As an essential part of the overall design, the pool renovation was contrived to exude a luxe resort vibe. 

Old pool tiles were replaced with white tiles, giving the water a cool and fresh light blue appearance. The pool was further enhanced with a stone water feature and a cantilevered polished concrete daybed at one end, softened by custom outdoor cushions and sheltered within a timber-clad pergola.

The level change stepping up to the pool area presented another design feature opportunity around the pool - “by cantilevering the polished concrete pool surround, we created a space to plant underneath which integrates the transition between the concrete and lawn areas nicely”, says Dave. 

Opposed to a plain step up to the pool gate, Dave suggested a cantilevered platform, paved with random stone - “it makes a feature of the level change and the stone provides an attractive contrast in between the lawn and polished concrete”. This cantilevered detail is also reflected on the other side of the lawn in the porch wrapping around the bungalow and is also in the daybed cantilevering over the shallow end of the pool, which works to pull the various spaces together through visual consistency.

While Bryon Bay is in subtropical Australia, not arid Arizona, the plant palette had to be refined to suit the geographic location. Fortunately, Shelly already had an established Palm tree which maintained pride of place in the lawn area, and a Pandanus tree that fitted the aesthetic perfectly. Accordingly, our team designed a palette to complement the existing trees, including a stunning Frangipani planted in a green mound of Zoysia grass. 

All trees were given up-lighting - “the outdoor lighting creates a beautiful ambience at dusk and at night”, comments Dave. “We took care to position the garden lighting to highlight the landscape features including the tree, the pool and water feature, and shadow lines under the cantilevered platforms.”

Other charming details we included in the landscape design, such as a locally made copper outdoor shower, custom outdoor cushions and handmade pots containing a mix of succulent and lush plants. 

A window box adjoining the house’s indoor lounge area was added to create an enchanting interface with the outdoor pool and an inviting nook to retreat to - “this is an example of distinct but integrated zones, which makes the space so dynamic yet still cohesive”, Dave confirms.