Surman Weston, an architecture studio in London, designed a pool and poolhouse in an organic garden located in Surrey, England. The pool was built to take advantage of the open, natural landscape surrounding the structures.
Surman Weston worked closely with Mathew Children, a landscape designer, to integrate the pool house and pool into the existing garden in a natural and harmonious way. The house of the client is located on a hill near Reigate Heath (SSI), with gardens in all directions. The client asked Surman Weston to create a space in the rear garden that faces south for socializing, resting, and exercising.
The pool house is a geometric, bold counterpoint to a setting that consists of woodlands and gardens. The pool house was built on a terrace and podium created by a concrete disc that leveled out the height differences between the woodlands and gardens. The pool is 30 feet long and chlorine-free, to adhere to the “natural” theme that the client wanted for the backyard.
The house was constructed using just three materials: concrete and timber, with corrugated aluminium roofing. The house can be opened up completely to the terrace by large sliding doors, which transforms the small, interior space into an outdoor dining and entertaining area. The sliding door frames, structural frame and cladding is all made of Douglas fir. This will fade with time to match the muted shades of the surrounding oaks, beech trees, pines, ash, and hazel.
The kitchenette and the soffit were also made of Douglas fir inside the pool house. The wood elements contrast with the natural plaster used on the curved wall and the sloping roof soffit. When combined with the wood-burning fireplace and marble hearth the space is inviting and cozy.
Tom Surman, director of Surman Weston, says: “It was an honor to work on such a project within a natural environment where we could create a beautifully crafted sculptural insert.” We have a wide range of projects – from socially conscious examples to residential refurbishments, where the exterior architectural expression is usually limited. It was therefore very satisfying to be able to work in an environment that allowed us the opportunity to combine landscape, composition and materials.
The article was first published in AQUA Magazine, the leading resource for pool and spa retailers, builders, and service professionals. All industry professionals can subscribe to the print edition of AQUA Magazine for free. Subscribe by clicking here.
