Lake Geneva Sanctuary
Lake Geneva Sanctuary
- 2026 Landscape Illinois Gold Award Winner -
The client envisioned a pool and cabana area that would serve as a welcoming destination for large family gatherings at their summer home in Lake Geneva. With the property directly bordering the lake, a primary design objective was to position the pool in a way that fully capitalized on expansive lake views, allowing the water, horizon, and surrounding landscape to become integral parts of the experience. Achieving this vision required careful consideration of several site constraints. The design team needed to accommodate all of the client’s desired amenities while remaining compliant with strict side yard and lakefront setback requirements, as well as addressing the significant volume of stormwater that naturally moved across the twenty-two-acre property. To resolve these challenges, the team collaborated closely with a civil engineering consultant to develop a thoughtful and technically sound solution. The final design elevates the pool approximately four and a half feet above the existing grade and incorporates a coordinated system of retaining walls, terraces, and steps that provide seamless access to the pool and entertainment areas. This approach not only enhances usability and visual interest, but also strategically redirects stormwater around the space to protect the site and its features. A new planting plan was designed and installed to soften the architectural elements and visually tie the pool and cabana area into the surrounding mature landscape, ensuring the new construction feels cohesive with the character of the established property.