Project Overview

Wichita Home Works completed this custom pool house in Wichita, Kansas for homeowners who wanted to turn their backyard pool area into a more complete entertainment and recreation space.

The project added a new detached pool house with a golf simulator area, bar and kitchenette, half bathroom, outdoor shower, covered patio, concrete walkways, steps, underground drainage, heating and cooling, plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, countertops, tile, flooring, exterior finishes, and custom outdoor details.

This was much more than a simple backyard structure. The finished pool house works as a flexible poolside retreat, golf simulator room, gathering space, snack and drink station, restroom, shower area, and covered patio. It gives the homeowners a place to enjoy the backyard before, during, and after pool season.

The overall style is transitional outdoor living with resort-inspired and modern Craftsman details. The exterior uses brick, siding, stained wood, exposed posts, and a strong gable form. Inside, the navy and linen cabinetry, leathered countertops, tile backsplash, glass overhead door, and dark flooring give the space a polished but relaxed feel.

The Homeowner’s Vision

The goal was to create a backyard destination that supported pool use, entertaining, golf, and everyday outdoor living.

The homeowners wanted the pool house to feel connected to the pool and existing home while still having its own identity. The design needed to include a golf simulator, bar area, bathroom, outdoor shower, covered patio, TV locations, comfortable heating and cooling, and a finished look that elevated the backyard.

Wichita Home Works’ in-house design team helped plan the pool house location, exterior layout, foundation, flatwork, covered patio, shower enclosure, roofline, garage-style glass overhead door, bar cabinetry, bathroom, golf simulator clearance, electrical needs, plumbing layout, HVAC, finishes, and outdoor circulation.

The final design created a compact but highly functional poolside building with distinct zones for recreation, entertaining, cleanup, storage, and relaxation.

Scope of Work

Wichita Home Works coordinated the project from design and permitting through site work, concrete, framing, exterior construction, mechanical systems, interior finishes, outdoor finishes, closeout, and follow-up refinements.

The project included:

Site Planning and Pool House Layout

The pool house was positioned behind the existing home near the pool area, with the layout planned around backyard access, pool circulation, the existing deck, the new covered patio, the outdoor shower, and the golf simulator space.

The design included a main interior room, golf simulator area, bar/kitchenette wall, half bathroom, outdoor shower enclosure, covered patio, and concrete walkways that connect the pool house to the surrounding backyard.

The building was designed to feel like a true extension of the outdoor living area, not just a detached utility structure.

Concrete, Footings and Flatwork

The project required substantial concrete work to support the pool house, patio, walkway, steps, and outdoor circulation.

Wichita Home Works coordinated site clearing, excavation, footings, brick ledge preparation, reinforced concrete slab work, walkway concrete, step and landing layout, grading, backfill, compacted sub-base, and underground drainage.

The concrete work was planned to manage grade, slope, drainage, access from the pool area, and the connection between the existing backyard and new structure.

The finished flatwork gives the pool house a clean approach and makes the backyard easier to use around the pool, patio, steps, and shower area.

Framing and Structure

The pool house was framed with 10-foot exterior walls, 2×4 wall construction, treated bottom plates, roof trusses, roof decking, exterior wall sheathing, interior bathroom framing, and structural openings for the exterior door and glass overhead door.

The covered patio was built with Douglas Fir posts and a site-built Doug Fir support truss. These exposed wood details give the pool house a strong architectural presence from the poolside view.

The outdoor shower area was framed with Douglas Fir posts and slats, creating a dedicated rinse-off area that feels integrated into the design rather than added later.

The framing also included blocking for wall-mounted TVs and a ceiling-mounted projector to support the golf simulator and entertainment layout.

Glass Overhead Door and Exterior Entry

One of the most important features of the pool house is the black anodized full-view glass overhead door.

This door helps the interior connect visually to the pool and patio area. When closed, it brings in natural light and keeps the building feeling open. When raised, it allows the indoor entertainment space to flow directly into the covered patio and pool area.

A side-mount opener was installed to keep the overhead door system clean and efficient. A half-lite exterior entry door was also installed on the west wall for everyday access.

Roofing, Brick, Siding and Gutters

The exterior was finished with a mix of materials selected to coordinate with the existing home while giving the pool house its own finished look.

The roof was completed with GAF Camelot II shingles, synthetic felt, drip edge, starter strip, ridge cap, roof vents, pipe boots, and roofing sealant.

The exterior includes a brick base around the lower portion of the building, LP SmartSide siding above the brick, LP SmartSide fascia and soffit, LP trim, overhead door trim, corner trim, and flashing details.

White gutters and downspouts were installed on both sides of the pool house and tied into the underground drainage system to help move water away from the structure and surrounding concrete.

Plumbing and Outdoor Shower

The pool house includes plumbing for the half bathroom, bar/kitchenette, water heater, and outdoor shower.

