Pool, Sport Court & Backyard Design–Build Project in Markham
Legancy-Markham
Project Overview
The Legacy Drive project was a complete backyard design–build completed on a compact residential lot in Markham. The goal was to create a multi-functional outdoor space that balanced recreation, relaxation, and visual appeal without overwhelming the property.
The final design integrates a swimming pool, half sport court, patios, planting, and sound-producing water features into a single, cohesive backyard environment.
Site Conditions and Constraints
The project site presented several constraints that shaped both design and execution:
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A relatively small backyard footprint
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Limited access through the front of the property
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Existing front landscaping that needed to be protected during construction
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Tight working conditions requiring small-access machinery
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The need to maintain a single, level backyard surface without exceeding edge elevations
A crane was required to place the fiberglass pool due to access limitations, and careful sequencing was used throughout the project to minimize disruption.
Before Pictures
Design Approach
From the outset, the design needed to accommodate both a pool and a sport court—two uses that compete for space on a smaller lot. The layout was refined through multiple iterations to ensure that circulation, safety, and visual balance were all addressed.
Key design principles included:
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Maintaining one primary backyard level for ease of movement
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Placing the pool and sport court parallel to support efficient circulation
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Using planting and material transitions to soften the relationship between active and passive zones
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Selecting finishes that support low maintenance and long-term durability
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Landscape Design-Build
Pool and Water Feature Integration
A new fiberglass swimming pool manufactured by Latham (approximately 30' × 14') was installed with a curvilinear form to soften the geometry of the space. The pool was finished with slate-gray Indian sandstone coping, providing a durable and visually consistent edge.
A raised water feature wall was constructed using Owen Sound tiger-stripe stone. A stainless-steel water feature with multi-colour lighting was integrated into the wall to introduce movement and sound, enhancing the atmosphere of the pool area without overpowering the space.
Pool equipment was positioned along the side of the house to keep the backyard clear and organized.
Sport Court Construction
A half sport court was built adjacent to the pool area to support casual play and basketball training. The court was constructed on a fully reinforced concrete pad to ensure it remains level and stable over time.
Court colours and surface selections were coordinated with the clients to balance performance with the overall aesthetic of the backyard. The placement of the court allows active use without interrupting circulation around the pool and patio areas.
Hardscape, Turf, and Materials
Patio areas and circulation zones were finished in slate-gray flagstone, creating visual continuity throughout the yard. Artificial turf was installed between the pool and the sport court, providing a soft, low-maintenance surface that supports lounging and informal use without the upkeep of natural grass.
Grades were adjusted carefully along the edges of the property to maintain a flat, usable yard while staying within allowable elevation limits.
Planting, Lighting, and Finishing
Planting was designed with low maintenance as a priority, combining new planting with enhancements to existing material. Grasses and structured plantings were used to frame the space without overcrowding it.
Landscape lighting was installed to support evening use of both the pool and sport court, providing safe navigation and extending the usability of the backyard after dark.
Materials and Detailing
Material selection was central to this project. Extremely large-format natural stone—approximately three inches thick and up to eleven or twelve feet long before cutting—was used throughout the space. These pieces were custom cut, finished, and installed to create a one-of-a-kind result.
Materials used included:
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Owen Sound flagstone for large-format surfaces and steps
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Onyx stone for feature walls
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Large-format porcelain pavers (approximately 40" × 16") in select areas
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Custom stone steps and coping designed for long-term durability
All stairs, coping, and transitions were built with precision cutting and finishing to ensure safety, performance, and visual consistency.
Final Outcome
Functionally, the backyard now supports multiple activities within a compact footprint. The clients can move easily between the sport court and pool, using each space as intended without compromise.
Visually, the finished project feels organized, balanced, and intentional. The combination of water, stone, planting, and recreation creates a backyard that is active yet relaxing—designed around how the space is actually used.
Services Featured in This Project
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Landscape Design–Build
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Planting & Softscape
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Landscape Lighting
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Hardscape Repairs
Project Location
This project was completed in:
{{link:Markham Landscaping}}
Discussing a Similar Project
Backyards that combine recreation and relaxation require careful planning, especially on smaller lots. This project demonstrates how thoughtful design–build coordination can successfully integrate multiple uses without overcrowding the space.
If you are considering a pool and sport court project, we encourage you to discuss layout and feasibility early in the planning process.
Final Outcome
Functionally, the project improved driveway performance, corrected settlement issues near the pool, and added usable outdoor space at the rear of the property. Circulation and transitions between grades were resolved cleanly.
Visually, the completed landscape presents a cohesive and balanced front elevation, with materials and planting working together to support the architecture of the home. The result is a refined, low-maintenance outdoor environment built to perform over time.
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Landscape Design–Build
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Planting & Softscape
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Landscape Lighting
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Hardscape Repairs
