summer living

A totally unusable space filled with weeds at the bottom of a steep section has been cleverly utilised by architect Jane Aimer to create a pool for her family home. Jane and her husband, Paul Kelly, decided to "extend the mortgage" and build the pool while their three children were young. It turned out to be a very timely decision as the pool quickly became the focus of activity for the children, their cousins and friends during one of Auckland's hottest summers. Basically a rectangle, the concrete and fibreglass pool by Mayfair Pools fits neatly alongside the lower level of the three storey house. As the pool is built a metre above the ground, a fence only 400mm high was required on its northern perimeter. Aimer decided to raise the outside wall of the pool to this height, which satisfies the need for safety and provides privacy from neighbours and protection from the wind. Mature pohutukawa and cabbage trees around the perimeter of the site offer further shelter, with glimpses through the trees to the harbour beyond. A series of waterspouts along the raised back wall are a fun element for children, while at night the moving water enhances enjoyment of the pool from the sitting room above. Mayfair pool from Aquarius Leisure Centre (09-576 3208). Glass mosaic tiles from Jacobsen Creative Surfaces (09-524 1460). Kwila deck built by Ron Bank (09-426 3825). Hinuera stone from Firth Industries (0800-800 576). Jane Aimer (09-309 7655).