2025 National Pool of the year awards Entrant
A stunning infinity plunge pool set within the natural beauty of West Pennant Hills offers a unique combination of privacy, functionality, and breathtaking views of a rainforest gully.
Located in the serene suburb of West Pennant Hills, this custom-built infinity plunge pool sits gracefully within the bushland surroundings, offering a perfect blend of luxury and nature. Designed to be a tranquil escape, this pool provides a sense of connection with the environment, seamlessly integrating with the forested landscape.
The clients, a young professional family with an active lifestyle, sought an outdoor space that would maximise the stunning views of their acreage while offering a private, resort-like area for family and friends. Their brief was clear: create a pool that respects the location and feels as though it’s part of the natural landscape, allowing them to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding forest from the comfort of their home.
AEON Pools, led by founder Adrian Swain, collaborated closely with ecodesign for the pool’s design. The result is a beautiful square 5m x 5m infinity plunge pool that reflects both the site’s natural contours and the owners’ desire for a private space to unwind. The infinity edge allows swimmers to feel as if they are swimming directly into the forest, adding to the serene, almost magical atmosphere.
“We wanted to take full advantage of the site’s stunning forest outlook, and the infinity edge pool does just that. It feels like you’re swimming right up to the edge of the rainforest,” says Adrian. “It’s a relaxing, peaceful space that invites in the natural surroundings.”
Intergrating design with the environment
Building on this heavily constrained acreage, the AEON Pools team faced several challenges, including difficult access (with only 900mm of space), steep slopes, and a need for careful planning to protect existing blackbutt trees. The site is also located within a bushfire Flame Zone, which required extensive attention to safety protocols and compliance with council regulations. Despite these challenges, the team was able to create a seamless connection between the pool, the house and the natural landscape.
To enhance the design, the pool’s filtration system was supplied by Waterco, while the high-quality Bali Zen Stone tiles from Ezzari, coupled with a Custom Beadcrete interior, provide a luxurious finish. The integrated pool equipment is discreetly housed under the deck, maintaining the clean, minimalist aesthetic. The choice of Deco Wood for the decking and frameless glass fencing further complements the natural beauty of the environment, while Aqua-Quip lighting ensures the space is as magical by night as it is by day.
The pool is equipped with a Natural Gas heating system, ensuring the water remains inviting throughout the year, even during the cooler months. An Aussie Under Cover hidden pool cover adds an extra layer of convenience and safety, ensuring the pool can be easily secured when not in use.
Overcoming obstacles and creating a beautiful outdoor oasis
Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 lockdown period, which affected material availability, labour constraints, and contractor schedules, AEON Pools remained dedicated to delivering the project on time and on budget. The team worked tirelessly to ensure that the design and build were executed seamlessly, proving their commitment to creating high-quality, cost-effective solutions that enhance their clients’ lifestyles.
“The constraints of the pandemic were tough, but we were able to overcome them with careful planning and clear communication with our suppliers and contractors. Ultimately, we delivered a pool that not only added value to the property, but also enhanced the daily lifestyle of our clients,” says Adrian.
The project also included the integration of an existing balcony and the opening up of a blank brick wall with sliding glass doors to further connect the indoor and outdoor living areas.
The extended bench and swim-out areas provide space for relaxation, evoking a “forest bathing” experience, while the overall design allows the clients to enjoy the tranquil forest views from various points within the home.
Sustainability and design principles
AEON Pools takes pride in its approach to sustainable design, ensuring that every project is both environmentally responsible and functional. For this project, that meant considering the natural features of the site, incorporating green elements like the forest views, and using materials that harmonise with the surroundings.
“This project is a great example of good design principles in action: balance between aesthetics, function and budget,” explains Adrian. “Our client had a clear vision, and we were able to create a space that was both beautiful and practical, providing them with
a long-lasting outdoor sanctuary.”
At a Glance
Pool built by: AEON Pools
Pool design by: ecodesign
Size of pool: 5m x 5m
Shape of pool: Square, Infinity edge
Filtration: Waterco
Heating system: Natural Gas
Waterline tiles: Ezzari Zen Bali Stone 50mm Matt
Coping: Artisan Exterior
Decking: Deco Wood
Fence: Frameless Glass
Landscaping: The Other Side Landscapes
Lighting: Aqua-Quip
Special features: Custom Beadcrete interior, integrated pool equipment under deck, Aussie Under Cover hidden pool cover
For more information
AEON Pools
A: Unit 61, 5 Gladstone Road, Castle Hill NSW 2154 P: 02 9871 7703
M: 0407 006 852
E: info@aeonpools.com.au
