Sophistication Sits Poolside: Long Island, NY

Outdoor living at its finest in Long Island, NY. Comfortable, breathtaking, and relaxing; this one’s sure to impress!

Text by Corey J. Halstead •. Photography provided by Techo-Bloc

It’s often said that the most amazing backyards are those that are planned with the home’s architecture and interior spaces top of mind. If done well, a backyard (and front for that matter) that appears naturally within the space – as if everything has always been there is the result.

When the homeowners of this incredible outdoor living space wanted a luxurious and comfortable escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, they did just that: they made sure that their outdoor dreams could be made true at this home – before they purchased it. The growing family wanted a space they could retreat to for relaxing and recharging from the seemingly faraway stresses of a NYC workday; their own peaceful sanctuary for the small and large gatherings. This was no easy task for what was then a very ordinary backyard, but Platinum Site Development saw what could be, and after confirming the possibility, the soon-to-be-homeowners proceeded with the purchase of this home.

Techo-Bloc Long Island NY | Long Island, NY Landscape Design

It all started with landscaping plans and 3D computer renderings that told the story of a private oasis. Over the course of the 6-8 weeks of designing, Platinum Site Development owner, Anthony Lauro, and his team brought to life the vision for a project that would not only meet the homeowners’ needs and wishes, but bring together comfort and sophistication in a way seldom found in outdoor living.

Platinum broke ground in May 2012 and just two months of construction later, the start of what will make many memories was born. Platinum unveiled a truly spectacular backyard addition to a classically beautiful home. At the center of the party, a 20’x40’ custom gunite pool acts as an anchor for the seamlessly connected spaces—or outdoor rooms—around it. Expanding substantially on the modest 20’x40’ footprint is a 10’x18’ sun deck with adjustable lounges located opposite the pool from a completely custom 12’x10’ integrated spa.

The spa is positioned perfectly inline with the home’s backdoor sliders, creating a formal structure to the pool design that mirrors nicely that of the surrounding plantings. The spa sports custom built and molded gunite therapy jet massage lounges and fully automated operation run by the Intellitouch System from Pentair.

In fact, the whole backyard is automated. On the way home from work, the homeowner can turn on the pool, fire up the LED landscape lighting system, and start the therapy jets in the spa all from his iPhone. By the time he arrives and slides open the backdoor, all the features of this luxury backyard are ready for use.

If the temperatures aren’t conducive for taking a swim, this backyard still has more to offer. A 16’ tall fireplace forms one side of an outdoor dining room that’s covered overhead by a custom pergola with bluestone accents. The dining room is conveniently located close to the outdoor kitchen, designed for easy entertaining.

The sprawling 2600 sq.ft. patio that seamlessly connects all the outdoor spaces together is built using Techo-Bloc concrete pavers. Techo-Bloc products were also used for the outdoor fireplace, portions of the pool coping, and the outdoor kitchen. The hardscape manufacturer staged the project beautifully for the filming of their national TV commercial and also photographed the project for their sales catalog (see this commercial and more behind the scenes project footage by visiting: www.outdoorhomemagazine.com/projectfeatures/sophisticationextras.

All aspects of the project were designed and built in house by the Platinum Site Development team, with the exception of the pergola, which was designed by Platinum and built by Robert Nock of Silver Fox Construction Ltd.