Farewell 1980s pool design — this resort-style project now belongs in the 21st century
The 1980s were known for lots of fabulous things — fantastic movies, music, fashion and big hair, but sadly, timeless pool design does not make this list.
Located in Turramurra on Sydney’s North Shore, these clients had an existing 1980s pool that had received a couple of facelifts over the past 30 years, and was also surrounded by
an old timber deck in need of repair. The pool and deck were situated approximately 600mm lower than the outdoor entertaining area and internal house slab. The existing pool was also close to the house and did not allow for any connection between the house, entertaining area and pool.
In the design process, the clients asked Kieran Devlin and his team from KMD The Outdoor Construction Company to design a new pool, spa and entertaining deck that would create a resort-style feel to allow their children and grandchildren to enjoy precious time together.
Kieran and his team also had to ensure the new pool and deck structure felt like it had been constructed at the same time as the house, rather than appearing like an add-on.
A further brief from the client was to create seamless connection from inside the house to the outdoor entertaining space to flow into and from the pool, and outside to showcase the rear lawn/paddock, acreage garden and surrounding national park. Kieran relished the opportunity to work with these clients to achieve their desired outcome of a family-friendly, resort-style pool and spa, and feels this request has been achieved.
KMD removed the existing 1980s pool design, deck and a section of retaining wall that retained the lawn area beside the pool, then set about implementing the new pool and landscape design.
The new design required the existing pool level to be raised by approximately 600mm to the level of the outdoor entertaining space, and to allow for construction of a new 13m-long concrete infinity-edge pool with an internal 3m x 2.5m infinity spa and 2.5m-wide swim-out/wading area for grandchildren.
While the property is three acres, access to the pool area is tight down the side of the property between two existing gardens that KMD had landscaped about two years prior to this project. To make matters even more difficult, the project began at the end of February and March 2020 during Sydney’s drought-breaking rains. This meant KMD was unable to get trucks down to the site and had to set up track mats. However, when a track bobcat, 10-tonne tipper and 3m³ concrete truck became bogged, all material had to be hand-loaded to the site.
All existing timber decking was removed and a section of the existing retaining wall was cut out and demolished to allow for the extra length of the new pool and purpose-built underground equipment bunker to house a 5000-litre water tank, all pool equipment, and to allow space for the homeowners to stand inside to service the equipment.
KMD formed and constructed a new suspended concrete slab on the lower terrace, with large stairs across the length of the slab to connect the lower space to the sweeping lawn and down to the dam. The 120sqm suspended concrete slab, concrete access stairs and footings for new stone planters were formed and constructed to the same level as the outdoor entertaining space to allow the same stone paving to run through.
The materials chosen reflect the clients’ desire for quality materials and finishes. The colour of the Ezarri Zen Bali mosaic tiles creates a seamless integration with the property’s park-like setting. The Eco Outdoors Colmar limestone used for the pool coping, rebate, pool deck tiles and matching stair step treads creates an elegant yet natural and earthy feel.
The installation of an iAquaLink complete pool and spa automation system allows the clients to remotely manage the pool and heated spa for added convenience. Meanwhile, the environmentally friendly Magna Pool mineral system was selected for its water clarity, health benefits and easy maintenance.
The quality of KMD workmanship showcases the level of attention to detail and focus required for these exacting finishes. “We really enjoyed working in a quiet location in a beautiful setting, with clients who were open to our suggestions and completely invested in the project,” says Kieran. “We’re really proud of the success of the seamless integration of the new pool into the existing house — so much so that it looks like the pool was originally built with the house.”
KMD was also recognised for its work on this amazing project with two awards: the 2021 Master Builders Association of NSW Excellence in Pools Award for Pool Renovation; and Highly Commended in the 2021 SPASA Awards in the Concrete Pool & Spa category.
As founder and director of KMD Outdoor Construction, Kieran was drawn to creating landscapes through his childhood love of Sydney’s natural bushland and coastline. He leads a small team of skilled builders, stonemasons and landscape specialists who are passionate, award-winning pool creators and garden shapers for rural estates, urban, coastal and harbourfront homes.
KMD specialises in the design, construction and remodelling of pools; urban, rural and coastal landscapes; and stonemasonry for houses, seawalls and retaining walls. “We collaborate with leading architects, landscape designers and clients to bring their visions to life, no matter how challenging the site,” says Kieran. “We manage the full process of construction, from pools to pavilions and all the defining elements that turn landscapes into gardens.”
KMD is a member of the Master Builders Association of NSW, SPASA and the Landscape Association of NSW and ACT.
This project is an entrant into the Poolside 2022 Australian Pool of the Year Awards, celebrating excellence in pool design and construction. All entrants were featured in Poolside 57, with winners to be announced in Poolside 58.
For more information,
KMD The Outdoor Construction Company
