Making a splash

Designed by Jason Saunders, Arc Seven 1

From the designer:

Design Brief

Looking to create a multipurpose living space and pool as an extension to their character bungalow in North Perth, the owners of this home, wanted an entertaining space that would suit their three teenage children and their friends, while equally working as a space to escape to for themselves as well.

There was no preconceived idea as to the approach that was taken, except that an area was to be created that had an internal and external connection, could be self contained, and would provide a relationship to the proposed new pool. As part of this, the new outdoor-indoor entertainment space would sit well within the existing mature gardens that the home owners had established over the years.

Design solution

The solution also had to work with the minimal access way on one side of the property, as this was the only access to the proposed building area.

In response to this, aspects of construction for both the structure and pool were looked at as a priority as part of the overall solution.

While it was considered that we would connect the old and new buildings as one, through several different design scenarios, a building envelope was identified and positioned over the area where an existing old shed was to be removed.

This allowed for a building footprint large enough to meet the owners’ design brief requirements, while having little impact on the existing garden.

As this position was on the southern side of the property, and because we wanted to maximise winter sun into the living space, we separated the two structures to achieve this.

To further reduce the impact on the garden area and to allow for the new structure to blend into the existing garden, a new roof garden terrace was introduced above the new building structure.

In addition, the new terrace provided for an additional green space that could be created by the owners.

The above ground pool includes an interesting design feature. The pool’s turquoise mosaic tiles also clad its external faces. This allowed for the pool water to cascade down the outside of the pool, into a trough, thus creating not only a functional pool but one that would stimulate the senses and enhance the experience of the garden as a whole.

Inspired by the materials of the original shed and the owners’ love of the industrial aesthetic, a minimalist industrial palette of white concrete, brass, turquoise, black, recycled brick and steel was introduced, to create a carefully considered finish that would age well and still be relevant in the years to come.

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Kelly Barker, Immer Photography