Not every pool is designed to announce itself.
At this Elsternwick residence, it feels as though the water was discovered within the landscape rather than built into it. Framed by sculptural architecture, layered planting and gently curving forms, the 15-metre freeform pool and circular spa create the impression of a natural swimming hole nestled within the garden.
Designed by MUD Office and delivered alongside Leeton Pointon Architects and LBA Construction, the pool forms part of a highly considered outdoor environment where water, planting and architecture work together to shape the experience of the space. Rather than relying on strong geometric lines, the design embraces softer forms that allow the pool to feel embedded within the landscape itself.
The dark interior finish, created using CMC305 Dark Grey ceramic mosaics from The Pool Tile Company, gives the water remarkable depth and clarity. Throughout the day, reflections from surrounding planting and architecture move across the surface, reinforcing the illusion of a natural pond or river pool hidden amongst the garden.
The 15-metre freeform pool meanders through the landscape, creating changing perspectives from different areas of the home and outdoor spaces. A separate 1.7-metre circular spa sits nearby as its own destination, partially concealed within the planting and contributing to the feeling that the landscape has evolved organically around the water.
Bluestone coping provides a refined edge to the pool while allowing the surrounding garden to remain the dominant visual feature. The restrained material palette ensures attention remains on the interplay between water, planting and the distinctive architectural forms that frame the space.
Rather than competing with the architecture, the pool brings a sense of calm and softness to the property. It blurs the boundary between built form and landscape, creating an outdoor experience that feels less like a backyard and more like a secluded natural retreat hidden within the garden.
Photography by Erik Holt
