Matarazzo Residence

Designer Comments

This backyard transformation began with frustration. The homeowner had a clear vision for her ideal outdoor living space, but when she contacted the Township, she was informed that her property was already over the allowable impervious coverage limit. This meant that no additional features could be added to the property as it stood. After calling multiple companies across the Lehigh Valley to explain her situation, she was met with even more frustration and no one seemed equipped to solve the comprehensive issue. The Township required that approximately 1,000 square feet be reclaimed before any new features could be approved. Each company she contacted offered partial solutions based only on their specific services, but none addressed the bigger picture. Experiencing nearly 2 years of roadblocks, the family discovered MasterPLAN and decided to start the conversation anew. This time, everything changed.

We took the time to truly listen to their challenges and conducted a deep review of the property’s impervious coverage, setbacks, and overall ordinance restrictions. While it was confirmed that the property exceeded the allowable coverage by roughly 1,000 square feet, that didn’t mean the vision had to be abandoned. We immediately reached out to the Township to collaborate on a path forward and then we began exploring what could be reclaimed from the existing property to make room for a new deck, patio, and inground swimming pool.

Through careful analysis, we determined that trimming just six inches from each side of the driveway and removing a single-car parking extension would reclaim the necessary square footage to build their dream backyard! This adjustment opened the door to design a space that was both compliant and beautifully functional. During the design phase, it would have been easy to create a simple deck and a small rectangular pool surrounded by the minimum concrete border, but that approach wouldn’t have inspired anyone to fall in love with the space. Instead, this family chose to invest in thoughtful design, ensuring every detail worked in harmony with their lifestyle and vision.

The new deck was carefully sized to include a formal dining table, a bar and serving station with additional seating, and enough room for a few flexible lounging options. A glass railing was a non-negotiable feature!  The homeowners wanted clear sightlines to the pool so they could easily watch their children play while maintaining an open, elegant look. The existing retractable awning from the previous homeowners was still in great condition, so we integrated it seamlessly into the new design, avoiding the need for additional shade solutions. A side staircase leads directly to the driveway and fence gate for easy access, while the main staircase, designed slightly wider, accommodates high foot traffic and connects to the pool patio below. The side staircase was strategically tucked close to the deck to stay unobtrusive, and the front of the deck features a cantilevered curve that adds visual interest and a few extra square feet for comfort. LED lighting was installed along the railing posts and on every other deck step, enhancing both safety and ambiance after dark.

The main staircase leads to the new stamped concrete pool patio. The homeowners selected a tan, textured slateskin finish that complements the home’s exterior siding while offering a natural, sophisticated look. Thoughtfully placed control joints allow any minor cracking to follow the stamped pattern rather than occurring randomly, ensuring long-term durability. The patio was sized efficiently to provide space for lounge chairs without exceeding the available impervious area, striking a perfect balance between beauty and practicality.

At the heart of the design sits a Double Roman–edged vinyl liner pool, a long-held dream for the family. The pool’s curved corners and scroll-like edges create a distinctive, timeless look. As a young, active family, a diving board was a must-have, which required the deep end to be constructed at eight feet to meet safety code. To keep the pool area peaceful, all mechanical equipment was placed behind a low-maintenance, white vinyl privacy fence at the side of the home. This enclosure also hides the home’s air conditioning units and serves as a dedicated utility zone. The family wanted their pool to be heated but preferred not to tap into the home’s natural gas line due to the distance and cost. Instead, we designed a more efficient solution by installing a buried propane tank at the front corner of the property, creating a shorter and more cost-effective connection. Just beyond the pool, a linear bed of Delaware stone replaces traditional mulch for easier maintenance and a clean, contemporary look, while providing room for planters and seasonal color.

The backyard’s existing fence originally cut off nearly half of the green space, which would force the children to play outside of the fenced swimming pool area. To make the yard more functional and family-friendly, we relocated the side panels to align with the property’s setback, expanding the usable lawn space while maintaining safety. New fence sections were custom-matched to the existing panels for a seamless, unified appearance. This change allowed the family to set up soccer goals and other play equipment inside the fenced yard, keeping everyone together in one adaptable space.

To bring the entire project together, we designed a minimalistic landscape plan that includes a mix of perennials and evergreens for year-round texture and color. A landscape lighting system was installed to highlight the new features and create a warm, welcoming glow at night. We also refreshed the front yard landscaping and lighting to complement the backyard’s new look, ensuring the home felt balanced and complete from every angle.

What began as a process filled with frustration, restrictions, and setbacks evolved into a beautiful, functional, and fully compliant outdoor living environment that the entire family can enjoy for years to come. With the right partner and a collaborative, solution-driven design process, even the most challenging projects can be transformed into the outdoor spaces of your dreams.

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