This outdoor El Paso space has it all. The owner originally purchased four separate lots, with the intention of putting houses on the end lots, while transforming the middle two into one of the most elaborate garden/patio areas in the Valley. With the second half of this plan still under construction, the patio section of this outdoor area is truly impressive. Designed by Mark Nash of Nash Gardens, the sum effect is a space that is peaceful, yet provides for the every comfort of the patio-goer. With an excellent view of the El Paso sunset to the west and the Franklin Mountains to the east adding to the features of the patio, it is a wonderful outdoor living area.
What is notable about this space is how well it has been designed to interact with the highs and lows of the environment. The aesthetic features, like waterfalls and reflection pools constantly cooperate with the amenities – hot tub, outdoor kitchen and fogging systems – to make this patio area both comfortable and eye-catching. Here are a few of the components that make this patio pop:
Fogging System: Heads imbedded in the stones in the pool and the rafters of the pergola emit fog, not mist. This keeps the temperature at about 75 degrees, even when it is over 100 outside. These work by keeping water under pressure and forcing it through a specially designed mist system nozzle. The droplets, emitted by the billions, are smaller than the size of a grain of salt, and when they evaporate, cause the air to cool.
Reflection Pool & Hot Tub: A complex system of hydraulics makes this elaborate water feature possible. An 8-foot-tall water fall spills into the hot tub, which pours into a recessed sitting area in the pool. The table and bench seats in the pool are made of stone. The other 50 percent of the infinity pool is only two inches deep, vanishing at the edge and returning to circulate through the process again.
Water Feature: The eight-foot-tall waterfall (far left in the photo) is a feat of hydraulic engineering. Water pours from the fall into the hot tub, which spills into the reflection pool, which spills into a series of drainage canals that pump water back to the top of the fall. Likewise, a separate Koi pond (on page 26) is fed by a smaller waterfall that is divided into three layers to create the relaxing sound of tumbling water and provide for a wider variety of landscaping effects.
Fireplaces: Two total. Gas flames spring from red volcanic rock serving both as an aesthetic element of the patio, but also a way to keep it warm in the winter.
Pergola: A series of wooden beams cover the patio, creating shade. In addition, the beams have fixtures that emit fog to drop the temperature and make the space more comfortable during the hot summer months.
Outdoor Kitchen: Complete with a Cal Flame grill, warming drawers and a slide-out cutting board.
Flora: Twenty-five trees and an array of flowers color the grounds, while offering shade and ambience.
Building Your Own? Keep In Mind:
According to Mark Nash, there are a few fundamental questions one must ask himself before building a patio.
1. Are you going to be able to enjoy your patio when it is 100 degrees outside?
Think about where trees, shade or even a Pergola can be added to cool off your back yard.
2. Will you enjoy it at night?
Most people enjoy their patios after hours. Lighting is as important as any other feature of the patio. For the most part your family, your invited guests and you will use the patio at dusk and after dark when it will be essential to have proper lighting.
3. Is your patio big enough?
Nash says that most people don’t build their patios big enough. On average, you will need 100 sq. feet more than expected.
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