Mahoenui Valley Road

This eight-hectare property in Coatesville, with a house that stretches long across the land, called for a pool that married with the building and the backdrop – and held its own.

Mahoenui Valley Road

This eight-hectare property in Coatesville, with a house that stretches long across the land, called for a pool that married with the building and the backdrop – and held its own.

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The Great Connector

A major renovation and extension of the original 1970s dwelling presented an opportunity to reinvent the great outdoors, too. “In this lifestyle-block area, it’s important to invest in the grounds,” says one of the owners, Mark Finlay.

The split-level water feature, also built by Frontier Pools, makes the connection that counts

Conceptualised in conjunction with landscape designer Robyn Shafer, the 20m x 8m pool in this north-facing backyard is the clear hero of the plan. But a split-level water feature, also built by Frontier Pools, makes the connection that counts. “This project was certainly one of the bigger private pools they had built – and they had never done a pond like it before,” explains Mark. Surrounded by a rock wall ha-ha, planted with grasses and low-growing shrubs, the stepped-down shallow ponds link the house to the water in beautiful harmony.

Finding the right pool colour

Choosing a colour for the pool was tricky. “Frontier suggested two or three options they thought would look good with the lighter stone surrounds, and we went and had a look at a couple of examples,” says Mark.

French-grey plaster complements the mature native treescape – tōtara and rimu that flourish along the creek boundary – its darker tones segueing with the setting. While the outlook from the home has a pleasing geometry, the multi-element design of the pool itself adds interest. Shallow areas – “which will be great when grandchildren come along” – flank a wooden platform that appears to float on the waters. The deck makes a natural podium for a Balinese drum kit that reads as a piece of sculpture within the tableau. “Many people think it’s a canoe,” explains Mark.

The spa pool is fringed by the same Antique Shahabad Limestone pavers that lend a soft warmth to the zone. Accessed via set of stepping stones, it’s great for a relaxing soak on winter days. In the evenings, underwater lights turn the focus on the inky depths.

A pool can be an asset in more ways than one

With six adult children who visit often, and the home now a favoured venue for birthday parties and other celebrations, the pool is better used than Mark imagined. Tranquil to look at and a fulcrum for family life, it’s an asset in more ways than one.

 

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Mahoenui Valley Road

The Great Connector

A major renovation and extension of the original 1970s dwelling presented an opportunity to reinvent the great outdoors, too. “In this lifestyle-block area, it’s important to invest in the grounds,” says one of the owners, Mark Finlay.

The split-level water feature, also built by Frontier Pools, makes the connection that counts

Conceptualised in conjunction with landscape designer Robyn Shafer, the 20m x 8m pool in this north-facing backyard is the clear hero of the plan. But a split-level water feature, also built by Frontier Pools, makes the connection that counts. “This project was certainly one of the bigger private pools they had built – and they had never done a pond like it before,” explains Mark. Surrounded by a rock wall ha-ha, planted with grasses and low-growing shrubs, the stepped-down shallow ponds link the house to the water in beautiful harmony.

Finding the right pool colour

Choosing a colour for the pool was tricky. “Frontier suggested two or three options they thought would look good with the lighter stone surrounds, and we went and had a look at a couple of examples,” says Mark.

French-grey plaster complements the mature native treescape – tōtara and rimu that flourish along the creek boundary – its darker tones segueing with the setting. While the outlook from the home has a pleasing geometry, the multi-element design of the pool itself adds interest. Shallow areas – “which will be great when grandchildren come along” – flank a wooden platform that appears to float on the waters. The deck makes a natural podium for a Balinese drum kit that reads as a piece of sculpture within the tableau. “Many people think it’s a canoe,” explains Mark.

The spa pool is fringed by the same Antique Shahabad Limestone pavers that lend a soft warmth to the zone. Accessed via set of stepping stones, it’s great for a relaxing soak on winter days. In the evenings, underwater lights turn the focus on the inky depths.

A pool can be an asset in more ways than one

With six adult children who visit often, and the home now a favoured venue for birthday parties and other celebrations, the pool is better used than Mark imagined. Tranquil to look at and a fulcrum for family life, it’s an asset in more ways than one.

 

View more from

Credit List

Location
Mahoenui Valley Road

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