In 2026, the backyards that feel most current are not the ones following old formulas, but the ones designed with shape, mood and cohesion in mind.

Something has changed in residential design.

Homes are feeling warmer. Softer. More tactile.

You can see it in arched entries, rendered walls, limestone tones, curved edges and outdoor spaces that feel composed rather than assembled. And in established Sydney suburbs — where knockdown rebuilds and major renovations are common — this shift is becoming especially visible.

The pool is changing with that architecture.

What used to be a standard blue rectangle is increasingly becoming something more integrated:

• curved walls
• softened corners
• textured finishes
• shapes that feel connected to the house and landscape

This is not styling for the sake of styling.

Curves do something practical. They soften density, work beautifully in compact yards and help outdoor spaces feel calmer and more resolved.

But here is the important part:

Curves need planning.

A convincing curved pool is not a last-minute flourish. It requires design intent, the right material choices, and a builder who understands how the pool and home need to speak the same language. This is one reason concrete plays such a big role in the trend — it gives far more freedom when the design brief moves beyond standard shapes.

For inspiration, Blue Haven’s pool case studies and pool renovations and upgrades show how architectural direction, material tone and backyard layout can come together in a more cohesive way.

In 2026, curves are not just a trend.

They are a signal.

They say the backyard was designed, not dropped in.

For homeowners chasing a softer, more architectural outdoor space, explore Blue Haven’s case studies and renovation inspiration. Blue Haven Pools — where pool design starts with the bigger picture.

The post Curves Are Moving Into Sydney’s Established Suburbs — And Blue Haven Pools leads design appeared first on Completehome.

A Total Concept Landscape Architects was engaged by the owners of this Beauty Point property to design then manage the redevelopment of all external spaces for their home. The work was to take advantage of the magnificent northerly views over Middle Harbour and surrounding bushland.

“We undertook the designs, obtained building approval, provided construction documentation, and recommended and organised the builder, pool builder and landscape contractor,” explains John Storch, director of A Total Concept Landscape Architects. “We then managed the construction of the project for our clients.”

The company’s involvement started with looking at different external finishes for the home. A washed render that evokes a Parisian feel was ultimately selected. The traditional hard-surfaced entry courtyard was paved in a French-patterned limestone, gated with sentinel Italian Cypress. Also selected were a majestic timber front door and traditional tiled portico with rustic stone pier highlights.

The home opens to the main entertaining terrace with four sets of traditional French doors. A Total Concept designed the terrace to be half covered and half open for all contingencies, and furnished the space using traditional terracotta pots, green and white plantings, and rustic pensione furniture purchased from a European antique dealer.

The rear of the home opens to a limestone paved entertaining deck adjacent to an elevated knot seating garden. White flowering perennials and box hedges descend seamlessly to the infinity-edged resort-style swimming pool and sitting areas which boast broad generous limestone steps.

The water of the simple geometric-style pool beautifully reflects the house lights at night, and during the day it mirrors the vegetation of the surrounding gardens and bushland. Together, the pool and sculptural landscaping make a bold design statement that showcases the stylish European-inspired home. The pool’s limestone surrounds, glass mosaic tiles and glass pebble interior create an appealing setting, enticing everyone to jump in for a splash. The extensive wet edge of the heated pool provides the perfect place to stop and reflect over the completely private terraced gardens.

The gardens are mass planted with numerous exotic European-style plants, creating a green-on-green canvass infused with white shrubs highlighted with blue French lavender and wisteria, and scented with white gardenias.

Homeowners are increasingly looking for professional assistance to look after their entire project. A Total Concept Landscape Architects provides a total service and is also flexible with the extent of the service that it provides, happy to help as much or as little as clients want. The multi-award-winning company bridges the gap by providing a total service that creates a fusion of home and garden for its clients. From contemporary through to traditional, A Total Concept specialises in the integration of beautiful and functional swimming pools, gardens, cabanas and the home itself for projects ranging from the smallest inner-city courtyard to family residences and large country estates. “We can help with any design project anywhere in Australia,” says John.

