SubscribeSign In
Project posted by Laurie Rudd

Ballmont Lazy River Chase

View 10 Photos
Flowing for over 200 feet, the river passes fire pots and fire features, sunken spas, and multiple venues for outdoor gathering and relaxation. While infusing his internationally recognized expertise, Hughes was able to incorporate tremendous wow into the overall design as well as elegance and personality. The Mediterranean design style of the home and the personal preferences of the family were integrated within the 1.5-million-dollar project. The design provided ample space and bountiful experiences for family fun to a gathering of 500. Private relaxation was also addressed by incorporating a dedicated owner’s patio with lounge seating, spa and landscaped privacy.
Flowing for over 200 feet, the river passes fire pots and fire features, sunken spas, and multiple venues for outdoor gathering and relaxation. While infusing his internationally recognized expertise, Hughes was able to incorporate tremendous wow into the overall design as well as elegance and personality. The Mediterranean design style of the home and the personal preferences of the family were integrated within the 1.5-million-dollar project. The design provided ample space and bountiful experiences for family fun to a gathering of 500. Private relaxation was also addressed by incorporating a dedicated owner’s patio with lounge seating, spa and landscaped privacy.
From owner's suite across the pool is the outdoor living portico with fireplace, lounging and television. Fire pots guard the entrances to the pool and the lazy river
From owner's suite across the pool is the outdoor living portico with fireplace, lounging and television. Fire pots guard the entrances to the pool and the lazy river
Entry into the custom built oversized circular fire pit is by way of a walkway constructed of Belgard flagstone pavers. Loungers are able to take in views of the entire outdoor space.
Entry into the custom built oversized circular fire pit is by way of a walkway constructed of Belgard flagstone pavers. Loungers are able to take in views of the entire outdoor space.
The six-foot-wide river lined completely with pebble-finish glass tile and travertine edging was positioned to curve and wind around a sunken fire lounge, a stone spa grotto, along open vistas and beside multiple lounging areas.
The six-foot-wide river lined completely with pebble-finish glass tile and travertine edging was positioned to curve and wind around a sunken fire lounge, a stone spa grotto, along open vistas and beside multiple lounging areas.
“As soon as guests enter the front door, they are able to look out the rear windows down the center line of the pool,” says Hughes. “This view also provides a forced perspective taking them through to the island spa, splash pad and grotto,”
“As soon as guests enter the front door, they are able to look out the rear windows down the center line of the pool,” says Hughes. “This view also provides a forced perspective taking them through to the island spa, splash pad and grotto,”
Overhead of the pool and lazy river
Overhead of the pool and lazy river
A Great American Watrerfall Company rainfall feature adds fun to the lazy river's path. A custom built cypress pergola spans the river atop stone and concrete columns.
A Great American Watrerfall Company rainfall feature adds fun to the lazy river's path. A custom built cypress pergola spans the river atop stone and concrete columns.
A bridge connects the grotto island with the travertine patio adjacent to the home's game room.
A bridge connects the grotto island with the travertine patio adjacent to the home's game room.
A comfortable all weather wicker sectional by Patio Renaissance allows for ample seating in front of the Heat n Glo Palazzo fire place. The outdoor living room overlooks the pool.
A comfortable all weather wicker sectional by Patio Renaissance allows for ample seating in front of the Heat n Glo Palazzo fire place. The outdoor living room overlooks the pool.

Credits

Posted by

From Laurie Rudd


Ballmont Lazy River Project Narrative:

Gently Flowing Waters… Floating through elegant and resort-styled spaces.

A request from a Tampa family to replicate a favorite resort in their own backyard was answered by award-winning pool and outdoor space designer, Ryan Hughes in his signature “over the top” manner. Inspired by a 5-star resort, the Ballmont Lazy River project created streaming waters built to flow around and through an elegant and commercially appointed outdoor space literally outside the family’s back door.

Flowing for over 200 feet, the river passes fire pots and fire features, sunken spas, and multiple venues for outdoor gathering and relaxation. While infusing his internationally recognized expertise, Hughes was able to incorporate tremendous wow into the overall design as well as elegance and personality. The Mediterranean design style of the home and the personal preferences of the family were integrated within the 1.5-million-dollar project. The design provided ample space and bountiful experiences for family fun to a gathering of 500. Private relaxation was also addressed by incorporating a dedicated owner’s patio with lounge seating, spa and landscaped privacy.

“The homeowners envisioned an exciting and all-encompassing outdoor space much like what they had experienced during visits to a famed resort,” said Hughes. "They looked to our team to recreate this multi-faceted retreat in their own back yard allowing the relaxed atmosphere to welcome their guests and entertain their family.”

The plan began with establishing critical sight lines originating from within the opulent home and continuing to each defined area and major outdoor feature. Guests are able to capture the totality of this residential resort upon entering the home.

“As soon as guests enter the front door, they are able to look out the rear windows down the center line of the pool,” says Hughes. “This view also provides a forced perspective taking them through to the island spa, splash pad and grotto,”

The pool area and adjacent pairs of fire features were also the focal point for a sight line that commenced within the outdoor kitchen and dining area. The owner’s patio with a private spa, pergola and seating area was purposefully placed on a direct line from the curved terrace off the owner’s bedroom. This design style allowed Hughes to capitalize on the organized architecture of the home while adding an organic feel with the encircling river.

The six-foot-wide river lined completely with pebble-finish glass tile and travertine edging was positioned to curve and wind around a sunken fire lounge, along open vistas and beside multiple lounging areas. A wooden walking bridge connects the game room portico to the island created by the river. Multiple access steps are positioned for descending into the running river.

Created by state-of-the-art Riverflow Current Systems’ mechanics, the inner workings of the lazy river are anything but lazy. Through the engineering expertise of the Hughes team, the waters are able to flow at a relaxing speed to accommodate any number of guests. Each element that is incorporated into the design also is factored into the flow planning and allows for an undisturbed ride from beginning to end.

The island created by the river is completed with a sunken circular fire pit and a custom-built grotto with spa. A circular splash pad adds entertainment while the entire space is natural appointed with tropical plantings.

The uniquely shaped swimming pool that abuts the river is another resort-like element. Like the lazy river, the pool is completely dressed in hand cut glass tile from Mexico including decorative in-pool detailing. The entire pool deck features Harmony Stone – Aspendos Travertine tile. Robust fire pots line the edges of the elegantly designed swimming pool.

Resort seating styles complete the vacation ambiance desired by the homeowners. Deep seating, and bar seating from Patio Renaissance’s Catalina collection were positioned within the property’s lounge and dining areas. Additional pieces from Source Outdoor, Lloyd Flanders and Skyline Design were incorporated within the outdoor living design. featuring glass tile hand cut in Mexico.

Within the dining portico area, the outdoor kitchen features a Black Diamond grill by Fire Magic as the centerpiece. A television lounge for outdoor movies or sports is also conveniently placed near ample seating. After dark, entertainment and gathering are given an added glow thanks to pool and border lighting by Pal Lighting. The use of LED lighting creates a warmth and ambiance while tying the entire resort space together.

The ultimate flow of the resort styled lazy river allowed for a design connection between each area in the project. Just as with a string of pearls, each place along the way glistened with innovation and experiential style.

# # #