Warrandyte Project Wins Australia's Pool of the Year

Celebrating a Landmark Achievement: MINT Design’s Warrandyte Project Wins Australia's Pool of the Year

At MINT Design, we believe that the seamless integration of home and landscape is more than just a design choice—it's a philosophy. This belief was at the heart of our recent Warrandyte project, which has garnered significant recognition, including the prestigious "Australia's Pool of the Year 2024" award at the SPASA Australia Awards for TLC Pools. The project also won the National Gold Medal for "Best Concrete Pool & Spa Combination," marking a significant achievement for TLC Pools, the builders behind this stunning creation.

The project holds special meaning for us, as it is the personal residence of Scott Wynd, Director and Designer of MINT Design and Director of TLC Pools. The journey began in April 2020, with the garden's completion in 2022. This was no ordinary project - it was a labour of love, with Scott managing the building of the house, pool, and landscape while balancing his professional commitments. The final result is a testament to the power of design that truly integrates the home with its natural surroundings.

Let's take a tour around this award winning pool and landscape.

View of the pool, spa and outdoor pavilion from the balcony of this Williamstown beach house with landscape design by Mint

Round pool and curves spa in Warrandyte's Pool of the Year project

Firepit area with lit firepit and WGU Furniture surrounded by plants and bushland

Close up showing the Sea Mist pool tile of the round pool

Looking from the side of the round pool to circular steps leading to the firepit area

looking at the round steppers leading to the round pool lit up at night

Looking across the pool water to the lit firepit with WGU Furniture, surrounded by bushland

Looking across the curves of the pool to the bushland setting beyond

Situated on a challenging westward-sloping site in Warrandyte, the property presented a unique set of challenges. The rocky terrain, a reminder of Warrandyte's gold-mining history, required careful planning and execution. But it was this very landscape that also provided the inspiration for the design, with tree-lined views and proximity to local amenities making it the perfect choice for Scott and his family.

The design of the home, a collaboration between Scott, his partner Dani, and local draftsperson Jon Colenso from Dwelling on Design, focused on creating a contemporary, open-plan layout that connects harmoniously with nature. The pool and garden area were designed to be central features, visible from both levels of the house, offering a calming presence that blends seamlessly with the home’s aesthetic.

Round pool next to outdoor alfresco seating and dining area with bushland beyond

Close up Sea Mist pool tile and Herringbone paving

Close up showing the curves of the pool entry steps

The hardscaping choices were integral to achieving this seamless integration. Polished concrete floors, rammed earth walls, and limestone paving create a consistent flow from the interior to the exterior. The use of curves, particularly around the pool and firepit, softens the transition between the built environment and the natural landscape, adding a playful yet sophisticated element to the design.

The garden itself is a carefully curated blend of exotic and native plants, chosen for their ability to complement the surrounding bushland. Species like Ligularia reniformis, Pyrus nivalis, and Teucrium create a layered and textured landscape that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also offers practical benefits like privacy and a sense of enclosure.

Despite the challenges posed by the site’s topography and the complexities of the pool’s design - especially the curved pool and spa walls - TLC Pools executed the project with precision, ensuring that every detail was meticulously crafted. The result is a landscape that not only meets but exceeds expectations, offering both functionality and beauty.

As Scott reflects on the completed project, he highlights the tranquil presence of the pool, visible from nearly every part of the house, and the thoughtful material selections that tie the entire design together. The bespoke tile details and the integrated firepit area are just a few of the features that make this project stand out.

This recognition from SPASA Australia is a significant achievement for TLC Pools and MINT Design. It’s a celebration of our commitment to excellence in design and construction, and a reminder of what can be achieved when home and landscape are designed as one cohesive environment.

For those interested in learning more about this project or discussing your own vision for a seamless indoor-outdoor space, please reach out to us. We’d love to help bring your dream landscape to life.

Project Team

Pool and Landscape Design: Mint Design

Build: TLC Pools

Photography: Mitch Lyons & Daniel Corden

Furniture: WGU Design

Overall view of the round pool and landscape against the contemporary house