contemporary haven

Landscape designer Ted Smythe and architect Ron Sang have worked together on many different projects over the years, so it was a foregone conclusion that the two would collaborate on the design of a pool for Sang's new Auckland home. Enclosed by two wings of the house in a sheltered north-facing courtyard, the asymmetrical pool is designed to complement the house's strong contemporary style. Built by Morgan Pools, the pool, and an adjoining spa, are surfaced with turquoise glass mosaic tiles. A series of 'flying' beams and pillars link pool and house, providing a striking vertical contrast to the expanse of sandstone tiles and turquoise water below. At night the underside of the beams is outlined in turquoise neon. The pool area was also conceived as an outdoor gallery to display pieces from Sang's extensive collection of ceramic art. Large sculptural pieces by well know artists such as Nick Brandon and Barry Brickell stand in dramatic relief to walls and pillars painted mushroom, mauve and aubergine. The colours were selected by design consultant Anne Shanks. Other artworks are set among the foliage of the avocado trees, ferns, clivia and palms planted along the outer edge of courtyard. Flowing between pool and house is a narrow water channel with a large square stepping stone across it and a row of jets to one side. In the north-east corner of the courtyard are two low timber benches and a triangular table, their elegant informality reminiscent of contemporary Japanese design. Other carefully placed icons of the Japanese garden - lanterns and miniature weeping maples - give subtle emphasis to this theme.

Swimming and spa pools by Morgan Pools (09-525 1242). Bisazza glass mosaic tiles from Tile Warehouse (0800-289 845). Helidon sandstone paving from Trethewey Granite and Marble Ltd (09-827 3017). Neon Lighting by Vision Signs Ltd (09-263 5010). Ron Sang (09-638 8026).