Harris Pool House, Surrey, UK
The commission for this private pool house was won in an open RIBA competition. The original site was an exposed garden to the rear of the client’s home in Surrey, enjoying a fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. The design grew into a double height structure that housed a swimming pool, luxurious changing facilities, showers, steam room and sauna, along with a first floor studio, floating above the water, maximising the views of the South Downs in the distance through a frameless glass facade. The Zen-like ambience of the space provided a spiritual, calming and relaxing environment that required the highest build quality and careful detailing. The ceiling, clad in timber, is supported by a slender, exposed, stainless steel structure and the internal walls are finished in polished plaster. The pool is lined with Bisazza mosaics, to a design by the well-renowned contemporary fabric designer, Helen Yardley.