Beyond Beige: A Custom Abstract Pool Mosaic in Jumeirah Islands, Dubai
“The client wanted a differently designed pool mosaic. something away from the usual designs & MEC delivered just that”
—Design Head, First Within
A collaboration between a UK-based design firm, First Within and MEC Artworks Studio. The creation of an abstract pool mosaic for a luxury home in Jumeirah Islands, Dubai. An out-of-the-ordinary style pool mosaic in rich shades of orange and red.
Client Brief for This Abstract Mosaic
Our Dubai team secured this project in collaboration with First Within, A UK-based interior design firm.
MEC Artworks has created many pool mosaics across at least three continents. We pride ourselves on our expertise in providing excellent turnkey services in this area across Dubai and the GCC.
Our client requested something out of the ordinary for their pool mosaic.
Generally, clients select varying shades of blue for pool mosaics. Imagery is often sea-life related.
They wanted an abstract design pattern. In terms of colours, our client wanted something more dramatic.
Hand-cut glass was the material of choice for the iridescent effect in natural and artificial light.
We worked closely with First Within throughout the project and shared updates regularly.
Inspiration Moodboard for This Abstraction
Our design team started off by working on the colour palette. They first thought of more greens, but after the design firm communicated that reds would be preferable, they began exploring reds and oranges.
The design team finalised a mixture of lots of exotic shades of red and orange, including Burgundy, Garnet Red, Terracotta, Burnt Orange, Coral, and Tangerine Orange.
A few handfuls of tiles with shades slightly varying from the above-mentioned shades were also added. View another pool in red and gold hues crafted by MEC Artworks.
The result was a seamless flow of one colour into another while keeping the individual beauty of each shade intact.
The background was crafted in ivory for a more striking contrast with the main colours.
The pattern was developed as the actual crafting took place. It was mostly organic, natural forms with a hint towards many elements in nature.
Design Development
Colour Palettes
The most important part of this pattern’s development was defining shades for the abstraction. With an initial leaning towards greens, a selection of reds and oranges was ultimately made.
The Abstract Pattern
The pattern is best described as biotic-looking shapes like many forms in nature. Something like plants in the shape of flowing vines. Animals like coral or insects. Natural patterns, like designs formed by soil getting washed away or natural cloud formations. Our artisans, following the andamento technique, went with the flow while crafting, and our client loved the outcome!
Material for the Mosaic
The mosaic was built with hand-cut glass. Each border tessera of each organic shape was especially cut and styled to fit in with the flow of the pattern. Glass is a popular option for pool mosaics as it is impervious, durable and has iridescent qualities too.
The Crafting Process of This Mosaic
Our Expert Artisans at Work
“An organic mosaic in bold daring colours. one of the few of its kind”
— Design Team
The crafting process of this mosaic was more of a ‘go with the flow’ kind of procedure.
The mosaic was made to cover the whole interior of the pool. The pool walls, stairs and floor. As this was a large surface to cover, the mosaic was crafted in sections.
Each section held about two to three of the organic forms. Our Italian-trained team of craftsmen not only followed the agreed pixelated design pattern but their instinct too.
The design pattern, though crafted separately in sections, was made to give a seamless look across the length of the pool. One tile was set in place for each pixel in the 2D render.
Each shape distinct and beautiful. The andamento technique spoke for itself in the completed artwork. The combination of colours was also just breathtaking to behold.
The blend of the reds with the oranges cooked up a riot of colour, with each pixel/ tile’s colour distinctive in the pale background.
A Bold Mosaic Venture
“The pool mosaic turned out just the way we wanted. Different than the usual ones and beautiful all the same”
— Our Client, Dubai
This pool mosaic by our client was quite a bold venture when compared to the general trend in pool mosaics.
MEC Artworks has created logo pools, sea-life-inspired pool mosaics and pools with blue abstract patterns by the dozen. They are, no doubt, beautiful, but ‘safe’ options in pool mosaic art.
However, it is the very daringly artistic clients who move away from the standardised rules of pool mosaics, and this particular client was one of them.
Our collaboration with First Within was smooth and seamless, with timely communication on both sides.
We take pride in the fact that, although it was a challenging project, this mosaic venture was completed within the time frame promised to the client.
Many aspects that required discussion and confirmation were handled promptly and professionally.
FAQs
Will the red and orange glass colours fade when exposed to sunlight and pool chemicals?
High-quality glass mosaic is highly resistant to UV exposure, moisture, and normal pool chemicals. For a pool installation, the glass, adhesive, grout, and installation system should all be selected specifically for submerged and outdoor conditions to help preserve the colours and finish over time.
Can the abstract pattern be customised to suit my pool?
Yes. An abstract design can be customised in terms of pattern, scale, colours, and dimensions. The flowing forms can be adapted to the pool’s shape, whether it is a rectangular swimming pool, curved pool, infinity pool, or a feature area such as a spa or shallow end.
Will the glass mosaic look different underwater?
Yes. Water can enhance the depth and luminosity of glass, making reds and oranges appear particularly vibrant. Natural daylight, pool lighting, water depth, and the surrounding finishes can all influence the final appearance, so colour samples or a small mock-up are recommended before production.
How do I maintain a red and orange glass mosaic pool?
It is easy to maintain glass mosaics. Regular pool cleaning, proper water chemistry, and removal of mineral deposits help preserve its appearance. The grout and installation system also need appropriate maintenance because they play an important role in the long-term performance of the pool mosaic.
Verified Client Reviews & Experiences
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