Australian architects Artillery designed this luxury resort-style pool house in Victoria, Australia. The architects were called to action to transform a former stable occupying this pool-side patch of land into an extension of the main house, which was originally designed by Jackson Clements Burrows. Artillery designed the clear exterior and contemporary interiors, enclosed in glass with walkouts to the deck and access to the garden by landscape designer Paul Bangay, bringing a little outdoor living to every day. Here’s what the team came up with.
The South Yarra Pool House boasts an elongated plan, transforming the existing house into an “L” with the swimming pool tucked away in the private courtyard at the center. The steel-framed structure boasts zinc cladding to complement the main house, with expansive glazing overlooking the shimmering water.
Positioned under a massive elm tree, the structure makes the most of the natural shading while providing a verdant backdrop for the house, inside and out.
Running alongside the glass volume, a steel pergola will soon support a creeping plant that brings additional shade and a lush, leafy privacy screen to this glass volume.
The glazed facades transform this house into a convertible alfresco living space – simply fold open the walls to let the outdoors in, or fold them closed for privacy and protection from the elements. This openness lends the house a resort look and feel, but with all the comforts of home.
“The most enjoyable part of the design process was working with the owners, the Fergusons, who radiate design passion and knowledge,” explain the architects. “Their collection of extraordinary furniture and art accumulated during their travels abroad and living stint in New York fill the variety of spaces within the dwellings. These pieces make the space feel lived in and loved.”
The outdoors, also by Artillery, play as much the starring role as the house itself. The elaborate wood patio surrounding the pool house offers a nice transition from indoors out, extending living areas well beyond the walls and bringing a sunny element to everyday living. Leafy trees and plants surround this property, providing privacy and refreshing, cool yet organic component to the otherwise contemporary design.
Even when you’re inside, you still feel like you’re in the outdoors thanks to floor-to-ceiling glass that opens on demand, letting the warm sun stream in, cool breezes blow through. and nature is an always welcome guest.
Behind the glass walls, the bright white interiors seem to glow by night, creating an illuminated walkway leading to the main house.
And as much as the pool is a focal point for interiors, the chicly designed and furnished interiors become a modern focal point for the outdoors. Visible through the glass, contemporary artwork and furnishings seem to spill out onto the deck.
You can’t argue that, though this pool-side space was created as a sunny pool-side hotspot, it makes an ideal retreat for lounging by day or by night. The recliners invite you to sit back and put your feet up, while the pool makes a peaceful, reflective focal point. Comfortably and fashionably furnished alfresco sitting and dining areas beckon you to spend as much time outdoors as you can afford.
Artillery
via Contemporist
