Lil Dipper

Fine art and pool floaties rarely go hand in hand, but that is exactly what a dedicated Seattle art collector had in mind when reaching out to Best Practice Architecture to reinvigorate his front yard with a new, modest-sized pool. Framed by a laurel hedge and bamboo forest, the large grassy lawn lacked a casual place for the collector to splash around with his grandkids on a warm day. He also saw an opportunity to curate a personal sculpture park—an outdoor oasis that celebrates the intersection of art and architecture. Featuring commissioned work from revered artists including Jim Melchert, Mungo Thomson, and Jeffry Mitchell, the completed project exemplifies a true collaboration between designer, owner, and artists. Prior to founding Best Practice, Architect Ian Butcher was on the original E. Cobb Architects design team for the property’s existing home. Knowing the home’s history and having worked with its new owner on various projects over the years, Butcher and the Best Practice team developed a concept that would enhance the existing site’s celebrated design.

From the start, it was known that art would play a substantial role in the project, and once Best Practice developed its schematic design, the collector began engaging with artists. Work was selected to highlight certain features of the yard. Most notably, a custom tile installation by the late Jim Melchert and his grandson Galen Melchert titled, “Liquid Center.” Lining the bottom and one side of the new pool, Melchert’s work masterfully mimics the illusion of wavering swim lines when viewed from the water’s surface, transforming the simple, rectangular pool into an engaging work of art.

Adjacent to the pool, Best Practice lowered a grassy area to match the elevation of the house and its connecting patio, a grade change that created a long concrete bench at the pool’s edge. A second bench at the southwest corner completes the perimeter of seating, making the lowered yard an inviting place for outdoor ping pong tournaments—a favorite amongst the owner’s grandkids. To strengthen the connection between indoors and out, Best Practice added a new glass door between the kitchen and the patio, allowing for captivating views of Lake Washington on one side and the patio and pool on the other.