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