Wichita Home Works tied water and waste lines from the home to the new pool house, then roughed in and finished plumbing for the toilet, vanity faucet, indoor bar faucet, garbage disposal, and outdoor shower.

The outdoor shower includes an outdoor-rated stainless wall-mounted rain head with adjustable slide bar and hand shower. Indoor shutoff access was included for seasonal control.

The bathroom includes an ADA-height elongated toilet, matte black single-handle vanity faucet, and a compact electric water heater to serve the space.

The bar area includes a single-basin stainless sink, matte black pull-down faucet, garbage disposal, and ice/water line planning for poolside convenience.

Electrical, Lighting and Technology

The pool house required a strong electrical plan to support lighting, HVAC, appliances, TV locations, golf simulator equipment, outlets, bathroom function, exterior lighting, and patio comfort.

The project included trenching power from the house, setting a 100-amp subpanel, adding GFCI outlets, bathroom electrical, vanity light, bath fan, water heater circuit, mini split circuit, bar outlets, interior outlets, exterior outlets, TV outlets, projector outlet, network cable routing, six LED puck lights in the main ceiling, four gimbal puck lights under the covered patio, exterior wall lights, and a ceiling fan under the patio cover.

The electrical layout supports the pool house as both a recreation space and an entertainment space.

HVAC and Comfort

To make the pool house more useful throughout the year, Wichita Home Works installed an LG ducted mini split system with an inverter heat pump and air handler.

This gives the interior space heating and cooling support through changing Kansas seasons. It also makes the golf simulator room, bar area, and bathroom more comfortable than a typical seasonal pool structure.

The HVAC system helps the pool house function as a year-round recreational space rather than only a summer pool accessory.

Insulation, Drywall and Interior Paint

The pool house was insulated and finished with drywall to create a comfortable, polished interior.

The exterior walls received batt insulation, and the ceiling received loose-fill insulation. Baseplates, exterior corners, gaps, plumbing penetrations, and electrical penetrations were sealed as part of the building envelope.

The walls and ceilings were drywalled, finished, and painted. The ceilings received knockdown texture and flat white paint, while the walls, bathroom door, jambs, and interior trim were painted in Sherwin-Williams Fleur de Sel. Baseboards and casing were finished in High Reflective White.

This gave the interior a bright, clean backdrop for the navy cabinetry, linen uppers, tile backsplash, dark flooring, and glass overhead door.

Bar, Kitchenette and Bathroom Cabinetry

The interior cabinetry creates one of the strongest design features in the pool house.

The bar area includes Waypoint 410F shaker-style navy painted lower cabinets with soft-close hinges and glides, a navy trash pullout cabinet, and painted navy base shoe.

Above the bar, Waypoint 410F shaker-style linen painted upper cabinets were installed double-stacked to the ceiling with crown molding. This created a taller, more finished cabinet wall and added significant storage.

The bathroom includes a Waypoint navy vanity cabinet and a navy upper cabinet above the toilet.

The navy and linen cabinet combination gives the space a clean, custom look while keeping the interior connected to a poolside color palette.

Countertops, Backsplash and Flooring

The countertops are Keystone Select List Steel Grey leathered surfaces with an 1/8-inch double roundover edge. The leathered finish adds texture and durability while working well in a poolside entertainment space.

The bar area includes a 32-inch stainless single-basin sink, and the bathroom vanity includes a white rectangular sink.

The backsplash tile is Legend 2×6 Brick Mosaic Enchanted Merlin. It was installed from the bar countertop to the bottom of the upper cabinets and also used as a bathroom backsplash and sidesplash. The tile adds a blue-green tone that complements the navy cabinetry and poolside setting.

The floor is Mannington Adura Max Sausalito Waterfront LVP, installed through the main space and bathroom. It gives the pool house a durable, water-friendly surface with a warm wood-look finish.

Outdoor Shower, Patio and Exterior Details

The outdoor shower was built as a finished feature, not just a functional rinse station.

Douglas Fir posts and slats create an attractive enclosure, and the wood was stained to coordinate with the deck and exposed patio structure. Heavy-duty outdoor towel hooks were installed in the shower surround for convenience.

The covered patio includes a vaulted ceiling, Douglas Fir posts and beam details, gimbal lights, a ceiling fan, and a direct relationship to the pool area.

Exterior paint, brick, siding, stained wood, gutters, downspouts, concrete, and drainage all work together to make the pool house feel integrated into the backyard.

Design and Finish Details

This project has a transitional outdoor living style with resort-inspired and modern Craftsman details.

The exterior blends brick, siding, stained wood, and a full-view glass overhead door. The exposed posts and gable details give the building a custom pavilion feel, while the brick base helps tie it back to the existing home.

