Camp Hill Multi Purpose Pool Pavilion

Owner’s Dream

More than ten years after we designed the original Camp Hill home, the family invited us back to create a new pavilion to support their next stage of family life. With teenage children, the need for a flexible garden structure became increasingly important. They wanted a space that matched the character of their existing home and could adapt to guest stays, family gatherings, quiet study time, and relaxed weekends by the pool. While compact, the pavilion needed to feel intentional and refined, rather than an afterthought. It also had to include concealed space for garden storage without interrupting the overall sense of calm in the backyard. The family loved their established garden, the Illawarra Flame tree, and the pool area, and wanted these elements to remain central to the outdoor experience.

Site Condition

The only suitable location for the pavilion was an area positioned over a sewer line, which required careful planning and structural coordination to ensure compliance and safety. The land also sloped slightly toward the rear, yet the new pavilion needed to feel connected to the main house rather than detached from it. The existing pool occupied a large portion of the backyard, so the design had to maintain pool access and comply with all pool fencing requirements while still creating a welcoming new destination within the garden.

Architectural Designer Solution

Our approach was to create a small building with a remarkably open feel. Large corner sliding doors open the pavilion to the garden and pool, creating a generous sense of space and allowing the interior to spill naturally outdoors. A narrow deck along the edge of the structure provides both circulation and a comfortable place to sit within the garden.

Inside, custom joinery solutions, including a concealed Murphy bed, allow the pavilion to shift effortlessly between guest accommodation, a teenage retreat, a family media room, or a study space. Service areas such as the bathroom and storage cupboard are positioned discreetly so the main room remains uncluttered and calm.

The architectural detailing and material palette echo the style of the original house, ensuring the new pavilion feels like an intentional extension of the home rather than a standalone building. By planning around the sewer line, preserving the established garden, and maintaining pool access, we created a flexible, beautiful, and harmonious addition to the family’s backyard.

Project partners

Builder

Manley Homes

www.manleyhomes.com.au

Certifier

Integrated Construction Approvals

https://www.constructionapprovals.com.au/

Engineer

Kelvin Crofton & Associates

Photographer

Caco Photography

www.caco.net.au