Perched high above Sumner in Christchurch, Richmond Hill is known for its dramatic hillside setting, sweeping coastal outlooks, and winding roads. This particular home enjoys panoramic views stretching from the surrounding hills to the Southern Alps and across the Pacific Ocean — a setting the homeowners wanted to fully embrace year-round.
Passionate swimmers who valued both fitness and lifestyle, the owners approached Bermuda Pools with a clear goal: install a pool that delivered serious swimming functionality without compromising the property’s unique landscape or existing outdoor living areas.
The Challenge
The available space was anything but straightforward.
The chosen location sat beside an existing deck on a steep hillside section, with only a narrow strip of usable land between retaining structures and landscaped areas. Every centimetre mattered. The installation needed to maximise swimming length while maintaining practical access and preserving the open feel of the property.
Adding to the complexity was the site access itself. Richmond Hill’s narrow roads and multiple hairpin turns required careful logistical planning to safely transport the pool shell to site with minimal disruption to local traffic. Timing the delivery became critical.
The Solution
The ideal fit proved to be the Bermuda Lap Pool.
At 10 metres long and 2.55 metres wide, the slimline design allowed the pool to slot perfectly into the existing grass area while still providing ample space for exercise and relaxation. The clean, linear shape complemented the architecture of the home and enhanced the connection between the deck, landscape, and surrounding views.
To support comfortable year-round swimming, the Bermuda pool is insulated with foam to improve heat retention and reduce ongoing heating costs — an important consideration for Christchurch’s cooler months.
The installation itself required a highly coordinated lift operation involving two pilot vehicles and two trucks: one transporting the pool shell and another carrying a rear-mount Hiab crane with a 21-metre reach. Careful planning and precision handling ensured the pool was safely manoeuvred into position despite the restricted site conditions.
The Result
What was once an unused strip of hillside lawn has been transformed into a functional and visually striking swimming space that feels perfectly integrated with the home.
The finished result demonstrates how intelligent pool design and experienced installation can unlock opportunities even on challenging sites.
Despite the tight access and narrow footprint, the homeowners now enjoy a premium heated lap pool with spectacular views — purpose-built for fitness, relaxation, and year-round enjoyment.
