At the water's edge tropical setting by Chris Clout

Holiday homes are all about escape and relaxation, and this was precisely the brief for the design of this Queensland house, which sits right on the edge of a canal.

Designer Chris Clout says the owners live in Melbourne and wanted to spend as much time as possible outdoors while in the much warmer climate of Queensland.

"The design needed to maximise the amazing setting, but it was also important to provide a degree of privacy for the outdoor living area there are neighbours on both sides of the property."

Clout's solution was to design the house with two symmetrical double-storey wings joined with a glazed linking element that forms the entry. The wings semi-enclose a resort-style landscape, helping to screen a pool and outdoor pavilion. The drama is enhanced by the cantilevered upper floors of the house, which appear to reach out over the water.

"The owners spend most of their time outdoors this is where they live and entertain," says the designer. "So it made sense to provide an entry that would lead directly to the pool area. The front door opens to the glazed, timber-lined bridge that links the two wings of the house. This in turn opens to a lawn and a pathway leading to the pavilion.

"The lawn is flanked by two curved creeks where water bubbles up beside the boardwalk. It is like being in a rainforest you can hear the water cascading and smell the frangipani. I believe landscapes need to appeal to all the senses."

Clout designed the pavilion to appear as a floating island within the pool. There are also two timber deck islands with sun loungers. The pavilion terrace, the islands, pool steps and a centrally positioned transparent spa pool all have strong, curved forms.

"The curved infinity edge of the pool follows the shape of the building envelope," the designer says. "We tiled the edge with a custom mosaic pattern that reflects the different shades of blue in the wider landscape. The infinity edge also allows the water in the pool to merge visually with the canal beyond."

With its 50mm-thick clear acrylic sides, the elevated spa pool creates another trick of the eye. And at night extensive pool lighting transforms the entire poolscape into a dramatic venue for entertaining.

The pavilion, which is inside the pool fence to create a seamless connection with the water, is lined in dark-stained Fijian cedar plywood. It incorporates a full outdoor kitchen as well as a dining setting and casual seating. There is also a large television screen so the owners and friends can watch a big sporting match.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes