Belhaven Pool House

About the Project

The owners envisioned a multi-functional expansion of their property with three primary goals:

• Create a pool house that enhances the usability of their existing pool, featuring a shaded sitting area, kitchenette, shower, and bathroom.
• Provide privacy and enclosure from rear neighbors.
• Build a bridge across a drainage creek to unite an adjacent lot and garden, while adding a garden and storage shed to support their gardening passion.

The architect’s solution consolidated these goals into a single, cohesive structure, following the historic tradition of neighborhood back buildings. The design integrates a pool house, bridge, and garden shed, fulfilling all three objectives.

Design Features

• Large barn doors that open fully over the creek, covering the bridge and adding privacy to the backyard when the pool and pool house are in use.
• A copper-clad shower structure that anchors the composition, creating a striking visual contrast ("hot figure") against the cool elements of the garden, pool, and shaded sitting area.
• The pool house is a wood-frame structure with a rain screen cypress skin, featuring copper joints and flashing for durability and aesthetic appeal.

Awards

• AIA Mississippi Honor Award