Outdoor Living Done Right

Where clever design meets year-round luxury living

Sitting quietly on a small acreage lot in leafy Wakerley, Queensland, this resort-style pool by Norfolk Pools is a lifestyle centrepiece. Designed by Danica Vansleve-Sheil and built by Norfolk Pools, this project weaves together relaxation, function, and a touch of indulgence into one show-stopping space.

From the first glance, it’s clear this pool was made to impress. Its crisp geometric lines contrast beautifully with soft landscaping and natural stone elements, delivering a visual punch that’s both modern and inviting.

With a negative-edge, raised spa that practically begs you to soak away the day, and a sunken lounge with its own firepit for cooler evenings, this is outdoor living done right.

A space designed to be lived in

Built within a retained and levelled building envelope, the pool sits proudly at the rear of the house, aligned with the home’s living zones. Thoughtfully elevated, it maintains an outlook to adjacent parkland while limiting fencing without compromising safety.

The brief from the homeowners, a dynamic family of four with grown kids and a penchant for entertaining, was clear: create something magazine-worthy. They wanted a sophisticated yet relaxed outdoor space that transitioned easily from a casual summer pool dip to an elegant winter wine by the fire. And Norfolk Pools delivered.

Elegance in the detail

Every feature has purpose and presence. Travertine pavers and coping from The Pool Tile Company provide a refined, timeless finish. Inside the pool, Tempest and Alpine glass tiles sparkle in the Queensland sun, subtly defining wading areas and step edges. Underfoot and unseen, high-performance Insnrg filtration keeps things pristine, while the Maytronics Dolphin X6 robot makes light work of pool cleaning.

Sunbather’s solar system works in tandem with Insnrg gas heating, ensuring the spa is warm and welcoming no matter the season. Integrated PAL and Spa Electrics LED lighting elevate the mood into the evening, with strip lighting subtly highlighting different levels of the space, like the sculptural steps into the spa or the sunken lounge’s perimeter.

Danica’s clever approach to materials and layout makes the most of the site’s unique shape, using height transitions and textures to zone areas while maintaining flow. Raised garden beds soften the structural elements and offer a burst of green against the neutral tones of stone and decking.

Challenges that shaped the design

Like any truly bespoke project, this one came with a few complexities. The pool area had to be built around a significant native gum tree — a protected feature that couldn’t be moved. This meant adjusting fencing strategies, engineering solutions, and ultimately leaning into the tree’s presence as a focal part of the natural palette.

Access and elevation also played a role. With an 800mm drop between the home and the lawn below, Norfolk Pools turned what could have been a problem into a design opportunity, incorporating that height into a negative-edge feature and creating a pond that serves both visual and practical needs.

A complete outdoor transformation

More than just a pool builder, Norfolk Pools — through Danica’s leadership — managed the entire outdoor design. From patio extensions to custom arbours and integrated seating, every inch was considered. This cohesive approach means the space doesn’t just look beautiful, it works. Whether it’s a quick morning swim, a Friday night barbecue with friends or a lazy Sunday spa session, this backyard delivers.

Translating client visions

With more than 50 years of experience in crafting luxury swimming pools, Norfolk Pools is renowned for its ability to translate client visions into breathtaking realities. Specialising in high-end custom builds across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Norfolk Pools combines industry-leading expertise with a commitment to superior craftsmanship. The company’s award-winning reputation is reflected in its numerous accolades, including the 2023 and 2024 SPASA Qld Pool Designer of the Year and the 2022 Qld Pool of the Year. Through a personalised approach to design and construction, Norfolk Pools ensures each project is both functional and visually spectacular.

At a Glance

Pool designed by: Danica Vansleve-Sheil
Pool built by: Norfolk Pools
Size: 8.6m/7.0m x 4.1m
Style: Residential resort
Filtration: Insnrg Mi 350 Premium Sand Filter, Qi 1100 Energy-Saving Pump, Vi 25 Premium Low-Salt Chlorinator, UVC Sanitiser
Heating: Sunbather Solar Heating + Insnrg Gas Heating
Cleaning: Maytronics Dolphin Active X6
Tiles: Tempest Glass & Alpine Glass — The Pool Tile Company
Paving: Silver Travertine — Pool Tile Company
Lighting: Spa Electrics & PAL Lighting
Spa: Six Venturi spa jets, air blower, LED lighting
Special features: Negative-edge pond, sunken lounge with firepit, raised garden beds for compliance
Design management: Norfolk Pools and Elegance Pool Design