Transforming this courtyard into a space that can be used year-round, the pool, spa and outdoor entertaining area exceed expectations.
This captivating project proves that you don’t need masses of space to have a pool and spa, or an outdoor entertaining area that feels open and inviting.
The pool and spa combo, along with the entertaining space, were designed by MINT Design to transform the courtyard of a new home into an outdoor living oasis. The pool was built by TLC Pools and the landscaping carried out by ACM Outdoors, led by directors Alden Meale and Chris Moloney.
The owner of this property in the suburbs of Melbourne wanted a contemporary pool and spa with a seamless connection to the outdoor entertaining area. As the house wrapped around the courtyard it was visible from the front door as well as the kitchen and living areas. To create a focal point that could be appreciated from all angles, the circular spa was raised and given a negative edge. To enhance the effect, the spa was tiled in black tile, which means the sky reflects off the surface of the water.
Due to the site’s steep grade and the limited space, a restrained approach to planting was taken and a simple but richly textured palette of materials employed to add visual interest. The stone in particular adds another dimension to the courtyard with its highly tactile surface softening the impact of the high walls. Of special note is the stone wall behind the barbecue area which screens out the neighbours.
Subtle yet striking, the pool water feature is also worthy of mention. It helps to mask the sound of traffic in the distance and gives the courtyard a tranquil ambience.
Wanting a space that can be used year-round, and taking into account the fact that the pool area can be seen from most rooms of the house, getting the design just right was essential, as was choosing materials that would look good summer through winter, and day into night. The roll call of luxurious materials includes the Technifirma Knightrider paving, the Technifirma Arrowmill cladding on the water feature wall, and the Wamberal stone cladding showcased in the alfresco entertaining area, all sourced from Eco Outdoor.
“Envisaging the potential of this space was one thing, constructing it was another,” says Chris. “Creating a level space was vital and to do this, we installed concrete rendered masonry retaining walls to retain the cut. Then, once TLC had installed the pool, we were able to prepare concrete paving bases and install drainage. Drainage was of huge importance on this project due to the amount of water which would run downhill behind the house.”
“The project was very labour intensive,” adds Alden. “Installing the Wamberal stone cladding alone was an intricate, time-consuming process as great care had to be taken to ensure continuity in all joins.”
In the 2023 Victorian Landscape Awards, this project won the Residential Landscape Construction $75,000-$150,000 category. Said the judges: “The site presented several difficulties including significant sloping and water movement through the site. These issues were well handled and there were displays of skill and thought in handling other issues with the job especially including the circular line around the wet edge and the void between the in-situ polished concrete and the coping. ACM Outdoors has presented a well-executed project demonstrating a large range of skills and competencies resulting in a high-quality landscape with great visual appeal.”
ACM Outdoors also received the Rising Star Award of Excellence, with the judges praising Alden and Chris for their dedication, vision and commitment to client satisfaction.
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