The team brings together all aspects of your home, first by explaining to you the alternatives available. Then the team holistically designs your property to include materials and paint colours, planting, lighting, pool equipment, tile and paving selections through to fixtures and fittings, flooring, kitchens and bathrooms for the home and cabana. “We provide services extending from consultations, designs and specifications, council approvals and builder recommendations to the total management of the project and contract administration, for home alterations and additions, pools, cabanas and gardens,” shares John.

A Total Concept Landscape Architects has an impressive portfolio of work and is available for consultations.

At a Glance

Residence, pool and garden complex designed by: A Total Concept Landscape Architects, Cabana & Swimming
Pool Designers Lighting: LEDs in pool and gardens
Tiling: Glass mosaics and glass render for pool interior
Lanscaping: Includes an extensive palette of exotic plants suitable for Sydney’s climate

For more information

A Total Concept Landscape Architects, Cabana & Swimming Pool Designers

design@atotalconcept.com.au

The post A touch of Provence appeared first on Completehome.

This exciting project was the result of an enjoyable commission by engaged clients who pushed the team to create a unique pool.

“We were engaged at the house pre-design stage to ensure the landscape design, pool and gardens complemented the homeowners’ new home,” explains Adrian Swain of AEON Pools. “Our clients asked us to design a pool that was complementary to the house architecture and gardens. We achieved this by working with the home’s designer and landscape architect to coordinate the material selections to ensure the materials used complemented the house. The residence was delivered to a very high standard with all luxury inclusions, and the pool finishes and equipment were required to be specified to a similar level.”

It also had to be fun for children. An integrated rain curtain water feature was installed flush-mounted into the shadow line cabana ceiling, and children can play on extended full-width entry steps at the shallow end of the pool while under the falling water. A full-length ledge also features to the long side of the pool and enables kids to have a base to play games such as Marco Polo.

In addition, the project also needed to provide an opportunity for adults to relax and unwind. “We integrated the pool with the design of the cabana to have a strong visual connection between the pool and alfresco areas that also connect closely with the internal living rooms,” Adrian says.

Last but not least, the 8m x 4m pool had to be a striking feature from the home, and spectacular even when not in use. The pool and cabana are the main features in the rear yard, linked to the alfresco through a 5m-long glass pool wall that maximises the pool’s visual impact from the kitchen and living areas.

The pool is accessed at the shallow end via three full-width steps from the adjoining cabana, taking advantage of the slope down from the rear of the property. The steps up to the cabana from the alfresco are generous and create a strong connection between the home, cabana and pool.

Garden lighting design is integrated with the pool’s design and layout, which makes both the pool and landscape a striking feature in the evening. The cabana’s lighting design creates linear features and shadow play. Rebated risers in the front and rear steps have created a floating effect, while the structural plantings are uplit.

The position of the pool in the landscape promotes a sense of balance. Although it extends across a large area, it appears to sit comfortably within the existing contours and is elevated to take advantage of the existing slope.

The pool surrounds and landscapes were closely integrated, with high attention to detail to ensure seamless integration between pool, landscape, cabana and home. This required careful scheduling between abutting finishes provided by multiple trades.

Overall, the integrated nature of the pool and landscape was driven by the master plan for the site. The design process required a detailed analysis of client needs, existing site, planning of proposed levels and council controls, which then informed the allocation and size of spaces around the pool. “Our client also expected an extremely high level of quality and we delivered in excess of their expectations,” says Adrian. “In every aspect of the construction and finishes, close attention to detail was provided.”

The pool is fully tiled with glass mosaic White Russian tiles from Ezarri. The concourse and coping are constructed from a 20mm porcelain tile that has a dropdown rebate to the coping and mitre-cut joints to all corners. The coping tile was also used throughout the rear yard and cabana. Particular effort was given to the detail for the mitre joints.

