Lap of Luxury

Inspired by an east-Asian island resort, this three-sided, negative edge pool by DesRosiers Architects has a spa built flush to the water.

1. Inspired by an east-Asian island resort, this three-sided, negative edge pool by DesRosiers Architects (Bloomfield Hills; 248-642-7771) has a spa built flush to the water. The pool’s site was carefully chosen to take advantage of the home’s peninsula location and views of the rising and setting sun. The surrounding patio is made entirely of Idaho flagstone with Indiana limestone coping. // Photograph by George Dzahristos

2. In order to create a highly edited outdoor space that was in keeping with the existing home’s architecture, Environmental Artists (Clarkston; 248-625-3520) designed a poolside landscape that includes a white-cedar pergola, floating day bed, and a luxury cabana all while keeping the development current, classic, and both geometrically and aesthetically balanced. // Photograph Courtesy of Environmental Artists

3. At the center of this Asian-inspired courtyard by AguaFina Gardens International (Sylvan Lake; 248-738-0500), a hand-carved, natural-basalt water sculpture rises out of the tranquil reflecting pool. Hewn out of one piece of stone separated into three sections, the fountain is complemented by the surrounding antique Chinese pavers and black Asian stone from Indonesia. The courtyard also includes seating areas, authentic sculptures, and plantings, including espalier apple trees, specimen confers, and a large ginkgo tree transplanted from the owners’ previous home. // Photograph by George Dzahristos

4. With the push of a remote-control button, two retractable glass doors open this screened porch to the outdoors and unobstructed lake views. The eclectic mix of materials incorporated into this design by AZD Associates Architects (Bloomfield Hills; 248-540-6009) includes a ceiling made of exposed structural steel decking, as well as sheer drapery and a floor of massaranduba — a Brazilian redwood that requires no staining or maintenance. // Photograph by Carlson Productions

5.  With a rippling waterfall cascading over its stepped, iridescent glass tile wall, this dramatic water feature is seamlessly integrated into the home’s architecture and complemented by a bluestone-paved terrace. Designed by John Lindsay Mayer (Farmington; 248-615-1262), the patio was part of a total, inside-and-out home renovation. // Photograph by George Dzahristos

6. Mirroring the architectural trim lines present in the windows of this home, the patio — designed by Mosher & Associates (Birmingham; 248-391-3095) — uses methodically placed bleached stone with rich, green grass growing through the joints to amplify the connection between architecture and landscape. // Photograph by Lance Havelka