor kitchen.

When you walk into this backyard oasis, there are three areas where you can spend your time: the pool (now re-done), the sunken fire pit, or the hidden hot tub in the back corner. By creating a yard with multiple 'layers,' we wanted to have an oasis (or three!) within an oasis right in this Virginia Beach homeowner's backyard.

While some of this structure already existed, it wasn't welcoming - pea gravel around the pool isn't exactly friendly to bare feet! - and needed a big upgrade. We surrounded the pool with pavers and re-made their diving board, adding two full palettes of concrete to create a solid foundation. For the sunken fire pit, we made sure the space felt connected to the pool while still being separate, with a small step as a transition piece. Techo bloc creates an eye-catching area for a table and chairs to break up the paver pattern, and behind wooden panels is a hot tub area for a private, intimate setting so guests can truly get away.

We're thrilled to walk you through this three-phase project in Yorktown, Virginia. We've finished the first phase and have big plans for what's coming!

Phase 1 included a pool, waterfall, and some landscaping so while the pavilion is being constructed, the homeowners can still enjoy the summer in peace. We finished the water feature, created a walkway, and even installed an easy-access trash pad for practical use. The trees and shade panels (complete with color-changing lights!) provide privacy and a little bit of show-off flair.

The next phase includes a pergola with a gate to create an ambience every time someone enters the space. Right now there is a place for lounge chairs, with an outdoor deck coming to allow the homeowners to enjoy the view.

The centerpiece is, of course,

Phase 1 is complete for this three-part project in Yorktown, Virginia. To kick things off we built a four-season room and a deck, started in on the landscaping, and completed a walkway leading out to the front yard. The most exciting part, of course, is the 38-foot waterfall that will eventually have 20,000 gallons of water rushing over the space.

We started with a completely flat yard, which ended up being a challenge because our waterfall required almost 48 inches of elevation! Outcropping rocks will hold the soil in, and the slopes will be filled with plants like maple and cherry trees that have been repurposed into the space from other parts of the yard.

We installed 3-inch plumbing in the Aqua-Blocs to allow such a massive amount of water to flow through and, in places, bubble up like an actual brook. Big rocks and boulders will bring the whole water feature together. We love that in this backyard, even if the pool is shut down, the homeowners will still be able to enjoy all four seasons with the rushing sound of water controlled by an adjustable pump.

In Phase 2 we're adding a walkway to a pavilion with a fire pit carved into the side of the water feature, an outdoor kitchen, and a lot more landscaping, so stay tuned for some more incredible updates!

This is a beautiful home right at the edge of the water in Hampton, so close to Poquoson you can see it from the shore. The homeowners needed to fix some issues with their original concrete pool and liner, but in the meantime they decided to upgrade some of the more unsightly elements. It takes a lot of sweat equity to maintain the curves of the original design, and we knew our team was up to the task.

Rather than keep the original concrete material, we installed pavers over top to add style to this beautiful outdoor living element. This video walk-through gives a quick but thorough overview of how we upgraded a backyard pool to make it even better than it was before. These homeowners are sure to love their party-and-fun space for years to come, now with a brand new look and feel!

Our first step when creating a custom hardscape is often tearing the yard apart so we can put it back together! Here's a little 'before' sneak peek of a BIG and (one day) beautiful project in the Breezy Point neighborhood of Yorktown, Virginia, complete with a pool and a whole lot more coming!

Right now we're working to install pavers around the pool and a walkway to the front.

Who's excited to see the after?!

Technical Specifications:
1220 square feet
Style: Techo Bloc Blu60 / Techo Bloc Antika
Color: Shale Grey and Onyx Black

It wasn’t that long ago COVID happened. It was a bit rough. Travel was almost completely nixed. Consequently 2020 was coined The Year of the Home. Boy was it! As we entered 2021, the trend continued. We were asked many times to use the vacation budget to create a place where experiences, conversations, and life could happen steps from the living room. We happily accepted the challenge. We are honored to change the landscape around Hampton Roads, consequently changing the way our clients live outdoors.

Watch the video below to see some of our favorites, then click here for a brief review of our top 10 projects and take the opportunity to vote for YOUR favorite!

We started with a mess and ended with a pool! Originally, we installed everything from a patio to a hot tub in this Toano backyard, but it was time for a pretty big upgrade. Of course, we had to tie the new pool in with the existing hardscape, and the result is an absolutely incredible outdoor space.

Now, the yard features:

• A patio with a small addition that leads to the pool.
  
• Hollies and hydrangeas, along with other low ground-cover plants.
  
• A stunning pool with added on mini waterfalls.
  
• Lighting on the path, magnolias, and bowls.
  
• Outdoor kitchen with built-in grill.
  

Anyone else want to spend the rest of their summer here?!

We originally added a pool, carport, and landscaping to this home in Yorktown, Virginia. A few years later we added a water feature...and now they want even more! This beautiful backyard features summertime hydrangeas, an outdoor kitchen, and crepe myrtles, among other things.

For their new water feature we added a bubbling sphere, but after they got a taste of it they knew they wanted to add on. We're taking out hydrangeas, repositioning the sphere, adding a waterfall, and upgrading the overall view. Tons of AquaBlox were used along with the new Aquascape SLD 5000-9000 for the fountain and a Aquascape AquaSurge 5000 for the waterfall.

This backyard is going to be quite the showpiece, right in the heart of Yorktown. Watch this video to see the transformation! Do you think they're done, or will we come back for more in a few years?!