A calming pool retreat inspired by the tones and textures of the coast
TG Excavations & Unique Pools – 2026 Pool of the Year Awards Entrant
Tucked into a compact 350sqm block in Henley Beach, South Australia, this backyard proves that generous outdoor living isn’t defined by size. Designed with precision and restraint, the pool and landscape unfold as a cohesive retreat where stone, timber, water and planting work in quiet harmony.
From the outset, the owners, a young family with two energetic children, wanted something that felt a little different. Easy maintenance was essential, but so was personality. Working closely with Hutch Landscapes, the design evolved into a space that balances clean architectural lines with softness and warmth, ensuring the pool sits naturally within the garden rather than dominating it.
TG Excavations & Unique Pools delivered a 6.5m x 3.4m concrete pool, its rectangular form softened by gently rounded entry steps. Fully tiled in Carrara White mosaics, the water shimmers against pale limestone coping, creating a light, coastal feel that reflects Henley Beach’s relaxed seaside character. Despite the limited footprint, circulation around the pool is effortless, with every material choice reinforcing the sense of flow.
A standout feature is the stone-clad water wall, fitted with moon-shaped spouts that spill water gently into the pool. More sculptural than showy, the feature adds movement and sound without overpowering the space. Subtle multi-coloured lighting enhances the pool at dusk, while a Silver Top Ash deck introduces warmth and provides a natural transition between water, lawn and planting.
The build came with its challenges. Restricted access to the rear of the property required creative problem solving, with excavation achieved via a neighbouring property after temporarily removing a fence panel. The solution allowed works to proceed efficiently, with all fencing carefully reinstated once construction was complete — a testament to the team’s collaborative and respectful approach.
What makes this pool truly memorable is how completely it uses the available space. Every surface, junction and detail feels considered, from the stonework and decking to the lush planting that frames the pool and softens boundary lines. It’s a compact backyard transformed into a highly liveable, distinctive outdoor room — designed for elevated everyday family life, entertaining and long summer days by the water.
At a Glance
Pool built by: TG Excavations & Unique Pools
Pool design & landscaping: Hutch Landscapes
Size: 6.5m x 3.4m
Heating: AES TDI 26kW heat pump
Cleaning: Dolphin M400 robotic cleaner
Filtration: Naked Freshwater System
Coping: Eco Outdoor Duro Limestone
Tiles: Klay Amano Carrara White 25×25
Lighting: PAL Lighting (multi-coloured)
Decking: Silver Top Ash
Outdoor furniture: Tait Furniture
Company Profile
Owned and operated by Tony Romeo, TG Excavations & Unique Pools has been in business for more than 26 years. The company’s expertise and extensive experience make it a leader in the field.
TG Excavations & Unique Pools specialises in creating exquisite concrete swimming pools, cellars and underwater tanks as well as detailed excavations, site preps, base preps, concrete works, foundations, housing and additions. The company can also provide paving and retaining walls and supply all the equipment needed for your pool. TG Excavations owns all of the relevant machinery, trucks and equipment to accommodate your project, so you can rest assured that everything is taken care of from start to finish.
Tony has been in the building industry for 34 years and employs only highly qualified and professional tradespeople to ensure work of the best quality. Attention to detail is the number-one priority, guaranteeing that clients receive superior service with personalised results. “We limit the number of pools we work on each year to make sure our customers receive our undivided attention through the duration of their project,” says Tony.
With a true passion for his work, Tony will always go the extra mile for his clients and his customer referrals speak for themselves. “The TG difference is that we absolutely love what we do and are always up for a new challenge. We believe there is no project too difficult for our capable team,” says Tony.
He is also available to help with your design, professional requirements and engineering to ensure you are 100 per cent satisfied with the end result.
For more information
TG Excavations & Unique Pools
A: 8 Dan St, Mawson Lakes SA
M: 0418 803 780
E: info@tgexcavationsandpools.com.au