The pool colours, considered part of the overall design, are in keeping with the colours of the house, cabana and landscape structures. The rear wall of the pool rises out from the water as an integrated retaining wall that has a colour-matched acrylic render coating. This wall extends the length of the pool and integrates into the cabana wall and adjoining garden retaining walls. Meanwhile, the planting design is intentionally minimal, aligning with the rectilinear layout to reflect the modern house design.

This project was awarded a SPASA gold medal in the category of Pool Lighting Feature. AEON Pools is the pool building arm of the AEON Group which combines the multi award winning companies ecodesign Ltd and The Other Side Landscapes, both owned by Adrian Swain. This boutique group of registered landscape architects, horticulturists, pool builders and landscapers focuses on projects on the north shore and in northwest Sydney.

“Following initial consultations, we sit with the client, interior designer and architect,” says Adrian. “We work through concept development, development approvals and detailed design, then construction and project management. At all stages we liaise closely with the client and the contractor.”

In 2019, the multi-award-winning company received two international awards as well as state and national accolades, including the Allan Corey Award for overall design excellence, as voted by the Landscape Design Institute (LDI).

Adrian is a registered Landscape Architect, Fellow of the Landscape Design Institute and also holds memberships of AIH, SPASA, MBA and The Landscaping Association.

At Glance

Pool designed and built by: ecodesign
Landscaping: The Other Side Landscapes
Size: 8m x 4m
Heating: Inverter heat pump entirely powered by photovoltaic cells on roof
Tiles: Fully tiled in glass White Russian mosaic tiles from Ezarri
Coping: 20mm porcelain tiles
Feature wall: Glass
Lighting: Integrated RGBW LED strip lighting in rain curtain, rebated risers in the front and rear steps of cabana, structural plantings are uplit.

For more information

ecodesign

AEON Pools

The post Perfect Harmony: Seamless Integration of Pool and Entertaining Areas appeared first on Completehome.

Imagine being able to design and build a mesmerising pool however extravagant or novel you please. The options are limitless, ranging from simple and contemporary styles to elaborate and intricate ones.

But concrete pools also provide strength, longevity, and sturdiness, making them a wise investment for any homeowner. So why choose a generic pool when you can have a unique concrete work of art that will delight and calm you for years to come? Immerse yourself in the world of bespoke concrete pools today and let your creativity soar.

The job Blue Haven Pools & Spas completed in Smithfield is a perfect example of this. The owners loved to party, so they were searching for the ideal outdoor area with a pool large enough for their extended family and friends. They also wanted areas set aside for rest and relaxation so that people could socialize on one side and kids could have their own space. A space designated for a spectacular pool party at home—but obviously also for other things!

And Blue Haven answered the call. Their solution? A mesmerising pool and spa combination that’s now the pinnacle of their backyard entertainment.

How they made it happen

Although the property lacked natural gas, the spa was still meant to be a hot area. As a result, we built a small raised spa as a spillover feature that could easily be heated with bottled gas. We constructed two ledges, one for champagne relaxation and the other for jet treatment, on either side of the spa.

The pool’s finish, which uses the Blue Haven Pebble and Glass Blend, is absolutely stunning. The pool’s water appears to dance gracefully from a distance, particularly in light of the Travertine surrounds’ calming effect. A sand filter, gas pool heating, salt water, and ledge jets have all been added.

Our most skilled artisans were needed to tile the spa because it was so challenging to build. In addition, a lavish and technologically advanced spillway that is completely contained was incorporated into the design.

In addition, we designed a spectacular water feature that draws attention away from the magnificent spa and 12-meter pool without competing with them.

This pool’s captivating night lighting was created with entertaining in mind.

The result

Lavish. Durable. Dreamy.

A fascinating home addition—the end product is absolutely mesmerizing. The pool and spa combo completely astounded and satisfied the clients by transforming their entertaining area into a sanctuary unlike any other.

From this point forward, our clients will undoubtedly continue creating generational memories with their close relatives and acquaintances. The pool space has in fact grown to be a special asset to their house and will stay that way for years to come.

