Sometimes the most dramatic outdoor transformations don’t come from adding square footage—they come from reimagining the space that’s already there. That was the opportunity facing these Jacksonville Beach homeowners. Their property featured a beautiful pool, but it sat inside a screened enclosure that visually divided the yard and left much of the surrounding landscape disconnected and underutilized. Adding to the challenge, the aging pool deck had developed cracks and was ready for replacement. Rather than simply updating existing features, Rockaway Lead Designer Rami Lakkas collaborated with the homeowners to completely rethink how the backyard could function while creating a more cohesive outdoor living experience.
Removing the enclosure immediately opened the property both visually and functionally, allowing every part of the backyard to feel connected. The redesign transformed previously wasted areas into usable outdoor living spaces while maintaining an open, inviting feel. The project demonstrates an important design principle: a great landscape isn’t measured by its size, but by how effectively every square foot is planned and enjoyed.
A signature feature of the renovation is the custom composite sun deck handcrafted by Rockaway’s carpentry team. Positioned alongside the pool, the elevated platform creates a unique resort-inspired lounge area while adding architectural interest that makes the backyard feel truly custom. The composite deck complements the new travertine cool deck installed by a local pool contractor, blending warm natural tones with durable materials that are perfectly suited for Florida’s outdoor lifestyle.
To maximize usability, approximately 952 square feet of premium artificial turf was installed throughout the backyard, replacing aging natural lawn around the pool and alongside the outdoor kitchen while creating expansive green spaces that remain beautiful year-round. The flowing turf areas eliminate muddy conditions, reduce maintenance, and provide clean, comfortable spaces for recreation, all while framing the hardscape with graceful curves that soften the geometry of the pool.
Privacy was enhanced through the strategic placement of Podocarpus along the property lines, where the evergreen plants will gradually mature into a living privacy screen extending above the existing six-foot fence. Tropical plant selections—including Shell Ginger, Blue Daze, Sweet Viburnum, Society Garlic, Lady Palms, Loropetalum, Indian Hawthorn, Dahoon Holly, and Spartan Junipers—bring year-round texture, color, and visual interest while thriving in Northeast Florida’s climate. Behind the pool, Rockaway also constructed a custom trellis designed for Confederate Jasmine, creating another feature that will become even more beautiful as the vines mature and fill the structure with fragrant blooms.
Fresh mulch was installed throughout both new and existing planting beds to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and create crisp visual contrast with the artificial turf and hardscape. Decorative river rock, coquina boulders, edging, and carefully positioned specimen plants complete the design while reinforcing the property’s coastal aesthetic. Together, these finishing details unify every element of the landscape and create the polished appearance that distinguishes a professionally designed outdoor environment.
The finished landscape is far more than a collection of attractive features. The pool now feels integrated into the entire backyard instead of isolated within it. Every outdoor space has a purpose, from relaxing on the custom sun deck to enjoying lush tropical plantings, expansive turf areas, and enhanced privacy. This backyard did not need more space. It needed a better plan. Through thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and careful attention to every detail, Rockaway transformed an underutilized property into a functional outdoor retreat designed around the way the homeowners truly wanted to live.
If you’re ready to transform your own outdoor space, the team at Rockaway can help you discover what’s possible through thoughtful landscape design, custom carpentry, premium artificial turf, and expertly installed planting solutions. Contact us today to schedule a design consultation and start planning your own backyard transformation.
