Built for the View: A Riverside Retreat in Yankton
Design by
Chad Kasten
When our clients began building their home along the Missouri River in Yankton, SD, they knew one thing for sure: they wanted a swimming pool, and they didn’t want to lose the view.
With nothing but a black dirt yard to start, this project was truly a blank canvas. But while the vision was simple, the site came with a big challenge: a steep slope that dropped off quickly behind the house. Installing a pool in that kind of terrain takes more than creativity — it takes engineering.
Designing Around the Grade
Before we could focus on pavers or plantings, we needed to determine the right location and elevation for the pool itself. We worked with a local engineering firm to ensure that the retaining walls could safely support both the pool and the expansive pool deck. Once we established a layout that worked structurally, we began designing the outdoor living areas around it.
Because of the slope, the walls do a lot of heavy lifting — literally — but they also help define the space in a way that feels intentional and seamless.
A Poolside Space Made for Entertaining
The pool deck features a random 3-piece paver pattern from Techo-Bloc, with a subtle inlay detail to break up the large surface and add interest. We chose these pavers for their sleek look and reliable performance around water — a key factor for any pool project.
Lighting is tucked throughout the patio for both safety and ambiance, and drainage was carefully designed to keep the space dry and usable. While there are no custom features within the fiberglass pool itself, the surrounding space was built to handle large gatherings while keeping the focus on the natural view.
A Native South Dakota Landscape
To soften the space and connect it to the surrounding environment, we incorporated a thoughtful mix of native South Dakota plants and select ornamental varieties – like snake plants – that bring texture and interest to the design. Each plant was chosen for its ability to thrive in the space, balancing local character with a bit of curated style.
The result is a landscape that feels right at home in South Dakota, without demanding extensive upkeep.
A Natural Fit for the Family
Our clients didn’t come to us with a Pinterest board or inspiration photos — they came because they’d heard we were the best design team around. They wanted a space they could use daily with minimal maintenance and maximum enjoyment.
From a raw slope of soil to a welcoming retreat with room to entertain, this project became just that. And with the river view perfectly preserved, it’s a space that feels both elevated and grounded.
It’s not often that a pool deck can compete with the Missouri River for attention, but in this case, they work beautifully together.
