The Poolhouse

The height of high-quality outdoor entertainment in a showstopping space. DLM was given a seemingly simple brief to create a covered external entertainment space that could be used throughout the year adjacent to the client’s existing swimming pool. However, there were height constraints to the boundary and limits to the footprint due to pool filtration equipment. The key issue, however, was related to our unpredictable weather. This part of the site could get extremely hot during the summer but would also be cold and windy during the winter. Our approach proposed a space that could be fully enclosed with a heated marble wall and the comforts of being inside but could also be opened up to provide solar shade and shelter from rain to a larger area beneath. The 200mm structural steel frame is fully exposed, framing panels of marble, polished plaster and cedar cladding that wraps down the existing elevation of the house, drawing the new addition in under its wing. This frame supports a 3.2m high vertically pivoting door and an enormous 3.2m2 horizontal top pivot hydraulic door. All of which has been meticulously designed, fabricated and assembled locally. Entertainment is the prime consideration, and The Poolhouse incorporates an indoor BBQ and fridges in bespoke leather-wrapped units and a heated shower with a free-draining raised floor. All internal materials are waterproof so it can be treated as outdoor space or closed up to provide a unique dining or party experience. LED lighting wraps the floor, walls and ceiling and forms the break between changes in material, with pendants that can be retracted up into the ceiling to allow a flexible use of the space. Beyond meeting the practical requirements of our client’s brief, this building is unique, fun and probably completely over the top. It challenged and excited our team and we’re proud of the showstopping result.