Designing a complete pool and landscaping package
When Melbourne home-owner Geoff approached award-winning pool company Out From The Blue he wanted the whole pool and landscaping package. Good thing too, because a half-baked concept rarely comes up as well as a homeowner hopes. The aim was to complement Geoff's modern home renovation and blend with existing native flora. Clean lines and alternating levels are overall design features that deliver a highly functional pool and landscape that fits within the desired contemporary setting.
"The bold, linear character of the pool and landscaping complement similar qualities present in the new architecture of the house," says landscape architect, Francis Dickinson. "I worked with Geoff to create a sense of solid, chunky spaces that float and contrast within the landscape." The restrained palette of whites and muted tones enhances the contrast with surrounding native plantings. "The challenge of this project was to site the pool and landscaping in a way that it dealt with the sloping backyard, delivered a visual amenity to the new house living area and created a pool safe area without affecting the house and access," explains Francis. "The location of the glass as a viewing window into the pool area was paramount as the house sits slightly lower on the site. "The access points to the pool enclosure and pool are located in a direct line of sight from the main living space." Not only was innovative pool and landscaping design blended with great looks and safety, but the brief and budget were brought together successfully. In part, this was achieved through several important material and design selections such as the use of glass concrete and mosaic tile. Recycled materials were also used where possible, for example recycled timber and recycled aggregates in the concrete and organic mulch. "All the materials used, including frameless glass, finished concrete, recycled decking, environmentally-friendly paints and high glass mosaic tiles were incorporated to give the pool a sense of reserved sophistication." A generous budget allowed a complete, integrated solution – blending the landscaping and pool with recent home renovations. Francis Dickinson from Out From The Blue What was the pool and landscaping brief? Geoff was after a family pool and landscaping that complemented his contemporary-style home renovation. This was achieved with the simple but effective use of minimalist, clean lines and contrasting raw materials such as concrete and timber. What were some challenges you faced? Linking the new extension and lower entertaining spaces to the pool and landscaping area, which was higher in the property. This was achieved by 'wrapping' the materials from the lower level into the pool lounge. Locating the pool so it was visually accessible was difficult. What are you most happy with? The use of simple material and form contrasts to delineate and capture the essential elements while interlocking them into one flowing space. Geoff - Client What were you after? We were renovating the back of our house and wanted not just a pool, but a backyard feature to fit within the environment of the house and existing native plantings. It was important that the dimensions and alignment of the pool sat well with the dimensions and alignment of the renovation. What was pool and landscaping the process? Francis came up with a couple of ideas and we refined them into a complete backyard concept and detailed design plan. The result was a well thought-out and integrated package. Because it was a complete pool and landscaping project, scheduling was a breeze. Are you happy with the outcome? Very happy. The materials are a particular highlight, plus the fact that the pool sits very naturally within the existing garden. I wasn't too sure of the suggested white tiles at first, but the resultant water colour sits very well with the natural environment of native plants.
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