As we wind down 2017 and welcome 2018, we’re taking a moment to reflect on some of our favourite spaces of the past year with four roundup features over the coming holiday period – coastal homes, pool pavilions, small spaces and design hotels.

After a look at Coastal Homes earlier this week, today we take things poolside to revisit four favourite pool pavilions. From Spain to Sydney, these projects each have a clear visual identity and ample space to unwind – both indoor and outdoor. Watch this space; we might have to kickstart our own pool project in 2018!

This Saint Mori home by Spanish firm Mesura orients itself around an existing pool to deliver a firmly contemporary space. With the owners understandably keen to maximise outdoor entertaining areas, the pool pavilion and courtyard act as a multi-purpose space, even finding space to store a motorbike out of sight. Horizontal lines define the canopy and the decking, throwing geometric shadows over the sprawling courtyard and subtly contrasting with the rugged natural landscape the surrounds the home. This is modern Spanish design at its most deceptively relaxed – and satisfying.

Photography by Salva López

A masterclass in Modern Australian style, the poolside spaces of this Vaucluse home by b.e architecture stand out from the pack for the integration with the natural landscape. Rather than lose the majestic gum tree standing at the centre of the garden, the design brings it firmly into the space, introducing a suspended platform for the pool and grassy turf  to deliver an extensive outdoor area without losing its natural focal point.

Photography by Peter Clarke

A recent favourite amongst the est team, this serene pool pavilion by Alwill evokes a feeling of escapism with its natural palette and materials. Transforming a dated pool area, the designers (alongside landscape designer William Dangar) have created both a poolside recreation space and an elegant guest house that melts into the surrounding greenery with its timber clad exterior and minimalist concrete interiors.

Photography by Anson Smart

For something totally different, this black timber-clad pool house by Belgian designer Marc Merckx strikes the perfect balance between proportions, materials and space. With his pared back style and minimalist leaning, it’s little surprise to learn that the designer worked for architect Vincent Van Duysen for 15 years. A simple layout and refined material palette really allows the black hues to shine here, making for a befittingly sophisticated European space.