Sheer descents on a wide open lot

New-build lots are often completely flat and completely bare, which is a harder starting point than a difficult slope. There is nothing for the pool to relate to.

The answer here was to build the enclosure rather than borrow it. A long stacked stone seat wall runs the length of the deck and gives the whole area a defined edge, with planting beds set into the base so the hard line softens as things fill in.

Three sheer descents run off a raised wall into the pool. On an open site the sound matters more than usual, because there is nothing else to hear. A raised spa with a tanning ledge sits at the near end, and the deck was kept generous so there is somewhere to be when the sun is high and there is not yet any shade.