Some homes are chosen for what they are. Others are chosen for what they make possible.
When David and Sarah Thompson began looking for a new home closer to their grandchildren, they knew one thing for certain: they wanted a space that would bring their family together. An indoor pool had long been part of that vision. They viewed several properties with existing pools and pool houses, but none felt quite right. Eventually, the answer became clear. Rather than compromise, they would start with the right property with enough land to create something entirely their own.
That decision marked the beginning of a journey with Origin.
A considered beginning
The Thompsons approached several specialist pool builders, but Origin stood out for one simple reason: they handle everything. Planning, design, building, delivery and ongoing maintenance - a complete, integrated approach.
Yet the decision wasn’t immediate. There were questions around planning, uncertainty about whether permission would be granted and time spent weighing up the risks.
“One thing we really appreciated about Origin was that they worked with us, even when we weren’t sure. They just gave us time.”
When confidence creates freedom
The initial design was a traditional barn-style pool house. Drawings were approved. Planning permission was secured. Everything was ready to move forward.
Then Sarah found something unexpected, a contemporary, eco-inspired design that reflected the clean, modern lines of their family home. It felt more them. The only question was whether it was too late.
It wasn’t.
Origin returned to the drawing board, reworking the concept entirely. What they presented next was a refined, contemporary pool house that felt seamlessly connected to the home and landscape.
“Having the freedom to change our design was really important. Once we got planning permission, we thought: let’s go for it. We didn’t think we’d even get approval for a pool house, so when it came through, everything felt like it was falling into place. It worked out beautifully.”
Navigating complexity
This project wasn’t without its challenges. The proposed pool house straddled the boundary between the garden and an adjacent paddock, land not typically approved for residential structures. The revised design also meant revisiting planning.
This is where experience mattered most.
Origin’s architect led discussions directly with the planning office, walked the site with them, explained the intent and managed every technical detail.
“Calvin knew exactly how to talk to the planners. We didn’t have to deal with any of it. He showed them around the property, explained the project and ultimately secured planning permission for us.”
The result was not only approval from the planning office but also confidence for our clients and the knowledge that their project was being handled by people who understood both the technical and the human sides of the process.
Designed around the view
The design brief called for a bespoke architectural approach, led by Origin’s in-house team and refined through close collaboration with the Thompsons. Together, the team moved away from traditional forms and towards a contemporary structure built around light, transparency and landscape.
“We love the view from the house down into the garden. Origin were tasked with creating something that didn’t interrupt that. With the sliding doors and glass panels, you can see straight through to the paddock. It’s perfect.”
The building doesn’t compete with its surroundings; it opens to them.
More than a pool
From the outset, this was never just about swimming.
“We love the view from the house down into the garden. Origin were tasked with creating something that didn’t interrupt that. With the sliding doors and glass panels, you can see straight through to the paddock. It’s perfect.”
“You get this overwhelming sense that everyone knows what they’re doing. It fills you with confidence.”
Even the build itself left a lasting impression.
“For us, it’s not just a pool. It’s another entertaining space. We’ll swim, have a glass of wine, sit and watch the world go by.”
“It really is our own oasis. Even when you’re in the pool, you’re surrounded by nature. The grandchildren love it. Our family is always here. We can have a relaxed, special evening without even leaving home.”
A place for the years ahead
As the year draws to a close, this is the kind of project that invites reflection not just on the journey, but on how we choose to spend our time and with whom.
An indoor pool, done well, isn’t a luxury for one season. It’s a space that supports wellbeing, connection and everyday rituals for years to come. For the Thompsons, it became exactly that.
A place to gather.
A place to slow down.
A place that feels like home.
Locations Covered
