A Sympathetic In-between Positioned at the edge of the Field of Mars Reserve, Walless Cabana is the heart of family living, where people and nature come together harmoniously and embrace each other. In creating a seamless transition between the existing family home and the distant bushland, Walless Cabana deliberately curates the language of its surroundings through the Japanese concept of 'Shakkei' or borrowed scenery, ensuring its humble and respectful presence in place. Despite being a permanent structure, it is a transient space that adapts and changes dynamically with everchanging nature, personalities and lifestyle.

Gwinganna, Kiama

Lime Building Group

Inspiration for a modern custom-shaped pool in Wollongong with gravel.

Our Work

Palm Beach Enclosures

Photo of a large traditional indoor custom-shaped pool in Nashville with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Backyard & Barn

Forte Building Group, LLC

This is an example of a large country backyard custom-shaped pool in Nashville with natural stone pavers.

Pool in Lake Mary, FL with sun shelf, swim up bar, fire bowl, floor lights

American Pools & Spas

Large country backyard custom-shaped pool in Orlando with natural stone pavers.

Curvilínea

Bianchi Design

Kirk Bianchi created the design for this residential resort next to a desert preserve. The overhang of the homes patio suggested a pool with a sweeping curve shape. Kirk positioned a raised vanishing edge pool to work with the ascending terrain and to also capture the reflections of the scenery behind. The fire pit and bbq areas are situated to capture the best views of the superstition mountains, framed by the architectural pergola that creates a window to the vista beyond. A raised glass tile spa, capturing the colors of the desert context, serves as a jewel and centerpiece for the outdoor living space.

Multi-Story Pool Enclosure

US Aluminum Services, Corp.

This multi-story pool enclosure project took place at a home in Windermere, FL, this picture is an interior view.
Inspiration for a large mediterranean backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Orlando with a water feature.

Cornwall House Interiors

Watershedd

Minimalist contemporary detailing within this spa room in Cornwall, with a below ground hot-tub clad in slate, with white horizontal wall panelling and a vintage bench.

Personal Paradise

Presidential Pools, Spas & Patio

Mid-sized contemporary backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Phoenix with a water feature and tile.

Coastal Virginia Idea House York Lane

Stephen Alexander Homes & Neighborhoods

Jonathan Edwards Media
Large modern backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Other with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Albury Street

Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture

Stephen Dunn
Photo of a small tropical backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Miami with a water feature and tile.

Pools

Firlit Landscape Design, Inc

Photo of an expansive traditional backyard custom-shaped lap pool in New York with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Naples Reserve Model Home

Design Studio by Raymond

While not overly large by way of swimming purposes, the Pool allows the comfort of sunbathing on its umbrella covered wet shelf that is removable when full sunlight is required to work away those winter whites. Illuminated water runs around a wooden deck that feels as if you are floating over the pool and a submerged spa area transports you to the back of a yacht in harbor at night time. The linear fire pit provides warmth on those rarely found winter days in Naples, yet offers nightly ambiance to the adjacent Spa or Lanai area for a focal point when enjoying the use of it. 12” x 24” Shell Stone lines the pool and lanai deck to create a tranquil pallet that moves the eye across its plain feel and focuses on the glass waterline tile and light grey glass infused pebble finish. LED Bubblers line the submerged gas heated Spa so as to create both a sound and visual barrier to enclose the resident of this relaxation space and allow them to disappear into the warmth of the water while enjoying the ambient noise of their affects.

Pool Deck

Distinctive Design / Build / Remodel, LLC.

Erin Dougherty
Photo of a small traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Charlotte with decking.

Krishnan Residence and Pool House

Stephen Chung, Architect

Greg Saunders
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard custom-shaped pool in Boston with a pool house and tile.

Freeform - Cheleuitte - San Antonio

Cody Pools, Inc.

Freeform pool with sheer descents and a raised spa with spillways.
Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Austin with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Brick Beauty

Brad Sharpe Pools

Robert Shaw photographer
Small traditional backyard custom-shaped lap pool in Austin with brick pavers and a hot tub.

Kaihani Residence

Urbanleaf Landscapes

Kaihani wanted to create a space that reminded her of Hawaii. A vacation getaway in her own backyard. We revamped the pool, adding a flowing water feature and glowing stones. We resurfaced the deck with hardy Ipe wood and travertine. And we created a cozy seating area next to an elegant fire pit. To get to Hawaii, Kaihani only has to step out her back door. It's breath taking...it's like being back home in Hawaii. Melissa Wright

Barton Creek TWO

austin outdoor design

Photographed by David De Gendt
Design ideas for a contemporary backyard custom-shaped pool in Austin with decking.

Modern Compact Space

Tipton Spires Design|Build

Small space. No problem. This compacy yet luxurious modern contemporary space features an island rim flow hot tub with floating steppers, baja shelf for sun bathing, raised beam wall with three custom natural stone water sheers, deep blue glass tile, natural stone travertine decking, outdoor living covered patio and kitchen, raised composite trex wood deck with custom fire pit and a swim up bar to the hot tub. A native evergreen landscape package completes this beautifuul space.

Custom-shaped Pool Design Ideas

Swimming pools are heavenly during hot Australian and New Zealand summers and are the perfect way to cool down, relax, entertain friends and even get fit. A pool can also create visual interest, especially when you consider features like coloured pool tiles, lighting and landscaping. If you are short on space, you might still fit a lap pool, plunge pool or swim spa, all of which could be focal points in your small garden. As you plan your pool design, map out your space and determine what size, shape and style works best for you. Browse the photos on Houzz for design ideas for above ground pools, inground pools, as well as pool landscaping and novelty features like pool slides or water features. Then, save your favourite photos to an ideabook, and get in touch with the experts behind your favourite picks.

What type of pool should I install?

The dimensions of your backyard will determine the type of inground pools you can install. Take into account boundary restrictions and pool fencing compliance. Fibreglass versions are cheaper, and quicker to install; whereas concrete constructions are better suited to tricky sites and give you more freedom in design. If you’re on a tight budget or don’t want to commit to an inground pool, above ground pools are a more affordable alternative. If you only have a small backyard, a plunge pool is a great solution, and can easily run along a boundary wall or down the side of a house. This option is also low maintenance, can be heated for use in winter, and can do double duty as a swim spa. A long, narrow space, on the other hand, could fit a lap pool, whereas a water feature could fill an awkward space. If your backyard features a stunning vista, consider an infinity pool to accentuate the view.

What pool fencing options are available?

While the specifics vary from state to state, fencing is required of most pool designs. However, pool fencing doesn’t have to obscure your pool design. Glass fencing is increasingly popular for this reason exactly, and is available framed, frameless, semi-frameless and even in-ground. A cheaper alternative is aluminium or steel fencing, which, again, are available in a variety of styles: flat top, loop-top, double-top and wire-based.

What pool landscaping features should I consider?

To get the most out of your pool, design an area that offers multiple hangouts. Include a nearby barbecue, dining area, seating for lounging and outdoor shower. Having shaded areas will give you more reason to stay poolside longer, too. Timber decking and stone paving are popular choices for pool surrounds, and are also helpful in creating zones. Just imagine a raised timber platform with a daybed – a luxurious, resort-style addition to any pool design. Leafy trees and rocks will create a more natural-looking oasis, and will help provide more privacy for swimmers. Where you want your landscape to be the main focus, keep pool equipment and furnishings to a minimum.