Issue No. 51 June 2014

Private Residence Landscape, Hacienda, North Coast by Mona Hussein
CWM: What are the latest trends in
pool design?
MA: New pools tend to be more simple
and minimalistic with a ‘Zen’ style
being incorporated even in parts of
the general design of different pools.
The ‘horizon’ pool is generally a sign of
luxury and excellence of design while
the ‘overflow’ gives a special touch to
any pool as it allows continuity of the
hardscape and the pool water as one
unit. Water-relax beds are also added
when the area allows. They become
a part of the pool that is shallow to
sleep in, sit on or even allow space for
a partially submerged chaise longue
in for relaxation. Also, allowing a pool
slot for a jaccuzzi facility is another
plus. In larger sized pools, we can
always walk into the pool through a
beach ramp that allows ease of access
and a feeling of spaciousness, so you
are forced to jump or use the pool
stairs when wanting to take a dip.
MH: During the past years, freeform
swimming pools have been the most
popular, allowing a unique element
to the design. Nowadays geometric
swimming pools have started to
regain popularity. They are simple in
shape and style, I personally prefer
them.
What colour schemes are popular at
present?
MH: The traditional shades of
turquoises, blues, and greenish tones
always have been and probably
always will be the king according to
the majority of our consumers’ tastes.
However, there has been a trend
toward earth tones and shades of grey
and, above all, a burned granite that is
adorned with motifs, whether floral,
geometric or pop art. Whites and
other non-traditional colors for liner
bottoms are also popping up, though
consumers are still a little conservative
to apply them.
What are the advantages of skimmers
vs overflow systems?
MA: Generally, as mentioned, the
overflow is the newer trend and gives,
most of the time, a more modern
look. When you are building a pool
close to the house borders you will
definitely need to use the skimmer in
these sides. You can have a walking
approach (overflow side) when you
are adjacent to a wall, green barrier
or a non-accessible side of the pool.
So generally, skimmers are good for
limited areas having surrounded pools
and overflow is used to make the
water, the greenery and the hardscape
look interconnected as one space.
What lining options are available?
MA: Tiles, mosaic, and ceramics are
used in different sizes and textures,
plus the vinyl lining used in some
types of constructed pools. Another
new trend is to have the pool cladded
with special sheets that allow waterproof
printing to give a 3D look to the
pool sides and bottom.
CAIROWESTMAG.COM