HORIZON HOUSE
Location: [San Jose, CA]
This San Jose backyard was a true blank slate — just an awkward patio and a dirt lot. But the vision was bold: create a sleek, modern outdoor living space centered around a pool, a custom-designed pool house, and plenty of room to gather, entertain, and grow into for years to come. Clean finishes, thoughtful details, and playful touches bring the design to life.
Modern Pool Meets Playful Design
At the heart of the yard is a sleek rectilinear pool featuring iridescent glass tile, a built-in spa, and a Baja shelf tanning ledge, all surrounded by low-maintenance artificial turf. A hidden automatic pool cover adds function without compromising the aesthetic.
Framing the pool is a mix of large-format Techo-Bloc pavers and thoughtfully placed turf inlays. This softens the hardscape and adds warmth. The turf brings a playful, casual touch while serving as a low-water, low-upkeep alternative to planting beds the clients didn’t want.
Pool House & Kitchen
We partnered with a local architect to design the custom pool house, ensuring it matched the clean, modern language of the yard. The structure includes a full bathroom, an entertainment lounge with a TV wall, and a dramatic overhang that shelters a U-shaped kitchen and bar.
The kitchen includes high-end appliances, bar seating, and a sculptural waterfall-edge granite counter. Non-slip porcelain pavers underfoot create a seamless, elevated surface that is both elegant and practical.
Hardscape Flow
The clients wanted flexibility, with space to host large groups, rearrange furniture, or just relax. Instead of paving the entire yard, we proposed mixing materials to avoid visual fatigue and add depth.
A custom inlay of contrasting pavers cuts across the space in an L-shape. It visually links the fire pit to the pool house and guides movement between zones. This small detail adds texture, structure, and personality.
Play, Privacy & Planting
A leftover corner near the house became a cozy fire pit lounge with views of the pool. We extended turf into the side yard for a flexible rec zone, perfect for soccer and outdoor play.
To enhance privacy, we planted a row of Indian Laurel columns along the back fence. These will mature into a lush green wall, but even now they provide softness and structure. Uplights at the base create dramatic visual impact after sunset.
Finishing Touches
Furnishings from Terra Outdoor were selected to match the architectural language of the space. Dining sets, lounge chairs, fire pit seating, and bar stools were chosen for comfort, durability, and visual harmony. Every piece adds warmth without disrupting the design’s clean lines.