Pools and Spas Lookbook by Ca' Pietra

Pools & Spas

Here at Ca’ Pietra Artisans, we believe that every project and every space deserves the finest detail. But there are certain projects where a heightened sense of luxury is at the very top of the brief.

One such is the swimming pool, and another, the spa – two places from which you re-emerge revitalised. And we would like to think the stone and tiles found within play an important role in the experience.

Photography: Andy Le Gresley

Having scoured the globe to source exquisite natural stone for over three decades, we know a thing or two about pairing people to their perfect stone or tile. But our artisanship runs deeper. Our Devizes workshop not only crafts our beautifully designed collection, but is able to produce tailor-made designs for you and your project, all under one roof.

From wall capping and seating areas to handrails, step treads and drainage grills, our expertise goes far beyond the minimum pool and spa requirements. This is where bespoke wishes are answered without a stone left unturned or a detail spared.

All it takes is a visit from one of our Project Consultants to do a full site survey, and we can take care of the rest – digital templating, technical drawings and naturally the making of and the installation of the ideas you so wanted to bring to life.

Ca’ Pietra Artisans can advise on pool surrounds, decks, linings and finishings in stone and porcelain elements. For any additional pool requirements, such as filtration and pumps, contact your local pool specialist.

Photography: Andy Le Gresley

Photography

Natural Stone

For when your project calls for a nature-born material, we can source and sculpt all manner of natural stones suited to interior and exterior areas of your pool or spa.

Limestone is one of our favoured stones because of its rich character and endless durability, but sandstone, granite and marble also await in a fascinating spectrum of tones and finishes.

Some of our favourite limestonesfor pool surrounds* Buscot , Wychwood , Trusloe , Kimmeridge

For our full range visit our website capietra .com

*Considered as frost resistant, low slip, but not always suitable to be submerged.

Top Kimmeridge Etched , Bottom Left Buscot Etched , Bottom Right Trusloe Seasoned

Top Left Provence Cenere , Top Right Chemistry Verdigris (pool lining), Bottom Islington Grey (Special Order)

Porcelain

Porcelain is a material appreciated for its low maintenance nature and impeccable ability to mimic the appearance of even the most detailed natural stone.

Our artisans can transform porcelain to mirror marble’s veining, to echo limestone’s patina and colouring or to enliven your pool and spa with decorative pattern and colour and your choice of edging.

For our full range visit our website capietra .com

Project

Here we share some of our favourite projects to inspire your own interior or exterior transformation. Each one is totally unique, showing just how versatile our stone and tile collections really are.

Projects

ON THE WATERFRONT

Set in a blissful location on the edge of Lake Maggiore in northern Italy, the garden of this 100-year-old house required a labour of love to bring it back to its former glory. ‘It was completely abandoned apart from fruit tree planting - and they were pretty much dead,’ says Stuart Barfoot, founder of Barfoot Design, who was commissioned to transform it.

Credit: Barfoot Garden Design

An aged and weathered look

The choice of stone was crucial to the aesthetic of the surroundings and Ca’ Pietra Artisans was the go-to for Stuart as he’s worked with our stone on other projects. ‘I find the treatments on Artisans’ stone very good,’ he says. To complement the timeworn local stone that the house is built from, he chose Trusloe limestone with a seasoned finish around the pool and on the treads of the steps, as well as on small areas near the house. ‘It’s stunning, indestructible and virtually zero maintenance. It’s got this aged and weathered look that in this kind of project I find very appealing. We used a regular width but variable lengths to create a nice pattern.’

Stuart lined the swimming pool with stone, too, and also used it on the sides of the pool. He chose Grafton limestone in a seasoned finish. ‘It’s a beautiful soft grey and is a little more contemporary. The whole garden is what I would call contemporary natural so the pool has got elements of contemporary.

ORCHARD LODGE

Set within a sloping garden at the foot of the Mendip Hills in North Somerset, this project by Artisan Landscapes centred on the creation of a swimming pool and cantilevered pool house as the main features of the design. The challenge was to connect the new pool terrace - set higher than the cottage - with the house and existing mature garden, creating a sense of flow and journey through the space. The site of a former pond provided a natural location for the pool, while a redundant summerhouse gave way to the pool house, which now accommodates a kitchen, dining area and sunken seating. Additional terraces and pathways were introduced to link the house with the pool and to create moments of relaxation and reflection along the way.

Our Buscot limestone in a tumbled and etched finish was chosen throughout for its soft, honeyed tones and subtle texture. Used for the pool surround, coping stones, terraces, steps and even the floor of the pool house, the stone creates a cohesive backdrop that reflects light and enhances the aquamarine tones of the pool.

