Maximizing Space: Turning a Small Yard Into an Outdoor Oasis

Story at a glance:

• This compact Pennsylvania yard became a year-round retreat with a plunge pool, layered plantings and materials in harmony with the home.

• Tight site conditions required close coordination among the trades and collaborative problem-solving on the job site. 

• Strategic placement of plantings concealed electrical and plumbing equipment, keeping the small space tidy and the focus on the new features.

When designing in small spaces, every inch counts. That was the thought process for New Castle Lawn & Landscape when beginning a small lot project in Westlawn, Pa. Faced with a compact footprint and homeowners with specific goals for the space, the Birdsboro, Pa.-based firm, which offers both maintenance and design-build services, took the small space and transformed it into an outdoor oasis.

“The homeowner was looking to utilize a small space that had limited functionality and use during the time they had lived there," says Tyler Weisman, sales manager at New Castle Lawn & Landscape. "The design style was specific in the sense that the home is older and located in an older community with a distinct style. We wanted to give the small space its own unique feel while still complementing the rest of the property."

The centerpiece of the transformed outdoor space is a minimal, space-saving plunge pool from New Hampshire-based swimming pool contractor Soake Pools. Designed for year-round use, the 7-foot by 13-foot pool needed to be both functional and aesthetically appealing for the homeowners.

The pool manages to be both, featuring a built-in waterfall that cascades from the surrounding retaining wall. Additionally, all of the electrical and plumbing equipment is strategically hidden by thoughtfully placed plantings, which helps to keep the small space tidy.

Material selection played a major role in tying the project together. The gray pavers selected to surround the pool complement the bluestone originally on the home. Year-round plantings were added for playful pops of color and texture in the space. Additionally, larger trees near the back gate provide privacy for the main sitting area.

“The plants were selected to provide seasonal color. The pool is used year-round, so it was very important to the homeowner that the planting selection provided interest all year. We also chose plants that complemented the existing landscape on the property,” Weisman says.

However, coordinating these efforts was no small feat. With multiple tradesmen working in the narrow space at one time, communication and pre-planning were necessary in order to ensure the project was completed correctly and efficiently.

“We had to have great communication with all parties to make sure tasks did not overlap, stay aligned on timelines and delays, and ensure that everyone had the proper space to complete their project role,” Weisman says. “We addressed grading and potential issues due to the size of the space in advance, but also encountered roadblocks during the install, which we problem-solved in the moment as a team.”