Seamless integration between pool, landscape, cabana and home
This modern pool design forms the central feature in a minimalist designer landscape and was to complement, not override, the composition. In addition, the exciting project had to meet numerous other client requirements, both aesthetically and from a lifestyle perspective, for all members of the family.
“We were engaged at the house pre-design stage to ensure a minimalist designer landscape, pool and gardens complemented the homeowners’ new home,” explains Adrian Swain of Eco Design. “Our clients asked us to design a pool that was complementary to the house architecture and gardens. We achieved this by working with the home’s designer and landscape architect to coordinate the material selections and ensure the materials used complemented the house. The home was delivered to a very high standard, with all luxury inclusions, and the pool finishes and equipment were required to be specified to a similar level.”
It also had to be fun for children. An integrated rain curtain water feature was installed flush-mounted into the shadowline cabana ceiling, and children can play on extended full-width entry steps at the shallow end of the pool while under the falling water. A full-length ledge also features to the long side of the pool and enables kids to have a base to play games such as Marco Polo.
In addition, the project needed to provide an opportunity for adults to relax and unwind. “We integrated the pool with the design of the cabana to have a strong visual connection between the pool and alfresco areas that also connect closely with the internal living rooms,” adds Adrian.
Last but not least, the 8m x 4m pool had to be a striking feature from the home, and spectacular even when not in use. The pool and cabana are the main features in the rear yard, linked to the alfresco through a 5m-long glass pool wall that maximises the pool’s visual impact from the kitchen and living areas.
The pool is accessed at the shallow end via three full-width steps from the adjoining cabana, taking advantage of the slope down from the rear of the property. The steps up to the cabana from the alfresco are generous and create a strong connection between the home, cabana and pool.
Garden lighting design is integrated with the pool’s design and layout, which makes both the pool and landscape a striking feature in the evening. The cabana’s lighting design creates linear features and shadow play. Rebated risers in the front and rear steps have created a floating effect, while the structural plantings are uplit.
The position of the pool in the landscape promotes a sense of balance. Although it extends across a large area, it appears to sit comfortably within the existing contours and is elevated to take advantage of the slope. The pool surrounds and landscapes were closely integrated, with high attention to detail to ensure a seamless look between pool, landscape, cabana and home.
This required careful scheduling between abutting finishes provided by multiple trades.
Overall, the integrated nature of the pool and landscape was driven by the master plan for the site. The design process required a detailed analysis of client needs, existing site, planning of proposed levels and council controls, which then informed the allocation and size of spaces around the pool. “Our client also expected an extremely high level of quality and we delivered in excess of their expectations,” says Adrian. “In every aspect of the construction and finishes, close attention to detail was provided.”
The pool is fully tiled with glass mosaic White Russian tiles from Ezarri. The exposed external walls adjoining the glass wall were tiled to below the reveals. The concourse and coping are constructed from a 20mm porcelain tile that has a dropdown rebate to the coping and mitre-cut joints to all corners. The coping tile was also used throughout the rear yard and cabana. Particular effort was placed in the detail for the mitre joints.
The pool colours, considered part of the overall design, are in keeping with the colours of the house, cabana and landscape structures. The rear wall of the pool rises out from the water as an integrated retaining wall that has a colour-matched acrylic render coating. This wall extends the length of the pool and integrates into the cabana wall and adjoining garden retaining walls. Meanwhile, the planting design is intentionally minimal, aligning with the rectilinear layout to reflect the modern house design.
This project was awarded a SPASA gold medal in the category of Pool Lighting Feature. Eco Design and The Other Side Landscapes, part of the AEON Group, are sister companies both owned by Adrian Swain. This boutique company of registered landscape architects focuses on projects on the North Shore and north-west Sydney.
“Following initial consultations, we sit with the client, interior designer and architect,” says Adrian. “We work through concept development, development approvals and detailed design, then construction and project management. At all stages we liaise closely with the client and the contractor.”
In 2019, the multi-award-winning company received two international awards as well as state and national accolades, including the Allan Corey Award for overall design excellence, as voted by the Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers (AILDM).
Eco Design is a member of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) and Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers (AILDM), while The Other Side Landscapes is a member of the NSW Swimming Pool and Spa Association (SPASA).
This project is an entrant into the Poolside 2022 Australian Pool of the Year Awards, celebrating excellence in pool design and construction. All entrants were featured in Poolside 57, with winners to be announced in Poolside 58.
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