Wembley Downs | The Backyard Pool House

The Alfresco Pavilion: Your Private Self-Contained Retreat

This custom-built pool house in Wembley Downs is a fully self-contained outdoor retreat. It features a minimalist design with a custom timber barn door, a functional outdoor kitchen, and its own private toilet. It’s designed to keep the main house clean and quiet during pool parties and summer gatherings while maximizing the Perth outdoor lifestyle.

The Story

A pool is a staple for many Perth families, but the problem people often find is the "mess" that comes with it. Kids running inside with wet feet to use the bathroom, or the constant back-and-forth to the kitchen for drinks and snacks, can make a relaxing day feel like hard work. For this Wembley Downs family, we wanted to build a space that solved those problems and added a touch of architectural luxury to their backyard.

The solution was a sleek, minimalist pool house that sits perfectly alongside the existing pool area. We went for a flat roof design with crisp rendered finishes and strong horizontal lines, which complements the modern style of the main house without overpowering it.

The result is a high-functioning outdoor "living room". The standout feature is the custom timber barn door we built using vertical battens. It adds a lot of warmth and looks fantastic against the rendered walls. The door is also functional—you can open it up wide when you're entertaining a big group or close it off for a more private, cosy feel.

Inside, we fitted a proper outdoor kitchenette. It’s built with durable materials that can handle the Perth weather, so the family can prep food and serve drinks right there by the pool. We even included a private toilet, which is a total lifesaver for busy households. It keeps the main home clean and uninterrupted, making pool days much more enjoyable for everyone.

The whole pavilion flows into a covered alfresco area, making it a year-round destination. Whether it’s a summer pool party or a quiet winter BBQ, this space works. It’s a great example of how a well-designed outdoor structure can completely change how a family uses their home, turning the backyard into a true extension of their living space.

Project Highlights

Custom Barn Door

A vertical timber batten feature built by hand by our team.

Outdoor Kitchenette

A functional, durable cooking zone designed for easy entertaining.

Self-Contained

Includes a private toilet and amenities to keep the main house clean.