Spotlight of the Month: Celebrating the Summer Solstice with a Stylish Splash

Photos by Chang Kyun Kim

Spotlight of the Month: Celebrating the Summer Solstice with a Stylish Splash

by Sweiskloss
June 19, 2025

With the official start of summer this Friday, there’s no better time to highlight the timeless Bel Air pool and pool house SweisKloss created for this Paul Williams designed home. The homeowner wanted us to design and construct a complete renovation to the exterior landscape and hardscape, a new pool, and a new pool house and pergola to replace the one from a prior remodel. Our biggest challenge was immediately replacing the rear deteriorating retaining wall and the 20’ tall Ficus hedge to regain privacy on the site. Also challenging was the upward slope of the outdoor spaces and the lack of an architectural relationship, flow or view, from the pool house to the main home.

There were four specific elements that drove the design: staying true to Paul Williams’ architecture, outdoor living, the utilization of natural light, and maintaining privacy.

To allow the property to flow we designed the pool and pool house to parallel the main residence, letting the angle of the back property-line disappear into the landscaping behind the pool house. The pool house completely opens up to the pool and pergola areas creating a dramatic space for entertaining and outdoor dining.

Taking the party inside, the pool house features a wet bar, dining area, TV and living space. Appliances include a La Marzocco espresso machine, Sub-Zero wine storage, Sub-Zero ice maker, Sub-Zero refrigerator / freezer and Bosch dishwasher, all ensuring the perfect party.

When not opened up, the pool house serves as a space of solitude. A neutral palette of paints and fabrics with names like Dove, White Sands, and Sea Salt create a calming environment. Pillows with patterns and textures provide accents of sage and lavender, and wood pieces add depth and aesthetic appeal. McKinnon & Harris and Baker furniture provide casual and timeless pieces including oval ottomans, dining bench, plush sofas, and swivel and club chairs.

Members of our team of professionals included Tirschwell and Co. for architectural lighting, Benner Landscape Design, and architectural consultant Diane Hardie.