BRITISH ISLE RETREAT

A spectacular property on the picturesque island of Jersey, this extensive family home sits proudly in the blue waters of the British Isles. Its beautifully landscaped exterior comprises a terrace and pool area clad with Wychwood limestone in a tumbled & etched finish.

A hard, compact stone, it is ideal for external paving with its low-slip properties and natural grey-fawn colouring. The subtle fossil markings also add to its character, enhancing the charm of this magnificent building with far-reaching views across the sea.

Photography: Andy Le Gresley Photography

Photography: Andy Le Gresley

OUTDOOR LIVING

As the breeze rustles through the trees outdoors, there is a tranquil feel to this countryside oasis. Commissioned by interior designers Gramlick Designs and architect Jonathan Rhind, we sourced the hard wearing stone for the external areas.

Working with Jonathan Rhind, we created a secret garden at the client’s residential home, with a bespoke stone fire pit, wall copings and flagstone patio.

We used Buscot limestone tumbled and etched flagstones in bespoke widths for the pool terraces, to work with the linear slot drains and complete the modern, sleek summer house look the client desired. For the walled garden, the client wanted to create a time-worn look. We supplied Hampledon sandstone riven flagstones because of their rustic appeal.

Our bespoke team visited the site and took digital templates for the fire pit, patio wall cappings and swimming pool copings. We used Buscot etched limestone to design the fire pit and bespoke copings because of its contemporary look and feel.

The stone fire pit is the perfect spot for alfresco socialising, while the swimming pool and surrounding patio area offers a great place for relaxing.

ENGLISH MANOR

Designed by David Loy of Your Garden Design, this Grade II listed medieval property near Chichester comes complete with low ceilings, exposed beams and a stunning outdoor space. The owners moved out in 2017 for extensive repairs to be undertaken, keeping the integrity of the house while sympathetically restoring the interior and exterior to make it more comfortable for family life.

Towards the rear of the house lies the swimming pool, barbecue and bar area, which have been given a cool, contemporary look with our Buscot limestone in an etched finish . As well as designing the pool surround and pathways, David has also beautifully landscaped the entire garden with carefully selected flowers and shrubs to complement the traditional charm of this characterful home.

SPA HAVEN

A selection of natural, bespoke stone was used within this impressive pool and spa installation, including Wychwood limestone for the pool, changing rooms and WC areas and Trusloe limestone cladding within the sauna.

Developer: Sunnyside Property Developments Pool Design: Pool Architecture

POOL VIEW

A stunning period property set within the English countryside, this home is full of character and charm. Even more so now it features Ca’ Pietra Artisans’ Buscot limestone and Richmond limestone for its impressive pool area and hallway.

A classic country residence, the house features many original attributes alongside authentic enhancements such as carvings, mouldings, door frames and window casements. The stone flooring is the perfect choice for maintaining the classic look while bringing it elegantly and effortlessly into the 21st century.

NEW GRANDEUR

This remarkable Gloucestershire project showcases Ca’ Pietra Artisans’ expertise across a suite of leisure spaces designed by Yiangou in collaboration with Annabel Elliot Interior Design. For the swimming pool, sauna, gymnasium and adjoining changing rooms, our team cut and finished a carefully considered palette of natural stone to create a sense of elegance, durability and cohesion throughout. From the poolside floors to the wellness areas, each element was crafted to complement the architectural vision while delivering a refined and timeless finish.

BASEMENT BEAUTY

An exceptional private spa with pool, hot tub, steam room, shower and changing room.

The homeowner commissioned Ca’ Pietra Artisans to supply limestone, porcelain tiles, glass and pebble mosaics to complete the luxurious spa look.

Neutral porcelain was chosen for the pool lining was provided for the pool lining, as our client wanted a contemporary finish, while for extra grip around the pool and spa tub, we supplied Buscot etched stone tiles and grilles. The pool walls and columns are Buscot limestone in a honed finish, which replicates that spa, polished look. We also supplied Buscot honed for the shower and changing room walls and floors. The limestone’s neutral colour palette and smooth finish completes the desired spa design the client wanted to achieve.

To create a sense of space, glass mosaic tiles were added to the steam room and around the plunge pool. For the spa tub and plunge pool, we supplied eight square metres of pebble mosaic tiles.

The client ordered bespoke Buscot limestone for the spa capping, step to bridge and pool steps. We went on site to template the bespoke work with the client and provided technical drawings of the spa to show the finished result.

For our full range visit our website capietra .com/projects-showcase

Pool coping / wall capping options

We stock a standard range of copings in our core limestone ranges. Our bespoke cut to measure service offers more freedom with regards to profiles and finishes.