Pool House: Where Work Meets Leisure
In today’s evolving work landscape, the line between professional and personal spaces continues to blur. For one Auckland family, the solution to this modern challenge came in the form of a thoughtfully designed pool house that seamlessly combines a productive home office, a relaxing pool-side retreat, and an elegant entertainment space, a versatile structure that adapts to their changing needs throughout the day and seasons.
Vision for a Multipurpose Space
“Our clients approached us with a clear vision but needed help bringing it to life,” explains Pete from Build Unlimited. “They wanted a space that could serve multiple functions without compromise, a professional home office where they could focus during work hours, a comfortable lounge area for relaxing by the pool during summer days, and an entertainment zone for hosting friends and family in the evenings.”
This multifunctional brief led to a collaborative design process between Build Unlimited and the clients, resulting in a 70m² pool house that maximizes both the available site space and the structure’s versatility. Rather than creating separate areas for each function, the design integrates them into a cohesive whole that transforms based on how it’s being used at any given moment.
Practical Design for Changing Needs
From the beginning, practicality drove the design decisions. “Our clients wanted an easy to clean and maintain space,” Pete notes. “One that would be warm in winter and cool in summer, perfect for those hot summer days chilling by the pool, but equally comfortable as a year-round office.”
This led to thoughtful material selections throughout the project. The polished concrete floor provides a durable, easy-to-maintain surface that contributes to the space’s thermal mass, naturally moderating temperature fluctuations. A low-slip clear coating was applied to prevent accidents, particularly important for a space that serves as a transition between pool and indoor areas.
For the deck, the team selected composite decking materials that offer the warm aesthetic of wood without the maintenance requirements. “The composite decking is easy to maintain and perfect for those nights entertaining,” Pete explains. “No staining, no splinters, and no warping over time, just consistent performance year after year.”
Engineering for Longevity
Before the visible elements of the pool house could take shape, the Build Unlimited team needed to address some challenging ground conditions that could have compromised the structure’s longevity.
“The ground condition was a bit soft,” Pete recalls, “so we opted to drive piles down two meters to solid ground for support of the slab, as this was the more cost-effective option than digging the ground out and compacting fill.”
This foundation solution was complemented by additional reinforcement in the concrete slab itself. “We also strengthened the slab to provide additional structural support so it would not crack over time,” Pete notes. These early engineering decisions, though invisible in the finished project, ensure the pool house will maintain its integrity for decades to come.
Climate Control Through Smart Design
Rather than relying on energy-intensive heating and cooling systems, the pool house was designed to maintain comfortable temperatures naturally throughout the year.
“We installed sound batts and increased the insulation level in both the walls and ceiling,” Pete explains. “This ensures the room stays cool in summer and naturally warm in winter without needing additional heating or cooling systems.”
The large bifold doors serve dual purposes when closed, their double glazing provides excellent thermal insulation; when opened, they create seamless indoor-outdoor flow and promote natural ventilation. “The large bifold doors, when opened up, provided plenty of airflow,” Pete notes. This passive climate control approach reduces ongoing energy costs while creating a more comfortable environment.
The acoustic insulation serves another important purpose beyond temperature regulation, it creates a quiet, focused environment for work. “The sound batts and fibre cement cladding provided a quiet workspace to get away from it all and focus,” Pete explains. This sound isolation is particularly valuable in a household where multiple activities might be happening simultaneously.
Budget-Conscious Approach
Understanding that most homeowners have financial constraints, Build Unlimited worked with the clients to develop a pragmatic approach that would deliver their dream space without unnecessary financial strain.
“Our clients had a limited budget for this project and opted to complete the painting themselves to save money,” Pete shares. “We also staged the project, completing the deck area at a later stage when it suited their cashflow needs.”
This collaborative, flexible approach to budgeting allowed the clients to get the high-quality space they wanted without compromising on essential elements or overextending financially. By taking on some of the finishing work themselves and spreading certain costs over time, they achieved their vision in a way that worked for their specific financial situation.
A Space That Transforms With the Day
The completed pool house adapts effortlessly to different uses throughout the day. In the morning, it serves as a private office space where focused work can happen away from household distractions. The abundant natural light and views to the garden create an inspiring environment that enhances productivity.
During the afternoon, especially in summer months, the space transforms into a pool-side retreat. The bifold doors open wide to create a seamless connection between the interior lounge area and the pool deck. Guests can move easily between swimming and relaxing in the shade, with the polished concrete floor providing a cool surface underfoot.
As evening approaches, the space evolves again into an entertainment zone. The composite deck becomes an outdoor dining area, while the interior offers a comfortable gathering space when the temperature drops. The thoughtful lighting design highlights architectural features and creates ambiance for social gatherings.
A Successful Collaboration
For the clients, the finished pool house exceeded expectations, providing exactly the versatile space they had envisioned. “Our clients were very happy with the end result, and it meets their needs perfectly,” Pete notes.
The success of the project stemmed from the collaborative approach taken from the very beginning, with Build Unlimited bringing construction expertise and practical solutions to help realise the clients’ vision, and the clients contributing their ideas and even their labour to create a truly personalised space.
For Build Unlimited, the pool house represents the perfect balance of form and function, a structure that not only looks beautiful but intelligently addresses the evolving needs of modern living. From its solid foundation to its flexible usage, every aspect of the design serves the clients’ desire for a space that enhances both their work and leisure time.
In an era where the boundaries between professional and personal life continue to blur, this thoughtfully designed pool house offers an inspiring example of how architecture can adapt to our changing relationship with home, work, and recreation.