The most cost-effective concrete pool on the market is still offered by Blue Haven Pools. We create concrete pools that are uniquely yours, with stunning custom designs suitable for any property. Because we answer “yes” more frequently than not, there are no limitations when it comes to the size, shape, and design of your pool.

For more information

Blue Haven Pools & Spas

The post A truly mesmerising pool and spa combination appeared first on Completehome.

Many are long enough for lap swimming, have beautiful finishes, and are flanked by lounge chairs.

The goal? Resort-style living spaces that aren’t just for show but places for human connection and everyday comfort. 

Take a look at our list of the top 5 resort-style apartment pools from around the world that nailed this:

Nine on the Hudson, New Jersey, USA

Marchetto Higgins Stieve Architecture designed a tiered 278-condo complex in Hoboken, New Jersey, with amazing corner views of Manhattan across the Hudson.

The modern development by K Hovnanian Homes also features communal areas with an outdoor lounge, a wet bar, and multiple fire pits as well as outdoor heaters.

Then there’s the infinity edge pool, which flows without interruption towards the world’s most famous skyline. It also includes a cozy hot tub.

Burj Khalifa, Dubai

The world’s tallest building, Dubai’s 160-story Burj Khalifa, features a premium health club – The Burj Club, which has two pool options: an Olympic-size indoor lap pool and an elegant outdoor pool surrounded by sun beds. Lounge around on one of these plush beds and you can enjoy the views of Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain. Once you’ve completed your workout and recovered by the pool, head over to the Rooftop Burj Club to enjoy the club’s international menu.

Residents can mingle with other locals at the Rooftop Pool on the third-floor terrace, adjacent to The Burj Club fitness facilities. It’s the setting for the new Rooftop Soiree at the Burj Club. From Wednesday to Friday, AED150 ($54) as of November 2022 gets you sunset access to the pool, where DJs and giant inflatables create a party atmosphere.

Rose Hill, NYC, USA

Rose Hill is a proudly modern structure that pays homage to the dream of living in authentic, thriving, and historic New York. This iconic and timeless building, located at 30 East 29th Street in the charming and historic Rose Hill neighbourhood of NoMad, for which it is named, features three full floors of sophisticated amenities that enrich a social and active lifestyle.

A fully equipped Gym curated by Fhitting Room, a professional-grade Squash Court in collaboration with SquashRx, and an expansive 50-foot Pool surrounded by hand-crafted, green oxide-glazed tiled walls await down the spiral lobby staircase. Relax in the Dry Heat Wellness Sauna and spacious private Changing Rooms after a workout.

The European Bathhouse: Alden Park, Philadelphia, USA

Alden Park, one of Philadelphia’s finest apartment communities, spans 38 acres and is practically a neighbourhood in and of itself. This means it has enough space for an outdoor pool as well as an indoor swimming area, the latter of which will remind you of a luxurious European bathhouse.

The indoor pool at the apartment complex is as impressive as it gets, with poolside beds and lounge areas, and, to top it all off, the roof retracts so you can enjoy the view while swimming a lap or simply relaxing in the water.

Sky Pool at Embassy Gardens, London

Swimming has reached new heights in London. The Embassy Gardens, a mixed-use community from EcoWorld Ballymore, includes the Sky Pool, a see-through pool suspended 115 feet in the air between two apartment buildings. It is located next to the United States. Embassy in the London neighbourhood of Nine Elms, near the Thames River.

The acrylic pool, which is 82 feet long, 16 feet wide, and 10 feet deep, was built in a factory in Colorado and carefully transported across the Atlantic for installation. Those who take a dip will be able to see the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.

Blue Haven Pools and Spas specialises in a range of pools that you can choose from according to your needs, preferences, and even personality. Get in touch with our team today and let’s talk about recreating the same luxury apartment living ambience you want.

Still on the lookout for the perfect pool? You can consider building an indoor pool at home. Take a look at our list of the most glamorous indoor pools in the world for inspiration.

