Luxury meets outdoor living in this seamless home expansion and pool paradise.

Story by Ann Butenas / Photography by Matt Kocourek

Creating the Ultimate Backyard Retreat: A Collaborative Vision

When it comes to transforming an ordinary backyard into a resort-worthy retreat, the collaboration between skilled professionals can make all the difference. Such was the case in a recent Leawood project where Banks Pool and Spa Design joined forces with Jones Homes to create an outdoor paradise that seamlessly extends the homeowners’ living space.

“We took our architect’s (NSPJ Architects) plan and refined it to fit the specific dimensions and features requested for the space,” explained Hoyt Banks, owner of Banks Pool and Spa Design. “The project included about everything possible and is perhaps the largest I have ever constructed with countless intricate details.”

At the heart of this transformation lies a stunning 20’ x 50’ gunite pool with an automatic cover. Banks, who exclusively designs gunite/shotcrete pools, worked closely with NSPJ to evolve the original concept into something truly extraordinary.

Immersive Water Features and Modern Technology

The pool itself is a technological marvel, featuring a saltwater system and a 400K natural gas heater. A large spa sits in the geometric center, creating a natural flow with overflows to the pool for bather surge and an elegant waterfall effect.

What makes this aquatic oasis truly spectacular are its carefully designed water elements:

A large rectilinear arch extending over the spa, featuring an LED rain curtain waterfall that drops eight feet to the pool below.
Two 18-inch-high columns topped with fire bowls, each with one-foot sheer descent waterfalls flowing beneath.
A bubbler on the sun ledge providing gentle water movement.

The homeowners enjoy complete control through the Pentair Intellicenter automation system, allowing them to manage all pool features from anywhere, whether they’re relaxing on the patio or traveling across the country. The comprehensive lighting design transforms their evenings into enchanting experiences, with underwater lights dancing beneath the surface while undercap illumination in all benches and steps traces pathways through the water. As darkness falls, the surrounding landscape lighting awakens, creating a magical sanctuary where they can unwind after long workdays or entertain friends beneath a canopy of stars. In essence, they have created their own private oasis designed specifically for the way they live.

Thoughtful Zoning Creates Multiple Destinations

Rather than designing a single open space, the property was divided into distinct functional areas:

“We created a courtyard with a tile rug and water feature inspired by Syrian architectural elements,” Banks indicated. “A small outdoor kitchen area sits beneath a new cantilevered and vaulted roof structure. Symmetrical focal points anchor both ends of the pool with concrete diamonds and astroturf, while a dedicated firepit area uses diamond and border cuts in the deck to create a tile-like appearance. The spa area features surrounding bench seating for relaxation.”

For materials, the team selected concrete, astroturf, and decorative tile with historical influences, complemented by extensive reclaimed brick patio areas. Integrated drainstrips address water management concerns, ensuring the beautiful hardscape remains functional through various weather conditions.

The Architectural Integration

Brandon Jones, owner of Jones Homes, played a crucial role in creating a cohesive connection between the new outdoor spaces and the existing home.

“While our team installs the pools, Jones Homes handles all the vertical structures,” Banks explained, highlighting the complementary nature of their partnership.

Due to Leawood’s regulations prohibiting detached structures, Jones faced the challenge of designing an addition that appeared original to the property. The result is a sophisticated, climate-controlled flex space housing a fifth garage while also featuring a kitchenette and full bathroom.

“The courtyard area emerged from adding a new garage, vestibule, and bathroom onto the existing home,” Jones elaborated. “This was a very smooth project and the clients were fantastic,” he added, underscoring the importance of strong client relationships in bringing ambitious visions to life.

The project also involved revitalizing an existing sunroom. “We replaced the original grill with a fireplace and significantly refined the overall aesthetic,” noted Banks. The brick floor remains as a nod to the space’s original character, while new fans and lighting fixtures bring a fresh appeal.

Outdoor Kitchen and Entertainment Spaces

Between the gazebo and the new addition lies an impressive U-shaped courtyard featuring an outdoor kitchen beneath an overhead structure collaboratively designed by the architect, Banks, the client, and Jones Homes. This gathering space fulfills the homeowners’ vision for an outdoor cooking area where they can prepare meals while staying connected with family and friends. This thoughtfully designed kitchen has become the centerpiece of their outdoor entertaining, exactly what they had hoped for when planning the space.

“Though the kitchen layout is straightforward with a grill and refrigerator as key appliances, we incorporated a sophisticated vaulted roof and tile backsplash,” Banks described. “The arches in the kitchen area draw inspiration from historical Syrian architecture.”

Hardscape benches and designated areas for specific furniture ensure ample seating throughout the space, creating ideal conditions for entertaining.

A One-of-a-Kind Slide Feature

One of the most striking elements is a custom 15-foot slide thoughtfully integrated into the landscape. “We built the slide into a hillside created with retaining walls and planter spaces,” Banks explained. “It faces the house and is constructed using CMU with natural stone veneer, creating both a visual anchor and a playful functional element.”

An elaborate retaining wall and carefully designed planter areas flank a concrete staircase leading to the top of the slide, demonstrating how the landscape was precisely sculpted to accommodate this feature.

The Seamless Transformation

The project required significant modifications to the existing property, including the demolition of considerable hardscape to create the courtyard and dining areas while connecting the new features to the existing sunroom.

The result is a backyard that feels organically integrated, a harmonious blend of sophisticated architecture, refreshing water elements, and inviting gathering spaces that together create the ultimate outdoor living experience.

Through meticulous design choices and expert execution, this collaboration delivered a backyard paradise that transforms everyday living into a luxury experience, where the homeowners can truly dream, dwell, and delight in their personal resort retreat.