Key Takeaways:
We’re walking through how we created an organic-modern yard surrounded by water, and how each area, from the spa to the entertaining zones, was designed to be used. Keep reading to find out:
– How water wraps around the entire space to create movement, reflection, and a “floating” effect
– How stone and boulders became a focal point, from the walkways to the waterfall spa
– How we made this yard multi-functional for hosting big events and everyday use
This Isn’t Just A Yard. It Is An Experience.
You can step almost anywhere in this yard — and you’re surrounded by water.
From the moment you walk through these grand doors and into the backyard, you’re immersed in an organic-modern, floating yard.
Water wraps around the entire space, creating movement and reflection everywhere you look.
The walkways are designed to look like boulders emerging from the water, leading you through the yard in a way that feels sculptural and natural at the same time.
And each distinct area, from the floating daybeds to the cozy covered lounge area, gives the illusion that it’s hovering just above the surface.
This isn’t just a yard. palmera canyon
Keep scrolling to see how we took our client’s yard from an empty dirt yard and turned it into the ultimate organic, modern resort.
Ready to transform your yard? Click the button below to book a free design consultation call with our team to get started today.
The Impressive Entrance
The front yard of this home gives a glimpse of things to come. There are two water features flanking the driveway, ancient olive trees, and a large arch made with Jerusalem stone. The scale and organic modern style create a sense of tranquility — and it sets the tone for the entire property.
Taking Inspiration From The Interior
The architecture and design of the home inspired our team to create something that would flow from the interior to the exterior.
The home design is truly impressive — with a modern, minimal staircase and a zen-like atrium area in the middle of the house. Both of these features influenced the exterior with their style, but also their scale. And from inside the home, you don’t really know where the indoors and outdoors begin.
The Waterfall Spa
We wanted the view out into the yard to be dramatic, which is why we designed a focal feature that has oversized boulders and water coming out of it. It’s made with the same stonework you will see throughout the rest of the yard. And we added fire features to make this area even more impressive.
It instantly draws your eyes in and makes you want to relax in the spa. Just imagine sitting here with your family looking out to the backyard. It’s a truly incredible feature.
A Large Entertainment Area Built To Host Large Events
We created space for the entire family to gather. We specifically wanted to give our clients a large entertainment area so they can host large events, but also be a place they can use as a family every day.
Most of the time, we add bar stools — but because this is an organic, nature-inspired space, we added large swings instead. It’s something you don’t typically see in a backyard — you’d expect to see this type of design feature at a resort in Tulum or some other tropical boutique hotel location. But in this space, it really works to add a playful touch to the yard.
And there’s enough space for an oversized table that can sit 15–18 people. While the overall design of the yard is relatively minimal, it’s the scale of spaces like this dining area that make it feel immersive, instead of falling flat.
Dynamic Seating And Fire Features
We wanted our clients to be able to engage with their yard in a number of ways. That’s why we added a natural fire pit. It’s a space that feels cozy and separate from the rest of the yard, but it’s an area that people are naturally drawn to because of the sunken seating area.
Instead of adding a single fire feature to this area, we created space for multiple fire features. This gives people a chance to sit across from each other, have conversation, or just enjoy the fire.
But what makes this entire area even more dynamic is the addition of a swim-up area. Kids, or family members, can swim up and talk to the people sitting in the sunken seating area. They’re able to stay dry sitting here, but the kids can splash around in the pool — and it all still feels connected.
Zero-Edge Pool + Floating Daybeds
The pool is truly special. It has a zero-edge perimeter that comes right up to the grass. And it’s absolutely massive. The scale, plus the edging, adds understated drama to the whole yard.
Framing the pool, we added floating daybeds with an organic, wood design. They really set the tone in this yard and are oversized and so inviting. There’s a baja shelf, again, for this family to be able to enjoy spending time in this yard together.
Floating Walkway + A Sense Of Discovery
We wanted this yard to have a sense of discovery — so that it would feel like you’re experiencing something really interesting instead of just “hanging out in the backyard.”
We did this by adding organic stone that matches the rest of the yard, and the interior, and water features on either side. It gives the illusion that you’re walking on this floating pathway, with boulders coming up from the water.