For more information

Blue Haven Pools & Spas

The post The Most Exquisite Apartment Pools In The World appeared first on Completehome.

According to Beaumont Tiles design specialist, Rachel Gilding, getting a resort look guaranteed to wow your family and friends has become easier and more accessible than ever with the advancement of Microtec’s advanced glazing technology. “While the type of tiles you could use was previously limited, the recent release of our Microtec textured tiles range enables you to transform your poolside into a retreat, no matter the style you are looking for,” she says.

“Exclusive to the Beaumonts, our Microtec ranges are durable, have a high slip rating and resist exposure to chemicals and the changing weather. There’s also an expansive range of options to fit any style.”

Microtec is perfect for indoor and outdoor living thanks to its smooth slip-resistant technology that feels like a matt finish. “Its fine uniform coating of microscopic granules applied during manufacturing to form a smooth grip finish will last the life of your tile,” says Rachel. “Its slip-resistant tile is great for the pool area as the Microtec range has a safe grip that activates when wet.”

With endless style options on offer, Rachel highlights three that are perfect to create a poolside palace but suggests that before deciding on a style, homeowners should make use of Beaumont’s What’s My Style quiz and BeVisual Live tool. “From an aesthetics perspective, you want to make sure you choose a look that will match the style of your home and continue the overall design narrative. ‘What’s My Style’ is perfect for this as it shows the style that best suits you and offers a personalised style book to help you get started. Once you land on the style, you can use our exclusive BeVisual Live augmented reality tool that will visualise what your main floor tile choices will look like on a photo of your selected space.”

The natural beauty of the coastal style

Rachel says the Coastal style fits perfectly in a poolside palace thanks to its strong hints of the beachside retreat that spells relaxation. Choosing Legend sandstone from the Microtec range can perfectly capture the look of sandy shores flowing into shimmering blue waters.

“This range works so well for warm and cool colour schemes,” shares Rachel. “Coupling this with neutral outdoor furniture and plant accessories can create a beautiful sanctuary of serenity that you’ll never want to leave. If you’re looking for other options, choosing any beige larger-format tile in the range will help create that coastal look. Whether you choose Pompeii Crema or Laguna Ivory, they will each bring the sandy look to your summer coastal oasis.”

Seamless contemporary flow from inside to out

According to Rachel, a Contemporary style works well in a poolside setting thanks to its neutral streamlined, sophisticated aesthetic, particularly when it extends from the inside.

“Having your pool tiles match the style of your home can provide a seamless flow, and our Microtec technology makes this simple to do,” she says. “Our Rome Steel Grey or Basalt Grey ranges can create a perfect flow between indoor and outdoor areas. These large-format tiles are perfect for application across your home and lean into the simplicity that Contemporary is known for. Adding an outdoor barbecue to the mix or some clean, smooth-edged furniture which matches that neutral colour palette will create a welcoming environment for your guests.”

When choosing these darker shade ranges, it’s important to remember they can get quite warm underfoot. If your pool is heavily exposed to sunlight, opt for a lighter-shade tile as it will be less inclined to absorb as much heat as darker-toned options.

The functional and smooth traditional style for your poolside palace

Rachel says there’s no doubt the Traditional look is warm and welcoming, with a nod to classic European luxury homes. “When choosing poolside tiles to match this style, sticking to a lighter or darker theme in all the design elements is essential,” she advises. “A Bora Marble Grey or a Lagoon Light Grey from the Microtec range could do wonders for your toes, while maximising that marble or natural stone look that oozes traditional charm.

“Just remember to lean into the symmetry of this style using finishes that match,” adds Rachel, “like using a pair of ornate outdoor lamps or a pair of sun lounges to lean into the traditional vibe. This way, your poolside palace will be ready to go when you begin the summer parties and lazy days lounging by the waterside.”

For more information, 

Beaumont Tiles 

The post Three poolside palace styles for creating your own appeared first on Completehome.

