Curved in-ground pool with a raised planted border of ornamental grasses, bordered by a bluestone patio with lounge seating and market umbrellas

A Curved Approach

This Kennett Square property centers on a view worth building around, especially the sunset. The clients wanted a custom pool that felt like it belonged to the landscape, not bolted onto it, positioned to make the most of the open views across the property.

Grade change gave the design its signature move. Rather than a standard stairway between the pool level and the lower-level bonus space, floating concrete steps handle the circulation while becoming a sculptural feature in their own right, practical and striking at once.

Location

Kennett Square,
Pennsylvania

Design/Install

GreenRoots
Design Firm

Awards

APLD
Bronze Award

Photography

Mark Rutt
Creative

Modern floating concrete steps ascending a mulched hillside planted with ferns, connecting a lower patio to the home above
Poolside lounge area at dusk with a lit fire table, cantilever umbrella, and cushioned seating reflected in the pool

The Project Brief

  • Custom pool designed as an integrated part of the landscape
  • Positioned to maximize property views, especially the sunset
  • Floating concrete steps connecting the pool level to the lower bonus space
  • Circulation designed as sculpture, not just function
  • Contemporary, sophisticated forms balanced with surrounding greenery
  • A retreat built for both everyday relaxation and entertaining
Lounge seating around a lit gas fire pit beside the pool at golden hour, with fresh wildflowers on the side table

The Experience

The curve is the signature move. The pool sweeps in a broad arc rather than a straight line, and the concrete retaining wall follows that same line right along with it, softening what could have been a hard, utilitarian edge into something that feels intentional against the surrounding plantings.

The upper patio does double duty: a fire pit and lounge seating create a gathering spot right off the house, while a separate dining and lounge area sits just beyond it, giving the space room for both quiet evenings and entertaining without either competing for the same square footage. Whether it's a swim at dusk or an evening around the fire, the property was designed so every part of it gets used.

Close-up of the concrete pool deck's river-stone control joints, with the pool and lounge area beyond
Wood pool-safety gate with wire mesh fencing, framed by flowering perennial beds along the concrete walkway

A grade change isn't an obstacle. It's a chance to make circulation feel like sculpture.

Aerial dusk view of a backyard pool and lit fire pit lounge, with a dining patio and lounge chairs framed by curved planted borders