Sports Court + Green Space
At the back of the property, we added a full-scale pickleball court / basketball court. Pickleball courts are one of the biggest requests we’re getting right now, but we gave our clients a sports court that can actually be used in multiple ways — not just for pickleball.
There’s also a full-scale soccer field. Even when it’s not being used, it feels luxurious to have just an expanse of green. It makes this feel like a private park.
What Makes This Yard Special
What makes this yard special is how immersive it feels. You’re surrounded by water and stone. And everywhere you look, there’s something to experience.
It’s organic, sculptural, and connected in a way that makes you forget where the house ends, and the yard begins.
If you’re ready to transform your yard into something unforgettable like this, click the link below to book a free design consultation with our team.
Every yard we design starts with one goal — to change the way you spend time at home. If you’re ready to create a space you’ll love living in, book your free consultation using the link below.
Not ready to makeover your yard? Check out the free resources we created below – to help you as you start planning your new outdoor space.
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This isn’t just a yard. It’s a private resort. In this video, the Foxterra Design team takes you inside one of our most ambitious projects yet: a luxury backyard with the full resort experience.
From a sunken seating area and floating daybeds to oversized stone boulders with water features, swings at the bar, and even a full pickleball and soccer court, every detail was designed to elevate outdoor living.
✨ In this tour, you’ll see how we:
-Transformed a dirt lot into a private resort-style escape
-Designed an organic-modern aesthetic that feels tranquil yet fun
-Incorporated multiple fire and water features throughout the yard
-Created spaces for both large gatherings and quiet family moments
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes this organic modern backyard feel like it’s floating?
A: We added water features, and fountains, plus boulder stepping stones coming out of the water. This creates the illusion that the entire yard is floating, because much of it is surrounded by water.
Q: What are the walkways designed to look like?
A: The walkways are designed to look like boulders emerging from the water, leading you through the yard in a way that feels sculptural and natural at the same time.
Q: What is the focal feature of the waterfall spa?
A: The waterfall spa is designed as a dramatic focal feature with oversized boulders and water coming out of it, using the same stonework found throughout the rest of the yard, with fire features added to make it even more impressive.
Q: How is the entertainment area designed for large events?
A: The yard includes a large entertainment area with swings at the bar instead of bar stools, plus an oversized table that can sit 15–18 people. Plus, plenty of open space to allow for hosting many people.
Q: What makes the sunken seating area dynamic?
A: The sunken seating area includes multiple fire features, plus a swim-up area so people in the pool can still talk with people staying dry in the seating area.
Q: What features are included for sports and open space?
A: The yard includes a full-scale pickleball court / basketball court and a full-scale soccer field, plus an expanse of green that makes the property feel like a private park.
Behind The Blog
Justin Fox
Founder & Creative Director
Founder Justin Fox grew up with a passion for landscaping. After 15+ years building luxury yards and pools as a licensed contractor, he saw the limits of the design/build model. Homes get detailed, architect-led plans, so why shouldn’t yards? In 2019 he convinced brother Nate Fox to join him and launched Foxterra Design to focus on immersive, luxury outdoor spaces.
Today, Foxterra creates resort-style residential environments for clients worldwide, pairing rigorous planning with bold imagination. Their work has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning, in Architectural Digest, and other leading design outlets.
In this post, Justin shares how an organic modern backyard surrounded by water can create movement, reflection, and a yard that feels more like an experience than a space.
Nate Fox
Designer
Nate Fox helps shape Foxterra’s creative vision, blending architectural detail with a designer’s eye for proportion and flow. His work redefines the backyard as an extension of modern luxury living.
In recent features, Nate’s perspective has been quoted across leading design publications, including Homes & Gardens and Luxury Pools + Outdoor Living, where he shares practical, design-forward guidance on everything from integrating sculptural moments and sightlines to creating “living wall” effects that soften hard architecture and make compact spaces feel more expansive.
In this blog, Nate breaks down how a yard that looks like it’s floating comes to life through stonework, boulder walkways, and water wrapping around the entire space.