This new custom-built pool deserved only the best finishes to bring the homeowners’ vision to life. Pool interior expert, Quasar Pools, was chosen to complete the project with impeccable waterproofing, interior tiling and coping. The beautiful craftsmanship and quality of this interior set this project apart, with Ezarri glass mosaic tiles in Iris Ocean and classic light travertine coping and surrounds.

A swimming pool is a large investment and can be costly to fix down the track if it’s not constructed and finished perfectly, so it’s important to choose a company you can trust. With more than 20 years of experience in pool interiors, Quasar Pools understands exactly what is required and has the trade contacts to make it happen.

Quasar Pools knows that sometimes, making a decision can be difficult and the team will help guide and support you the whole way through, from design to completion. They can help with the design, material selection, and organise all trades and technical aspects such as rust treatment, equipment replacement and waterproofing.

“Swimming pool renovations are a large part of our business, but we also work on new pools as builders trust us with interiors,” says Andriy of Quasar Pools. Pool renovations are a popular option for homeowners with an existing pool, given the huge impact they can have for the relatively small financial cost.

While a complete pool overhaul is absolutely within Quasar Pool’s service offerings, there’s a plethora of simpler and cost-effective ways the team is also able to transform the look of your pool. These include a new water feature, new lights, jets or waterline tiles. “A simple waterline replacement or refinishing can change the entire look and style of an old pool,” says Andriy.

The glamour of a fully tiled swimming pool is a look that’s hard to beat, with its sleek and timeless appeal combined with superior durability. The selection of tiles available to personalise your pool’s appearance is endless — colour, size, texture and mosaic combinations are all aspects to consider. Quasar Pools, an expert in this field, can help you select the best tiles to suit your style and budget.

Quasar Pools specialises in pool interiors, with the team working on small and large projects, including new pool builds and complete pool renovations, waterproofing, resurfacing, rendering, pool interiors, tiling, waterline tiling, coping, water features and surrounds. The family-owned business has been providing the magic finishing touch to swimming pools and spas since 2001. Based in Sydney, the company can provide a solution for anything from small tiling projects through to complete pool renovations. Quasar Pools’ team of professionals are client-focussed and ensure you’re supported and happy every step of the way, from the design concept stages through to filling up your new pool.

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, 

Quasar Pools 

The post Pool interior handled by the experts appeared first on Completehome.

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 

The post A modern revival on a 1980s pool design appeared first on Completehome.

A WORK OF ART

This project in Sans Souci is an innovative pool design for outdoor relaxation. It features dominant colours in different shades of white and blue to evoke a palpable sense of refined comfort and luxury. With a flooring finish that features travertine, the new build is a showstopper. The pool is highlighted as the focal point in a way that complements the view and sits comfortably within the landscape. From a distance, you can feel the ambience of a relaxing haven that’s intricately designed with layers, textures, spa water and other key elements. As you move closer, you notice the unfolding layers of complexities that speak volumes of expertise, years of experience, talent and exhaustive planning. bluehaven.com.au

TAKE THE PLUNGE

Nestled into a hidden Fremantle nook, behind a spectacular heritage home, this landscape and sculptural concrete plunge pool make a beautiful design statement. Entering this space makes you feel as if you’re embarking on a wonderful discovery. The circular shape is echoed throughout the landscape, linking the new space with the home. A moat retained by formed steel and planted with Alocasia negates the need for fencing, preserving sightlines across the garden. The pool is fully tiled and capped with crazy paving. The finishes are timeless, textural and in-vogue. An eclectic yet harmonious blend of textures further contributes to the success of the project.

ENTERTAINER’S DELIGHT

This generous curved infinity-edge and wet-deck pool features an impressive sunken lounge, accessed over the beach area via five floating-effect steppingstone pavers. There’s also an internal swim-up bar complete with three tiled bar stools and custom green roof pergola. The pool includes an internal seven-seater infinity-edge and wet-deck spa with custom rolled seats, each with multiple spa jets.

