Urban Reef

2025 National Pool of the year awards Entrant

A Contemporary Oasis in the City

A stunning blend of form and function, this custom-designed pool turns a challenging block into an extraordinary residential showpiece. Nestled in a suburban enclave, the aptly nicknamed Urban Reef showcases a modern interpretation of luxurious outdoor living. Designed by Contour Landscape Architecture and built by Equillibrium Pools & Landscapes, this rectangular 6m x 3m pool combines cutting-edge design with thoughtful craftsmanship to create a seamless connection between home, landscape, and leisure.

Tackling the Terrain

The steep topography of the site posed significant challenges, with dramatic falls from the rear to the front of the block. Adding to the complexity, the location’s narrow street access made it impossible to position a crane onsite. These obstacles were carefully navigated through innovative engineering, expert project management, and sheer determination, particularly when installing the pool’s standout feature: a 76mm-thick glass viewing wall weighing over a tonne.

A Unique Residential Feature

What sets this pool apart is the size and span of its glass viewing wall—rarely seen in residential spaces. This transparent edge not only offers a dramatic visual from within the pool but also provides a mesmerising view of the shimmering water from the surrounding outdoor area.

A Touch of Luxury

The pool’s design is inspired by the tropical serenity of exclusive resorts, bringing the ambience of high-end hotels to a private suburban retreat. Fully tiled with Hisbolt Devonport Spanish glass tiles in 23x23mm dimensions, the pool interior glistens with elegance. French limestone coping adds a timeless touch, while custom frameless glass fencing ensures unobstructed views.

The pool’s Aquaquip Evo Max programmable lighting enhances its charm at night, creating a magical glow across the water.

The spa jets and Aquea bubbler integrated into the bench area elevate the experience, offering relaxation zones reminiscent of tropical lagoons. To maintain eco-conscious functionality, a Naked Pool Filtration System minimises chemical use, while the inverter heat pump and filtration systems are powered by solar panels—demonstrating the homeowners’ commitment to sustainability.

Design Harmony

The pool was built to harmonise with the architectural style of the house and its landscaped surrounds. Clear Vision Landscapes created lush greenery that enhances the tranquil atmosphere, blurring the boundaries between the built and natural environments. Structural retaining walls were also carefully designed to blend practicality with aesthetic appeal.

“Good design is about creating spaces that not only look stunning but also function seamlessly,” explains the team at Equilibrium Pools & Landscapes. “This project exemplifies our philosophy of holistic balance, bringing stability, harmony, and visual engagement to the entire outdoor space.”

The Family Vision

The homeowners, a young family, envisioned a backyard retreat that could serve as both a functional family space and a luxurious escape. Their design brief emphasised the importance of flow between the pool, house, and landscaping while incorporating standout features that would enhance the pool’s wow factor. Whether by day, with sunlight reflecting off its sparkling interior, or by night, under the soft glow of programmable lights, this pool transforms its suburban surroundings into an oasis of luxury and tranquillity.

Crafting dreams with Precision

Great pool design considers the ways clients want to enjoy their swimming pool and the surrounding landscaped areas,” says Rob.

“We also believe good design is thorough, especially down to the finer details, ensuring longevity for our clients. We specialise in designing and building fully customised, high-quality concrete swimming pools and spas. Our clients value the care we take with every pool design and our ability to help them achieve spectacular pool areas to suit their lifestyle. Throughout every stage of the pool design and construction, our clients will be fully informed to ensure the custom-designed concrete swimming pool meets their requirements and enhances their lifestyle. We are sincere when we say we can design and build any size, shape or type of swimming pool.”

Rob has more than 20 years of industry experience and is one of Sydney’s leading experts in swimming pool and landscape construction. His meticulous attention to detail, as well as his ability to anticipate potential construction obstacles, has made Rob a highly sought-after consultant and project supervisor.

“Our pool building services extend across the North Shore, Northern Beaches, Eastern Suburbs, inner west, city and areas in the Hills district of Sydney,” says Rob. “We build 20 custom-designed-and-constructed pools a year.”

The company’s specialty is structural landscape and swimming pool construction. “We have six stages we go through with a new client, starting with the initial contact via phone, email or social media,” explains Rob. “We conduct on-site visits including tendering to the client’s wish list and budget, through to managing design, approvals and construction. We coordinate with builders, landscapers, architects and engineers. Our transparent way of construction is always welcome with industry professionals and clients alike.”

Rob’s qualifications include Licensed Swimming Pool Builder, Licensed Structural Landscaper, Licensed Builder and Certificate IV TAE. The company is also a member of SPASA and Master Builders Association of NSW.

At a Glance

Pool Build: Equilibrium Pools & Landscapes
Pool Design: Contour Landscape Architecture
Size & Shape: 6.0m x 3.0m, rectangular
Key Features: Glass viewing wall, spa jets, Aquea bubbler
Tiles: Hisbolt Devonport Spanish Glass (23x23mm)
Coping: French limestone
Filtration: Naked Pool System
Heating: Inverter heat pump (solar-powered)
Lighting: Aquaquip Evo Max programmable LEDs
Fence: Custom frameless glass fencing
Landscaping: Clear Vision Landscapes