Janice Cripps  |  Beautiful Gardens by design 

Garden with Swimming Pool

 

For this family of keen swimmers, a 14 metre lap pool was number one on their wish list and to get maximum enjoyment they wanted plenty of space to relax and entertain.

 

As the garden is relatively small, I was concerned that such a large pool would predominate and there would be insufficient opportunity for to soften the hard-landscaping with planting. The design was further constrained by the sloping site and access difficulties; we wanted to keep as much soil as possible but the project demanded major excavation works.

 

The pool construction is an insulated block work shell with a tailor- made PVC liner chosen to give an inviting aqua appearance to the water. A remote-controlled heat-retaining cover is cleverly concealed under the paving at one end.

 

To blend the pool with its surroundings, access is restricted to 2 main entrances and planting is close to the perimeter with architectural evergreens and softly swaying grasses. The three terraces and landings are paved with hand-made clay pavers chosen for their warm rich tones and the feeling that they’ve been there forever. Lawn borders are edged with corten steel to complement the paving and a restored antique wrought iron gate provides an attractive entrance to the garden whilst affording added safety for children and pets.

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