The Edge September/October 2025

CONQUERING CHALLENGES

Converting a Wooded Lot Into a Private Backyard Oasis By Jill Odom

LANDVISIONS, BASED IN TYLER, TEXAS, FACED A CHALLENGE WHEN THEIR clients requested a transformation of their small, wooded, and elevated lot into an entertainment space where they could host parties with numerous guests.

driveway. At the same time, they had to maintain owner access to the garage, further complicating the construction process. The limited equipment access further complicated the installation process. Landvisions faced several unsuccessful attempts at digging the pool before they built a temporary plywood wall. They had to run sump pumps 24 hours a day until the site was dry enough to dig without cave-ins. The restricted site access, tight deadlines and groundwater delays also caused the team to get creative with building the pool pavilion out of sequence. They had to construct the pavilion prior to the site drying and the gunite shell being completed. The pavil ion’s elevation to the pool added another complexity to the job sequencing. Excessive rainfall during the demo and initial construction phases increased the difficulty of the project as well. This proj ect spanned over two years from design to installation. However, by the end of the project, Landvisions exceeded their clients’ expectations. Now the space is a jewel for the family that loves to entertain and spend time outside. The company’s work also earned them a 2024 Bronze Award of Excellence. TE

games. Landvisions was able to successfully balance all the desired amenities with form, function and aesthetics. They achieved this by choosing compact ele ments that were still able to serve their intended use. The design team placed elements near each other to maximize the available space. This also allowed for interaction between the different spaces. The landscape has a cohesive transi tion from the home to the outdoor living area from the aesthetic to the architec ture of the house’s egress access. The design also provides a sense of permanence in the space. Landvisions collaborated closely with their clients throughout the entire process and estab lished a strong level of trust. During the installation phase, Landvi sions had a tight construction timeline. They started sitework in late winter and immediately faced issues with extreme amounts of groundwater runoff and unanticipated depths of sand. The clients’ traditional brick house in a suburban neighborhood had tight and limited access to the backyard, with only one way in and out through the

The clients had a comprehensive wish list of elements, and the combination was difficult to fit into the small yard. The project included a custom pool and spa, covered outdoor living space, outdoor kitchen and dining area, brick retaining walls, outdoor shower, artificial turf play lawn, irrigation system, outdoor lighting and plantings. All the while, Landvisions also had to work to preserve the existing mature trees. During the design phase, the team spent several months developing a site plan concept that could balance the cli ents’ wants while maintaining the integri ty of the existing space, respected the neighbors and left enough vegetation along the perimeter to provide privacy and screening. The Landvisions team worked diligent ly to create a space that reflected the clients’ personalities while developing functionality, comfort, and a strong connection to the site. The centerpiece of the design is a pool that features an infinity edge, creating an oasis feel. A broad lawn was included for playing badminton, cornhole or other

Photos: Ben Garrett Photography

30 The Edge // September/October 2025