A Naturalistic Sanctuary Takes Shape in Lantana

A freeform shape alone doesn't achieve it — the materials do. When curves are defined by Buff Leuders stone with warm cream tones rather than sharp manufactured coping, and the interior glows with Peerless Pebble Regatta Blue plaster, the pool feels discovered rather than constructed. For the Quillin residence in Lantana, that philosophy extended to every detail. Stone veneer on raised beam walls, travertine decking with natural variation, and NPT ORN-Peacock tile at the waterline all reinforce nature as design language. The result is a space that photographs beautifully but, more importantly, feels right the moment you step into it.

A tiered spillway stages water's descent in visible layers rather than releasing it in a single sheet. In this project, the spa sits elevated on raised beam walls — two at twelve inches above grade, one at eighteen — and the spillway steps down through multiple tiers before reaching the pool surface. The effect is closer to a natural spring than a manufactured water feature. Beyond aesthetics, the tiered design adds acoustic richness. Each layer contributes a distinct sound, and together they create ambient water noise that makes the Quillin outdoor living space feel secluded even within Lantana's open-lot neighborhoods.

Lantana sits in Denton County, where clay-heavy soils and temperature swings between January freezes and July heat challenge exterior hardscaping. Travertine performs well here because its natural porosity lets moisture escape rather than accumulate — but installation method matters. Proper bedding, correct slope away from the pool, and sealed joints protect the surface through seasonal movement. For the Quillin project, travertine decking was paired with concrete pavers in zones where structural load or edge conditions required it. That combination delivers warmth and visual character of natural stone where it shows most, with engineered durability where it matters most.

They can — and this project demonstrates why. Three 18-inch LED sheer descents introduce movement and sound without reading as overtly modern features. By day, thin curtains of water catch sunlight and create texture on the pool surface. By night, LED illumination shifts the character entirely, turning the water features into luminous ribbons reflecting off the Regatta Blue plaster below. In the Quillin pool, the sheer descents complement the stone veneer and raised beam walls rather than compete with them. The result uses modern technology to amplify a naturalistic aesthetic — water as both feature and atmosphere, depending on the hour.

Each system targets a different challenge. The Del Ozone AOP system — combining ozone and UV — destroys chloramines and contaminants at the molecular level, addressing the compounds that cause eye irritation and chemical smell. The saltwater chlorine generator maintains residual sanitizer continuously, without requiring manual chlorine additions. Running both means the Quillin family spends less time managing water chemistry and more time enjoying the pool. Water stays cleaner with lower chemical demand, which matters over decades of use. For a family making a long-term investment in their outdoor living space, that operational simplicity is as meaningful as the design.