Sunken Swim Spa & Bespoke Timber Gazebo Project in Oldham, Manchester
This recent project in Oldham, Greater Manchester is a great example of how a bespoke timber gazebo can completely transform a garden and turn a swim spa into a much more practical, private and enjoyable year-round space.
The customer wanted more than simply a cover over their swim spa. The aim was to create a substantial outdoor wellness area where the spa could be sunken into the ground, surrounded by low-maintenance decking and protected by a purpose-built timber structure.
The result is a bespoke pent roof gazebo with a sunken swim spa, composite decking, privacy screening, solid timber sides and roof lights to bring natural daylight into the covered space.
Starting From an Existing Patio
Before work began, this section of the garden was predominantly paved.
To achieve the finished design, a large area had to be excavated to create sufficient depth for the swim spa. This was an important part of the project because sinking the spa dramatically changes how it looks and feels once completed.
Rather than having a large spa sitting prominently above ground level, the finished installation allows the surrounding deck to sit much closer to the top of the spa.
This creates a far more integrated appearance and makes getting in and out of the swim spa much easier.
Preparing the Sunken Swim Spa Area
The existing paving was removed and the ground excavated before the base and retaining structure were prepared.
Because swim spas are extremely heavy once filled with water, the groundwork and supporting base are just as important as the visible parts of the finished project.
The swim spa was then carefully lifted into the garden using specialist lifting equipment and lowered into its prepared position.
Projects like this often require careful planning before construction begins, particularly where access is restricted or a large swim spa needs to be lifted over fences, walls or neighbouring landscaping.
Digging out the area Adding the concrete base and retaining wall Replacing the drainage Lifting in the swim spa
Building the Bespoke Pent Gazebo
Once the spa was in position, we constructed the bespoke timber gazebo around it.
A pent roof design was chosen to give the structure a clean, contemporary appearance while keeping the overall roof profile relatively low.
The substantial timber posts and framing give the building plenty of character while also creating a strong structure capable of protecting the swim spa from the British weather.
Solid timber sections were incorporated around much of the gazebo to provide additional privacy and shelter.
On the more open elevations, horizontal timber privacy screens were fitted. These allow light and airflow into the gazebo while helping to make the swim spa area feel considerably more secluded.
Roof lights for Natural Daylight
One of our favourite features of this particular gazebo is the inclusion of two rooflights.
A covered swim spa needs protection from rain and poor weather, but enclosing too much of the roof can sometimes make the space feel darker.
By incorporating rooflights directly into the pent roof, natural daylight can enter from above while the majority of the swim spa remains protected underneath the gazebo.
The roof lights also create an attractive feature when looking up from inside the spa and help give the entire structure a brighter, more open feeling.
Framing out the sky lights Framing out the sky lights Aluminium sky lights and EPDM rubber roof membrane
Composite Decking Around the Swim Spa
Composite decking was installed around the sunken spa to finish the interior floor.
This gives the project a clean, modern appearance while creating a practical surface around the water.
The decking also helps disguise much of the structure required to create the sunken installation, leaving the finished swim spa looking as though it has been designed into the garden rather than simply positioned on top of it.
Importantly, sufficient surrounding space has been incorporated so the swim spa can still be accessed for servicing and maintenance.
A Private, Year-Round Swim Spa Space
The combination of the pent roof, timber walls and privacy screening makes a significant difference to how the swim spa can be used.
Instead of being exposed to neighbouring properties and the weather, the customer now has a dedicated outdoor spa enclosure that offers:
Protection from rain and changing weather
Increased privacy around the swim spa
A sheltered area for year-round use
Integrated composite decking
Natural daylight through rooflights
Easier access into the sunken spa
A bespoke structure designed specifically around the garden
Lighting has also been added around the interior of the gazebo, creating a particularly inviting atmosphere for using the spa in the evening.
Pent gazebo with solid and Louvre sides. Pent gazebo with solid and Louvre sides. Pent gazebo with solid and Louvre sides. Sunken gazebo with composite decking with pent gazebo
Bespoke Swim Spa Gazebos
Every garden and every swim spa installation is different, which is why we design our gazebos around the individual project rather than relying on a standard off-the-shelf structure.
A gazebo can be designed around an existing hot tub or swim spa, or we can work with customers who are planning a completely new installation.
Depending on the garden and the level of enclosure required, options can include pent, pyramid and apex roof designs, solid timber walls, privacy screens, composite decking, rooflights, lighting and partially or fully sunken spa installations.
This Oldham project demonstrates what can be achieved when the groundwork, swim spa installation, decking and timber structure are considered as one complete outdoor living project.
Planning a Sunken Swim Spa or Hot Tub Gazebo?
If you're considering a swim spa gazebo, hot tub gazebo or bespoke covered spa area, Heritage Gazebos can design a structure around your garden and the way you want to use the space.
We create bespoke timber gazebos for customers across Manchester, Yorkshire and throughout the UK, with professional installation available nationwide.
Contact Heritage Gazebos to discuss your project and request a quotation
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