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Eliminated the existing retaining wall in front of the poolRemoved the raised chipping green in front of the poolEliminated the retaining wall in front of the putting greenRemoved the existing steps on the left side of the house (rear view)Regraded the entire back section to simplify elevation transitions
Reduce visual clutter from stacked retaining wallsMinimize unnecessary steps throughout the yardSimplify structural requirementsImprove long-term cost efficiencyCreate a more cohesive, intentional grading strategy
The pool cannot safely sit eight feet above gradeThe catch basin now acts as the primary retaining structurePlanters on either side help retain adjacent gradeThe retaining system wraps toward the cabana to form a controlled stair transition up to the pool deck and back down toward the dockThis approach significantly reduces the footprint compared to the previous large oval patio concept
The yard now slopes naturally toward the dockMore steps are required on the dock side due to lower gradeFewer steps are required toward the houseStair widths were reduced to control costPlanters break up stair runs and frame transitionsEntry points are accented with large potted plant groupings
Freeform walkways respond better to the diagonal bulkhead geometryThe layout avoids forced symmetry that conflicted with the dock alignmentSmaller lawn pockets can remain natural grass or convert to artificial turfLandscaping helps soften grade transitions and tie spaces together
Perspective rendering reflects design intent but final elevations need confirmationUpdated spot elevations will be taken on-site before finalizing structural details
Review and provide feedback on overall directionConfirm comfort level with grading strategySchedule a follow-up meeting or callConduct updated elevation verification at the site
The pool size, infinity edge length, spa size, and overall paver area remained very close to the original budget.The largest area of change occurred with the pergola and cabana structures. This is primarily due to:Aligning the structures with the pool geometryAdding a rain curtain to the pergolaDesigning the cabana as an attached structure rather than a freestanding structureThe spa shape will require glass tile due to its curved geometry, which represents an increase compared to a large-format tile allowance.Retaining walls and steps will require additional measurement and takeoff to fully understand how they compare.There were also scope adjustments:(2) rain curtains instead of (1)(4) fire bowls removed and replaced with (2) linear fire features at the infinity edge(4) deck jets shown versus (5) in the original budget
Front Property Line - 25'Side Property Lines - 7.5'Rear Property Line - 10'Corner Side Property Line - 10'35' or no taller than the height of the primary structure if attaching structureSide Property Lines - 5'Rear Property Line - 5'
Midday to late afternoon (approximately 1 pm - 6 pm)West and southwest sun create the most heatSummer months intensify afternoon exposureUnshaded seating becomes uncomfortable quicklyOverhead shade - cabanas, pergolas, treesBlocking south and southwest sunAire movement - fans and breezesCovered spaces for rain protectionLighting to extend evening use
Design Process
Below is the design process for your outdoor design.
This page outlines how we approach the design of your outdoor space, from initial layout concepts to final renderings. This process allows us to explore ideas thoughtfully before committing to details.
Design Waivers
Scope of Work Waiver: The design presented is conceptual in nature and does not define the final scope of work. Refer to your approved invoice on Buildertrend for a complete and accurate description of your included scope of work. Features or elements depicted in the design that are not specifically included in the approved invoice are not part of the contracted scope, regardless of their appearance in renderings or drawings.
Color and Selection Waiver: The drawings' materials and colors are for conceptual purposes only and may not represent your final selections. The Material and Color Selection Finalization Form takes priority over any shown materials or colors. Please note that actual colors may vary from what is seen on monitors or when printed.
Landscape Waiver: Any landscaping depicted on renderings is for conceptual purposes only. Landscape plan will verify specific plant species and sizes.
Survey Waiver: The design presented is based on the survey information provided by the client. Tree locations, topography, and other site-specific details are subject to verification and may require adjustments to ensure accuracy in implementation. Any discrepancies in the survey data could impact final design elements.
Special Features Waiver: Depictions of special features such as water and fire features are for conceptual purposes only. The velocity and volume of the water or fire will vary.
Engineering Waiver: Structural elements depicted on renderings are for conceptual purposes only. Engineering takes precedence over the size, location, and products used for structural masonry, wood framing, roofing, floors, etc.
We offer this proposal, including all original concepts and designs, with the agreement that you will not share them publicly, on social media, or with outside contractors without the permission of Pratt Guys. We do encourage you to share the site internally with your family and friends and build excitement for your project!
CURRENT
Last Updated on 2-25-26
Design Update
What Changed in This Revision
Why We Made These Changes
New Retaining & Structural Strategy
Stair & Circulation Adjustments
Lower Yard Design Approach
What Is Still Conceptual
Next Steps
Layout
Perspective
ARCHIVE
Last Updated on 1-24-26
Budget Alignment Notes (Across Both Options)
Across both options, we made a conscious effort to stay aligned with the approved budget where possible. A full takeoff will ultimately determine how individual line items compare, but at a high level:
Once a preferred option is identified, we can complete a detailed takeoff to confirm how each component compares.
Option 1 – Classic Framed Attached Cabana (More Symmetrical / Traditional)
This option explores a Classic Framed Cabana that emphasizes symmetry, balance, and a strong architectural presence. The structure is fully integrated with the pool layout and framed by perimeter columns that create a clear, intentional rhythm across the space.
To maintain that symmetry, the pool-side columns are positioned at the corners, with a centered column introduced to anchor the composition. That decision required the structure to extend wider overall in order to keep equal spacing and visual balance.
Because this is an attached structure aligned with the pool, it ended up larger than the cabana assumed in the original budget. The symmetry and framing decisions did increase the footprint further, resulting in a structure that is approximately twice the size of the original budgeted cabana and larger overall than Option 2.
One consideration with this option is that the column closest to the house is positioned in front of the kitchen window. A rendering is included showing the view from inside the kitchen. While the column is visible, it does not feel visually heavy or obstructive, and we do not view this condition as a deal breaker — but it is something we want you to evaluate directly.
Option 2 – Cantilevered Attached Cabana (Lighter / More Open)
This option explores a cantilevered attached cabana where the pool-side structure is simplified and the posts are pulled back from the pool edge. While posts remain visible from the house due to natural perspective, this approach does open the view more than Option 1.
This structure eliminates one of the pool-side posts and removes the need to widen the structure purely for symmetry. As a result, the overall footprint is reduced compared to Option 1.
In relative terms, this option is approximately 75% larger than the structure assumed in the original budget, compared to roughly 100% for Option 1.
This option also illustrates an upgrade possibility of large, rain-proof skylights integrated into the roof to bring additional natural light beneath the structure. This skylight concept is not exclusive to this option and could be applied to either structure if desired.
Feasibility Study
Based on zoning and setback requirements, the proposed design approach is feasible within current regulations, with flexibility for pool placement, cabanas, and outdoor structures.
Address: 1626 Mandarin Manor Jacksonville, FL 32223
Neighborhood: N/A
County: Duval
Zone Type: Lots 13,14
Primary Structure Setbacks:
Max Height for Primary Setbacks:
Accessory Structure Setbacks:
Max Height for Accessory Structures: 15'
Max Lot Coverage by Buildings: 25%
Max Impervious Surface Ratio: 35%
Shade Study
When Outdoor Areas Are Most Uncomfortable
Design Strategies That Improve Comfort
Initial Site Layout
Conceptual Site Layouts
Concept #1
Concept #1.1
Concept #2
Fire Feature Inspiration
Next Steps
• Review and discuss overall layout direction. The layout above illustrates overall spatial relationships, circulation, and program zones rather than final dimensions or materials.
• Identify what feels right and what needs refinement
• Explore 2D alternatives if needed
• Advance the selected layout into 3D visualization
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