Thom Blumenkamp | Texas Pools

Room with a view

Capped in the same Mill Valley flagstone used on the top bands of the water wall and atop the catch basin, the fire feature was purposely designed at a lower height and with a smaller top edge. “This was done [for safety] to discourage people from sitting on the fire pit wall,” Blumenkamp says.

Complementing the fire pit’s flames, four 100-watt lights were installed on the basin floor. They cast a gentle glow on the wall without being overpowering.

To offset the courtyard wall’s visual weight, Blumenkamp turned to Moss Landscaping in Houston, to provide a “light” touch with dwarf plants and other accessories. For example, in the eating area, which is anchored by flagstone pads and low-maintenance artificial turf, the landscapers added a wrought-iron structure that supports climbing grape vines. “The arbor is open and airy,” Blumenkamp says. “It’s much lighter than a wooden structure.”