In residential landscape design, the pool entry is far more than a simple walkway. It is a key space—visible as soon as the backyard comes into view—that connects the home, the pool and the outdoor living areas. The choice of laying pattern, colours and slab format has a direct impact on the overall look and feel of the project.
On this project, Melville 24 × 24 slabs in range Scandina Grey and range Newport Grey were selected to create a pool entry that is distinctive, well defined and elegant, while remaining fully in harmony with the home’s architecture.
45-Degree Checkerboard Laying Pattern: Movement and Visual Impact
The 45-degree checkerboard laying pattern immediately adds character to the pool area. By installing the slabs on a diagonal, the surface gains movement and naturally draws the eye toward the pool. This layout helps energize and highlight the pool entry, guide circulation toward the water and relaxation areas, and avoid a monotonous appearance. The pattern becomes a central design feature without the need to introduce additional materials.
Blending Two Colours
Combining range Scandina Grey and range Newport Grey creates subtle variation while maintaining visual consistency. Because both colours belong to the same range, they balance naturally and bring depth to the surface without creating strong contrast. This colour interplay enhances the checkerboard pattern and adds dimension to the pool entry, all while preserving a clean, timeless aesthetic.
Visual Continuity Between the Home and the Outdoor Layout
The slab colours were chosen to complement the home’s brick façade. The paving therefore acts as a visual link between the architecture and the surrounding landscape.
This continuity gives the impression that the house, backyard and pool are part of a single cohesive environment rather than separate zones. The pool entry becomes a natural extension of the outdoor living space.
The 24 × 24 Format for a Clearly Defined Pool Entry
The Melville 24 × 24 slab makes it possible to create straight lines and a regular pattern. The pool edge is highly visible—this level of precision is essential for a clean, refined result. The square format makes it easier to adjust slabs along the pool perimeter and follow its lines without irregular cuts.
At the pool entry, the same area is used for walking, placing lounge chairs and accessing the water. The 24 × 24 format keeps circulation paths clear while clearly defining relaxation zones.
Other Layout Options with the Melville 24 × 24 Slab
While the 45-degree checkerboard pattern is featured on this project, several other options can be considered depending on the desired style:
- Tone-on-tone checkerboard for a more subtle effect
- Running Bond pattern to add rhythm without strong contrast
The Melville 24 × 24 slab is also available in range Amber Beige, an appealing option for projects that favour warm, soft and organic beige tones.
Brooklyn Pavers to Enhance the Design
In a project like this, Brooklyn pavers in a 3 × 9 in. format could also be used as a complement to the Melville 24 × 24 slabs. Its lightly textured surface and natural appearance contrast with the smooth finish of the Melville 24 x 24 slabs. They can be used to highlight transitions, frame a specific area or add a subtle accent without weighing down the overall design.
A Structured Composition Inspired by French Gardens
The layout is based on a highly structured organization of space. The pool is perfectly aligned with the house, the water jets are arranged in a regular pattern, and the relaxation areas follow clearly defined axes. This composition recalls the spirit of French gardens, interpreted in a contemporary way suited to a residential backyard.
The concrete slabs, with their smooth surface and understated colours, modernize this inspiration and create a balance between order, elegance and comfort.
Ressources
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