Standing apart

Blessed with the advantage of a generous site, a designer can orient a swimming pool and adjacent facilities to optimize the sun's rays while limiting the effect of prevailing winds.

This entertainment pavilion, barbecue and pool area, designed by Scott Brown in conjunction with the owners, is set at a distance from the seaside holiday home it accompanies, providing a separate destination far down the garden.

"The pavilion is orientated with its back to the nearby beaches, shielding the interior and the pool from prevailing winds," says Brown. "This placement also ensures the weak early morning sun penetrates the pavilion, which then provides valuable shade later in the day."

Being some distance from the home, the entertaining area is fully functioning and self-contained. There is a shower and toilet tucked to one side of the pavilion and a bar, sink and central island inside. Colorful bench seating runs around the rest of the interior.

"We also located the barbecue area to one side of the exterior. This was to keep the pavilion clean and maintenance to a minimum a prerequisite for any holiday residence."

The pool itself is long enough to swim laps but also accommodates children's water play.

"A pod as it is known by the homeowners bites into the decking on one side," says Brown. "This has a shallow 1in layer of water, ideal for a toddler to play in or an adult to bask in."

The entire area blends in with its natural surroundings. A roof overhang made from reeds brings shading and rustic-look siding complements both the house and coastal setting.

Low-maintenance mesh fencing was used on the bush side of the pool, while glass balustrading was employed on the more formal side facing the garden.

Story by: Trendsideas