Set within the heart of Clifton Hill, this curved, freestanding pool and landscape, designed and built by Laguna, transforms a challenging backyard layout into a sculptural, multi-functional retreat for wellness, connection and everyday enjoyment.
The owners approached Laguna with a bold and detailed vision – a pool that would serve as a place for exercise, relaxation, and entertainment, all while enhancing the garden and responding to the movement of natural light across the site. Working closely with the Laguna Landscape Designer, the concept evolved into a highly considered design featuring a main pool, separate spa, and integrated cold plunge – each positioned to follow the rhythm of the day.
Measuring 8.5 x 4.5 metres, the main pool is curved in form and framed by a continuous infinity edge that spills gently into a sunken wet-edge pit, removing the need for fencing and maintaining clear views from the home. The cold plunge is integrated into the top corner of the main pool, providing a dedicated wellness zone that remains visually seamless. At the opposite end, the spa – raised and fully detached – anchors the entertainment space, offering a warm and sculptural retreat for evening use and social gatherings.
Fully tiled in Bisazza Delhi mosaics, the pool surface reflects a subtle, earthy shimmer, enhanced by natural limestone paving and surrounding layers of curved garden beds and multi-tiered planting. A champagne shelf lines one edge of the pool, inviting moments of pause and connection, while curved steps lead gently into the water, offering both comfort and style.
To deliver this design, Laguna navigated significant engineering challenges. Constructed entirely above ground, the structure required curved formwork, complex steel detailing, and precise concrete pours to ensure the integrity of four distinct water zones. The pool shell also serves as a retaining wall for the surrounding garden, while the hydraulic design had to manage multiple heating systems and water levels, along with a hidden balance tank and split filtration equipment due to site constraints.
This thoughtfully executed project highlights Laguna’s capability to manage complex builds without compromising on design intent. The result is a calm, fluid space that brings together functionality, technical performance and lifestyle-driven design.
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Our Clifton Hill Project has been featured widely in the media. Explore the coverage below:
- The Age – Australia’s best pools revealed in 2025 Swimming Pool and Spa Association Awards of Excellence
- View.com – Cold Plunges and Hot Spas: How the wellness trend is changing the Australian backyard
- Domain – This sleek glass tank is one of Australia’s best backyard pools
- RealEstate.com.au – Australia’s best pools and spas revealed
- News.com.au – Australia’s best pools and spas revealed
