Photo courtesy Tumber & Associates
Project 4: A noisy, windy hilltop
This century-old redbrick farmhouse, located on an open, windy hill, lacked privacy from adjacent farmers' fields and was visible from and within down-wind earshot of a main highway. A relaxing after-hours oasis for this business couple was established with a small 3.6- x 7.3-m (12- x 24-ft) fibreglass plunge pool, with a 'sun shelf' to lounge and custom, remote-controlled swim jets for exercising.
Sheltered from the winter winds, a nearby 'self-cleaning' hot tub and poolside fire pit add romance, while a cabana entertaining area with custom natural stone barbecue island and quiet glassed-in tea house create a destination for relaxation. For authentic and appropriate design continuity, random natural stone, with period correct 'sandbagged' mortar joints, was used as the finish for the cabana, to match the foundation of the nearby century-old barn. Existing old-growth walnut and maple trees were protected and added to during construction to make use of their cooling shade. Custom-forged, wrought-iron fencing and large spruce and pine completed the project, serving as wind and sound buffers while creating privacy.
