Design Overview for Wrights Mill Pool Amenity Center

Design Overview for: Wright’s Mill Pool Amenity Center Madison, MS Problem: This +/- 220 home community was built in the mid-1990’s. The developer built a large pavilion near the center of the community, which caters mainly to young families. There have been numerous requests over the years to add a pool, both from residents and those looking for a new home. Solution: The Homeowner’s Association decided that 2011 was the time to raise money and build a welcoming, family-oriented pool facility to enjoy and to increase property values. They hired the landscape architect and requested something interesting that would separate their community from all the others. Design Elements: There is a restroom facility and a pool that includes a children’s shallow play area with geysers, chaise lounges in a raised shallow pool area with waterfalls into the pool, underwater benches and multiple sets of steps so neighbors can visit. The curves of the pool create interest but also provide spaces for residents to call their own. The restroom was designed to complement the existing pavilion and unify the stucco and stone used throughout the pool area. Challenges: The Homeowner’s Association overcame the obstacles of obtaining votes and working with neighbors who opposed the pool addition. The landscape architect was challenged with the following: 1 - How to create a “WOW” experience and stay within the $500, 000 all-inclusive budget. This was accomplished by using the more expensive materials judiciously and prioritizing elements that would yield the greatest visual impact. The Homeowner’s Association managed the construction which also saved significant money. 2 - How to deal with the significant slope behind the existing pavilion. A perimeter wall was constructed and fill material was imported to bring the pool elevation up to within 4. 5’ of the existing pavilion so there was a strong visual link between the two. 3 - How to deal views from the proposed pool facility toward the neighboring home. Planting was chosen that will grow to create a significant buffer between the pool area and the neighboring home. 4 - How not to infringe on neighborhood stormwater retention requirements associated with the site. Incorporating a retaining wall helped minimize impact on the detention area. A civil engineer provided calculations for permitting use. Result: The community has embraced the pool with open arms. Events are scheduled to unify the neighborhood, and the stage is set for this community to become even more sought after for years to come, yielding higher property values.

Role of the Landscape Architect for: Wright’s Mill Pool Amenity Center Madison, MS The landscape architect was charged with creating an exciting family oriented pool facility that would attract all ages of the community from the very young to more mature adults. The total project budget, including construction costs, fees and expenses was not to exceed $500, 000. Due to the existing pavilion having large stone columns and a cedar shake roof, it was up to the landscape architect to determine how to create a pool amenity and restroom facility that would complement the existing structure and not look like an addition while staying within budget. The community formed a Pool Committee to help gain community support and determine the elements that would be most beneficial to their community. Based on input obtained, the design was prepared and approved by the neighborhood residents and the Homeowner’s Association Board. The landscape architect and the President of the Homeowner’s Association interviewed multiple contractors to determine those we both felt were capable and experienced in building a facility of this magnitude. The landscape architect then distributed construction documents to bidders with a blank unit price schedule so we could obtain solid apples to apples bids. The Homeowner Association took it from there in selecting contractors, negotiating contracts and managing construction of the facility. The landscape architect visited the site periodically during construction to answer questions, review progress and make any modifications needed to accommodate field conditions.

Award Worthiness Factors for: Wright’s Mill Pool Amenity Center Madison, MS There were many challenges associated with this project (see Design Overview above) that the landscape architect was able to overcome, but it was really the attention to detail that set this project apart from most any other community amenity center in the area. The overall goal was to create a pool amenity center that tied in with the existing pavilion and provided fun, memorable experiences for the residents and guests to enjoy. One of the feature elements is the raised shallow tanning ledge. This element served multiple purposes as follows: 1. Creates a transition from the existing pavilion to the main pool deck elevation 2. Provides separation from one end of the pool to the other, providing a quiet area opposite the children’s play area. Both areas can be viewed from the raised terrace or from the pool coping near either end. 3. Provides an opportunity for pool chairs to be in the water, something different, enjoyable and memorable. 4. Provides an opportunity for waterfalls into the pool for a relaxing ambience, movement and visual interest. Beach chairs were used around the shallow children’s play area with geysers so residents can enjoy sitting in their chairs in the water there also. The pool finish was upgraded in all areas where pool furniture could be set in the pool for longevity purposes. And furniture was carefully selected to withstand the elements. The applicant feels that because the goals for the amenity center were met or exceeded, numerous challenges were overcome, multiple creative elements were introduced for visual impact on a limited budget, and the residents are so excited about the finished products, it is worthy of consideration for an award.

Slide Presentation for: Wright’s Mill Pool Amenity Center Madison, MS

Existing pavilion and steep slope View across back of pavilion toward neighbor’s home

View of neighbor’s home from future pool area Existing pavilion cedar and stone columns

Existing pavilion eave detail and cedar shake shingles New pool from pavilion at dusk

Trellis and raised planter focal feature Pool was welcomed by neighborhood

Shallow play area with geysers and chairs that may be pulled into water Raised sunning terrace with waterfalls into pool

View toward existing pavilion and new restroom facility Children and adults enjoying the pool

Fence and large growing plant materials in distance to buffer adjacent home Waterfalls at raised sunning terrace

Restroom facility from pavilion Restroom facility with cedar shake shingles and eave detailing to complement existing pavilion

Restroom eave detail to complement existing pavilion Spitting frogs at raised planter

Children’s play area with geysers Pool at dusk

Demolition Plan Site Plan

Staking Plan Grading Plan

Furnishings Plan Construction Details

Construction Details Planting and Lighting Plan

Plant Schedule and Details END