Inside, the pool house combines navy lower cabinets, linen upper cabinets, steel grey leathered countertops, blue-green backsplash tile, matte black plumbing fixtures, dark LVP flooring, and bright painted walls.

The design feels polished without being too formal. It is built for real use around a pool, but it still has the detail and finish quality of an interior living space.

The golf simulator adds a recreational layer that makes the pool house valuable beyond pool season. The bar area, bathroom, and outdoor shower support summer use, while HVAC, lighting, and the simulator help the building remain useful year-round.

Construction Story

This project began with the goal of creating a fully functional backyard destination near the pool.

The early work focused on layout, site preparation, excavation, concrete, foundation, drainage, and flatwork. These steps were especially important because the pool house needed to work with the existing backyard, pool deck, grade changes, walkways, steps, and outdoor drainage.

Once the concrete and foundation work were in place, the structure began taking shape through framing, roof trusses, wall sheathing, patio posts, outdoor shower framing, and the glass overhead door opening.

The exterior personality came together through brick, siding, roofing, soffit, fascia, trim, stained wood, gutters, and the covered patio details. The exposed Douglas Fir posts and truss work helped the pool house feel like a true outdoor living feature.

Inside, Wichita Home Works coordinated plumbing, electrical, HVAC, insulation, drywall, cabinetry, countertops, backsplash tile, LVP flooring, lighting, fixtures, hardware, paint, and final cleaning. The golf simulator requirements, TV locations, data routing, and projector planning were integrated into the build so the finished space could support the homeowners’ intended use.

As the project moved into final completion, the team refined the patio-to-flooring transition, exterior concrete details, fence staining, guttering, paint touch-ups, wall touch-ups, HVAC completion, final electrical, final plumbing, cleaning, and videography preparation.

The finished Wilderness pool house shows how a backyard structure can become a true lifestyle space when design, construction, utilities, technology, and outdoor living are planned together.

Project Coordination Highlights

Poolside Entertainment Planning

The pool house was designed around pool use, entertaining, golf, TV viewing, outdoor shower access, restroom convenience, and covered patio gathering.

Golf Simulator Integration

The project included framing, electrical, data routing, projector planning, and interior layout coordination for a customer-provided golf simulator.

Indoor-Outdoor Connection

The full-view glass overhead door, covered patio, pool-facing layout, and concrete connections help the indoor pool house space open naturally to the backyard.

Outdoor Shower Design

The outdoor shower was built with Douglas Fir posts and slats, outdoor-rated shower fixtures, indoor shutoff access, and heavy-duty towel hooks for practical poolside use.

Bar and Bathroom Function

The navy and linen cabinetry, leathered countertops, bar sink, bathroom vanity, upper storage, backsplash tile, water heater, and plumbing fixtures make the pool house convenient for daily use and entertaining.

Exterior Integration

Brick, siding, roofing, gutters, stained wood, concrete, drainage, and paint were coordinated so the pool house would feel connected to the existing home and backyard.

The Finished Result

The finished Wilderness pool house gives the homeowners a complete backyard destination.

The interior now includes a golf simulator area, bar/kitchenette, bathroom, finished flooring, cabinetry, countertops, backsplash tile, heating and cooling, lighting, TV planning, and a full-view overhead door that opens to the pool area.

The exterior includes a covered patio, stained wood details, brick base, siding, roofline, gutters, concrete walkways, steps, drainage, and an outdoor shower.

The pool area now functions more like a private resort setting, with places to relax, entertain, play golf, rinse off, prepare drinks or snacks, use the restroom, and enjoy the backyard in more seasons.

The result is a highly customized pool house that adds comfort, convenience, recreation, and visual impact to the property.

Why This Project Matters for Future Pool House Clients

This project is a strong example for homeowners who want to make their backyard more useful, more comfortable, and more memorable.

A pool house can do much more than provide storage. With the right design, it can include a bathroom, shower, bar, kitchenette, golf simulator, TV wall, covered patio, heating and cooling, and finished interior space.

For homeowners near Wichita, Andover, Bel Aire, Eastborough, Maize, Derby, and surrounding communities, this project shows how Wichita Home Works can coordinate a custom pool house from early design through concrete, framing, utilities, finishes, and outdoor living details.

Thinking About a Similar Pool House or Backyard Living Project?

If you are planning a pool house, backyard pavilion, golf simulator room, outdoor shower, poolside bathroom, bar/kitchenette, covered patio, or custom outdoor living upgrade near Wichita, Wichita Home Works can help you think through the full project.

That includes location, foundation, drainage, roofline, siding, brick, concrete, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, bathroom needs, shower design, bar layout, cabinetry, countertops, flooring, lighting, technology, timeline expectations, and final finish details.

A pool house has many connected decisions. The right design-build team helps organize those decisions into a clear, manageable process from planning through completion.

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