Pool & Backyard Design–Build Project in Aurora

Aurora Central

Project Overview

The Aurora Central project was a complete backyard design–build focused on creating a highly usable, cohesive outdoor space centred around a swimming pool. The scope included a concrete pool finished in large-format porcelain tile, surrounding patio surfaces, planting, a golf putting green, an outdoor kitchen with a roofed pergola, and integrated water and lighting features.

The project was approached as a full transformation of an existing multi-level backyard into a simplified, one-level outdoor environment designed for everyday use, entertaining, and exercise.

Site Conditions and Constraints

The existing backyard reflected typical late-1980s to early-1990s landscape design, with multiple landings, steps, and retaining walls creating a tiered and segmented space. Walking out of the house involved moving across several levels before reaching the yard, which limited usability and flow.

Key site considerations included:

Multiple existing elevations and landings
A desire to reduce visual and physical barriers created by walls
The need to integrate a pool at a comfortable, accessible level
Tree removal to support the new layout
Coordination with an existing pool enclosure that met current requirements

The goal from the outset was to simplify the backyard into one primary plane while managing grade changes at the edges of the property.

Before Pictures

Design Approach

The design focused on creating a single, expansive level for the main backyard, with retaining walls placed strategically along the perimeter to manage grade transitions without breaking up the usable space. This allowed the pool, patio, outdoor kitchen, and recreation areas to function as one connected environment.

A concrete swimming pool was designed as a four-foot-deep, multi-purpose pool—comfortable for social use while also suitable for low-impact exercise and movement. Large-format porcelain tile was used for both the pool finish and the surrounding patio surfaces, creating a seamless visual and physical transition between water and hardscape.

Additional design elements included:

A roofed pergola covering the outdoor kitchen to extend seasonal use
A golf putting green integrated into the landscape for recreation
A water feature incorporated into the pool for movement and sound
Planting selected to support a relaxed, coastal-inspired atmosphere without visual clutter

Landscape Design-Build

Construction and Execution

Construction began in early 2024, starting in March. Existing landscape elements and tree material were removed to allow for regrading and pool construction. Retaining walls were built along the edges of the property to establish a single primary level across the backyard.

The concrete pool was constructed and finished in large-format porcelain tile, requiring close coordination between the pool shell, waterproofing, and surrounding patio installation. Special attention was given to sequencing so that finishes aligned cleanly across surfaces.

Unlike many pool projects, the existing pool enclosure met requirements and provided sufficient access for equipment. This eliminated the need for temporary fencing or enclosure reconstruction, allowing work to proceed more efficiently.

Required approvals and coordination included:

Pool enclosure permit
Road occupancy permit
Utility locates
Pool permit application

These steps were handled as part of the overall project coordination.

As is standard practice on projects involving deep excavation near pool walls, final compaction adjacent to the pool shell is managed carefully to avoid structural risk. Minor settlement occurred in limited areas due to excavation depth, and touch-ups were completed during scheduled follow-up visits to maintain clean finishes.

Final Outcome

Functionally, the backyard was transformed into a single-level outdoor environment that is easy to move through, easy to use, and well suited to both everyday living and entertaining. The pool, patio, kitchen, and recreation areas now work together as one continuous space.

Visually, the completed project presents a calm, cohesive outdoor setting where materials, elevations, and features are aligned. The result is a backyard designed to feel open, comfortable, and intentional, without unnecessary complexity.

Aerial view of Aurora Central backyard showing pool, porcelain patio, planting and putting green

Services Featured in This Project

Landscape Design–Build
Planting & Softscape
Landscape Lighting
Concrete Pools

Project Location

This project was completed in:

Discussing a Similar Project

Every property presents its own conditions and constraints. While this project reflects one specific site and set of goals, the approach—simplifying levels, planning early, and coordinating construction carefully—applies to many backyard projects.

If you are considering a pool or backyard transformation and want to discuss feasibility or approach, we encourage you to reach out early in the planning process.