These features provide a high level of luxury and a resort-like atmosphere. The entire design concept plays on the “holiday-at-home” movement. To cater for year-round swimming, the pool and spa reach temperatures of 35 and 40 degrees. They are also highlighted by a unique herringbone red-brick feature wall with six custom water feature spouts. The 1.8m-high infinity-edge pool is finished with rolled sides, allowing for water to gently cascade down the face.

GRAND STYLE

The large and functional pool and spa, set on acreage property, is an impressive 15m in length. There are also ample entertainment spaces including the sunken in-pool lounges, heated in-built spa and many ledge areas. The feature lighting and in-floor cleaning make looking after it a breeze. It’s also fully automated, controlled by the touch of a button.

The coping has a custom 80mm drop edge. Aquastone Pools and Landscapes wanted a chunky drop edge to help create luxurious appeal to the pool and surrounds. This pool and spa combo is the ultimate resort at home. The pool also features many step areas, including a custom-made step that is designed to house the sunken loungers — a perfect spot to relax in the pool and be taken away to a tropical paradise.

The fully heated spa is a key feature; the gorgeous black tile contrasts beautifully with the pool interior tile, which is blue. The pool is large enough to seat 10-12 people comfortably and can be enjoyed all year round with gas heating.

A STAYCATION VIBE

Innovation is the name of the game for this project Bluehaven completed for their clients in Castlereagh. It was a challenging project because of the flood zone nature of the site. The vision was to create a pool and spa combination that also evokes the perfect staycation vibe at home.

Blue Haven’s skilled team created back-wall barriers to make the design look more impressive, with two sloping sides rather than a straight-line boundary-looking wall. A suspended area was also added to be used as a diving platform. Intricately designed with a Whitehaven interior, travertine surrounds, retaining feature wall, sheer-descent waterfall blades and scum gutter surround, the result is nothing short of a serene and cosy focal point that elevated the overall appeal of the property. This outdoor haven is an extension of a relaxing and fun ambience that’s perfect for house parties and intimate get-togethers.

For more information, 

Blue Haven 

AquaStone 

Striking Pools 

Tim Davies Landscaping

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Big things come from small beginnings so allow us to take you on a quick trip down memory lane on how it all started. The company started in 1973, when our boss lady CEO Remonda’s father, Mr Ray Awadallah, started manufacturing and installing vinyl-lined above-ground pools in Yennora NSW. Being a true family man who is deeply in love with water, Ray immediately saw how pools can bring happiness to Australian families.

From the words of Remonda herself, “When my dad started Blue Haven years ago, he never set out to win awards or grow into Australia’s largest pool and spa company. Like so many first-generation immigrants, he loved his family and enjoyed being outdoors. So when he saw an opportunity to provide for us by building pools for sun-loving Sydneysiders, he grabbed it immediately. He and my mum worked super hard, taking every pool order seriously and often bent backwards to please clients – a work ethic I acquired from observing them at a young age. I guess you could say it runs in our blood  Their reward was lifelong loyal customers who spread our good name and as they would say, the rest is history.”

From there, Blue Haven took a life of its own. Customers who had their pools installed 50 years ago still continue to enjoy the same original pool from us, which is definitely something we are immensely proud of to this day. It feels great to be part of their traditions, celebrations, and family bondings through the years.

For over 20 years, we have also maintained a strong connection and relationship with our loyal contractors and local suppliers, who by the way, used to be Remonda’s playmates as a kid. This allowed us to pull through and navigate the impediment in the building and construction sector caused by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As you can see, this business is more than just a company for all of us. Blue Haven is our family, our second home.

So, the BIG question is…

How do Blue Haven Pools & Spas does it?

The simplest and most straightforward answer is strong and innovative leadership.

Remonda has always been a firm believer of how being ever-evolving and innovative is the key to staying relevant amidst the changing times. Looking back, this was also the principle that her parents have held onto during their time, as backed by their awards and recognitions, starting from building the first vinyl pool that received local government Development Application (DA) approval to their numerous distinctions in the pool construction industry, including the following:

• Australian Design Award for the world’s first semi-inground pool design in 1987
• First ribbed fibreglass pool that did not require a steel and concrete bond beam to hold it in ground.
• The first SALT WATER POOL for above-ground pools ever.

