This pool stands out from the crowd in more ways than one
By definition, “equilibrium” is a state of rest or balance between several different influences. As with all of Equilibrium Pools’ designs and projects, this one, nicknamed Neridah’s Way, is aligned with the company’s philosophy: a balanced lifestyle.
The owners of Neridah’s Way, a young family in Mount Colah, Sydney, requested that their swimming pool be positioned to complement their house and provide a continued open living area. In addition, the owners envisaged an area where they could relax and enjoy family fun or entertain, but were also chasing a “wow” factor. They wanted an aesthetically pleasing, architectural design that worked in with family ergonomics.
Their rectangular site was approximately 800sqm. “We were space-conscious, using contemporary symmetrical lines to allow for a quality amount of yard space for the family,” explains Rob Rooney, director of Equilibrium Pools. “The advantage of this saw us providing a geometric shaped pool spacious enough for family and guests to enjoy, yet one that was not going to dominate the surrounding landscape. We believe that in our design, we’ve achieved seamless flow between the pool, house, and the surrounding landscape.”
This contemporary, geometric-shaped pool stands out from the crowd in a number of ways. One is through its holistic design incorporating the house and landscape, central in pulling all those aspects together as one. Another is through the use of different materials and having them complement each other.
The landscape was designed in-house at Equilibrium Pools. “From a design and structural perspective, we work together with our clients to achieve the best outcomes for their requirements,” says Rob. “This landscape enhanced the existing space by providing privacy from neighbouring properties while visually removing boundary fences and other aspects of the yard.
The raised planter box to the pool is timeless and appears like it has been set in stone for many years previously, and incorporates Equilibrium’s three-spout water feature design. The water feature is copper, custom-designed by Equilibrium Pools, and its position and location in the landscape relate back to the house.” The feature blade wall is versatile in its positioning, offering both design aesthetics and privacy from the neighbouring property.
Two bench/swimout areas in the geometric shaped pool offer opportunity for rest and relaxation, and the bench in the deep end supports Equilibrium’s spa jet package. Meanwhile, the raised decking space adjacent to the pool provides an alternative level and warmer contrasting materials, while incorporating the surrounding landscaping aspects of the project.
An 8kW solar system also features on the roof of the house. The pool and heating operate during times of the day when the system is making peak power.
Architectural challenges centred around positioning the pool in the perfect location to match the future house build. Also important were providing the best possible privacy from the neighbouring property through the blade wall and having that comply with regulations and the client’s requirements. Engineering challenges included digging up a buried car while excavating, and providing the appropriate expansion allowances between pool and house.
“We consider innovation, aesthetic appeal, balance, simplicity and amenity to be essential principles of quality design in creating a balanced lifestyle,” says Rob. “From beginning to end, the Equilibrium Pools’ team collaborated with the clients in creating a balanced lifestyle they can enjoy year after year.”
“To us, the principles of good design revolve around three key areas,” says director of Equilibrium Pools, Rob Rooney. “Design aesthetic, which takes into account site conditions and the variables, constraints and opportunities it may present and then maximises the design intent/layout/outcome in as creative a way as possible. The client brief and budget are the next essential components of good design principles and need to help shape and form the design process. The last key area is the ability of the project to be practically completed. The design needs to be able to be achieved, so a sound understanding of the construction requirements and techniques involved is essential.”
Rob Rooney started Equilibrium Pools in December 2016 and works on approximately 20 to 30 pools per year. Equilibrium Pools works throughout Sydney but particularly across the North Shore, Northern Beaches, Eastern Suburbs and Hills District.
Creating unique, custom-designed concrete pools with very personalised service is the team’s specialty. “We also do a lot of tight-access projects where it’s not possible or practical to gain site access with standard-sized excavation equipment,” says Rob.
Initial site meetings with clients are very detailed. “We cover aspects of design, functionality as well as advice such as servicing, equipment, surface finishes and the construction processes in detail,” explains Rob. “Following our engagement, we continually work very closely with our clients on all aspects of the project and regularly keep them up to date with the progression of works. During this time we also liaise with our clients to finalise product selections and final details on any custom-designed components of their project.”
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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