A Pool Cabana Without Building a Pool House
At the far end of the pool sat a large concrete area with plenty of potential, but very little use.
It was exposed to the sun, exposed to the wind, and lacked the privacy needed to feel comfortable as a place to relax. While it seemed like the obvious location for a poolside lounge, it never quite became the destination space the owners envisioned.
Rather than building a traditional timber-framed pool house, Smail chose a simpler approach: a customised 5 x 4 m Tasman freestanding louvre roof enclosed with glass doors, outdoor blinds, and a solid privacy screen.
The result is a poolside retreat that feels more like an outdoor room than a pergola.
Project snapshot
Client: Smail
Structure: Tasman motorised freestanding louvre roof
Size: 5 x 4 m
Finish: Black powder-coated aluminium
Key features: Glass sliding doors, motorised blinds, tongue-and-groove privacy screen
More privacy, less exposure
One of the biggest challenges with poolside seating areas is exposure. Even when the weather is warm, constant wind and a lack of privacy can make a space feel uncomfortable.
To solve this, the rear of the structure was fitted with a solid tongue-and-groove screen. This creates a visual backdrop for the lounge area while blocking wind and unwanted views from behind.
Instead of feeling like a temporary shelter beside the pool, the space now feels enclosed, intentional, and private.
Open when you want it, sheltered when you need it
The front and side elevations combine glass sliding doors with outdoor blinds to create a flexible space that can adapt to changing conditions.
On warm summer days, the glass doors slide open and the blinds disappear, allowing fresh air to move freely through the structure.
When the weather turns, the doors and blinds provide protection from wind and rain while still maintaining views across the pool.
Together with the motorised louvre roof overhead, the space can be adjusted throughout the day to suit the conditions.
A pool cabana without the construction project
Many homeowners love the idea of a dedicated pool cabana but hesitate when they consider the time, disruption, and complexity involved in building a traditional structure.
This project shows another way.
By combining a freestanding louvre roof with carefully selected enclosure options, Smail was able to create a comfortable poolside destination without embarking on a major building project.
The result is a space that can be used for morning coffee, afternoon shade, or evening entertaining, all just a few steps from the water.
Thinking about a poolside retreat?
If you have an exposed area beside your pool that isn't getting used as much as it should, a customised louvre roof can be an effective way to create shelter, privacy, and year-round usability.
Send us a photo of your space along with some rough dimensions. We'll help you explore the options and find a configuration that suits your layout.