And the legacy goes on

Remonda is particularly most proud of being able to carry on the family legacy – which is this business that her father and mother, Mrs Mary Awadallah, built from scratch. According to our ever-relentless CEO, it has been an extraordinary journey to keep the Blue Haven branding fresh and modern. The steps Blue Haven has taken to innovate are remarkable. With today’s consumers increasingly time-poor, Remonda transitioned Blue Haven to become the first company in the world to offer pools online.

Remonda also loves that through the Blue Haven brand, we are somehow like a bridge that connects Australian families to the pride and joy that they feel after owning a pool easily. She loves being a builder that transforms lives, makes people happy, and reminds families of the significance of spending quality time together. As one of our top 5 most honest customer testimonials said it, “Blue Haven Pools have changed our lifestyle for the better. Our home is now a more than worthy destination to experience tranquil resort-style. It’s proven to not just facilitate a chill after daily work stressors but a focal point for our entertainment and wellbeing. We now have a beautifully heated sparking Blue Haven pool at our significantly enhanced front entrance inviting us to jump in even in winter.”

Another significant milestone for Blue Haven is the creation of our EnviroSmart Mineral Pool. We’ve developed the EnviroSmart Mineral Pool for you to enjoy the pleasure of a backyard pool while minimising the impact on the environment and maximising the remarkable benefits of minerals. In fact, it reduces waste water by 12,000 litres per annum and saves you 80% of ongoing operating costs.

So now you can enjoy minerals that make you feel good, savings that will make you feel great and a reduced carbon footprint that will make you feel like a hero.

It’s all about branding and innovation

Remonda brought Blue Haven to new heights by making it the first and only pool builder in the world to sell custom concrete pools online. With the launch of the new BLU HVN branding, she’s basically revolutionised an industry that was energy-intensive and clunky in the sales process by completely digitising it so homeowners can buy a pool online risk-free.

She’s also invested so many resources into new construction equipment and 3D animation, visual and AR technology so homeowners can enjoy a seamless experience and avoid consumer reluctance. With homeowners already knowing what they want, online pool sales was the obvious direction.

Because design and innovation have always been in Remonda’s DNA, it’s no wonder she was able to lead Blue Haven’s transition as she leads the second generation of the family legacy. In fact, Blue Haven made it to Australian Financial Review’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in 2021. We were ranked 7th in our niche out of over 700 nominated organisations across Australia and New Zealand, placing us amongst billion-dollar companies.

Imagine being the brains behind all these innovations as a lady CEO and still being able to juggle her role as a mother – that’s our strong-willed lady boss for you! With all these traits backed up by incredible results with Blue Haven Pools & Spas winning over 350 industry awards thus far, there’s really no wonder why she’s part of Australia’s Top 100 Women in 2021.

A brighter and better future for Blue Haven

Being an innovator and a visionary herself, Remonda will always be excited about what lies ahead for Blue Haven. This 2022, our CEO will be launching a Sales & Mentoring Program for ladies who are interested to learn more about pool design, sales, customer services, communication, personal presentation, and self-confidence.

Another exciting thing coming up for the company is our very own Lansvale Centre of Excellence. Blue Haven Pools is set to redefine the concept of a pool showroom – and the construction has already started this year. Our Lansvale warehouse, head office, and showroom went through a significant makeover and will soon be more than just a vision. Led by our General Manager Richie, we renovated our 10,000 sqm showroom in Lansvale to truly immerse our customers in the ultimate sensory experience with our state-of-the-art pools and Poolside Pizza Pavillion, which features indoor and alfresco dining and boutique retail options.

So yes, we have come a long way – and we sure are more than ready to go further.

If you are ready to start building your dream pool, contact us and let’s discuss your plans.

The post 50 Years And Still Staying Relevant – The Story of Blue Haven Pools appeared first on Completehome.