Centre of attention

A beachside location may be an idyllic place to build a holiday home, but it is also at the mercy of marine elements. Considering the design of a swimming pool at the same time as the coastal residence it accompanies ensures the pool has that most precious of seaside commodities shelter.

The builder of this home, Andrew Johnston, played a central role in the design of the outdoor living area. Johnston says the pool and house respond to their environment in several ways.

"Essentially, the house wraps around two sides of the pool and spa area in an L-shape, giving shelter from onshore winds," says Johnston. "This design also provides shelter for the open-plan living spaces that look out to the pool area."

The master bedroom and outdoor dining space are set a few steps higher than the paving around the pool, the slight elevation maximising views.

"We took the same approach with the poolside pavilion," he says. "Raising the pavilion had a second advantage, too its placement and height screen off a neighbouring house."

Pool and spa are separated by stepping stones that provide seating. Solar-heated water can be localised to the spa or filtered between the pools.

"We wanted the pool and spa to have a slightly Balinese air hence the sparkling blue mosaic tiles, mature canary date palms, wood decking and the pavilion. The pavilion roof is the same style as the main home, to make a visual connection."

The expansive paved area makes it easy to underestimate the pool's 10m x 4m proportions. The child-friendly design is shallow at both ends and deep in the middle.

"To create the look of large-scale pavers appropriate to the outdoor space, Lumeah limestone was delivered, poured and levelled, just like laying concrete," says Johnston. "Grout lines and grout were added to complete the effect."

Story by: Charles Moxham