Alamo, California: Poolside Pleasures Elevated

The Chase family's Northern California ranch house garden remodel achieves the ultimate indoor/outdoor living space. Jurors praised the variety of gathering areas, amenities, and thoughtful arrangement. "The integration of the house with the landscape is extremely effective."

Landscape architect Gary Orr's attention to detail shines: the pool patio grade sits a few feet below an existing Japanese maple, opening views beneath its lowest limbs. A concrete planter wall around the maple features board textures suggesting recycled ranch shed wood. The barbecue area is a fully equipped kitchen with sink, refrigerators, and outlets.

Terra-cotta-like tile concrete pavement reflects interior tile floors, seamlessly connecting garden and house. "This garden epitomizes the true concept of indoor/outdoor living."

DESIGNER: Gary Orr, ORR Design Office, San Leandro/Sacramento (800/647-4781)