A contemporary garden retreat with natural swimming pool set within the grounds of a private residence in Berkshire, this new pool house represents our approach to creating bespoke garden buildings that enhance outdoor living while complementing their natural surroundings.
Currently under construction, the project combines minimalist architecture with sustainable design principles to create a beautiful space.
The design responds to the clients' desire for a contemporary pavilion that would serve as both a practical pool facility and a relaxing garden retreat. The single-story structure with clean horizontal lines and extensive glazing establishes a strong visual connection between interior and exterior spaces.
The architectural approach emphasizes simplicity and material honesty. Timber cladding provides a crisp, neutral backdrop that allows the building to sit quietly within the landscape, while full-height glazing on the garden-facing elevation creates transparency and frames views across the grounds. The flat roof profile minimises its visual impact when viewed from the main house.
The pool house is designed to accommodate changing facilities, comfortable seating areas, and storage for pool equipment, all organized within an efficient yet generous floor plan. Large sliding glass doors dissolve the boundary between inside and outside, allowing the interior space to extend onto a surrounding terrace during warmer months.
A key feature of the project is the integration of a natural swimming pool – an environmentally sensitive alternative to conventional chlorinated pools. Natural pools use biological filters and planted zones to maintain water quality without chemicals, creating a swimming environment that is gentler on skin and eyes while supporting local biodiversity. The pool design incorporates naturalistic planting that will soften its edges and help the water feature blend seamlessly with the established garden landscape.
The relationship between building, pool, and landscape has been carefully considered. Native and ornamental grasses frame the pool area, while mature trees provide screening and dappled shade. As the planting matures and the natural pool ecosystem establishes itself, the entire composition will evolve into a cohesive outdoor space that feels like a natural extension of the garden rather than an imposed addition.
Construction is progressing well, with completion anticipated in the coming months. As spring arrives and weather improves, the full character of the project will emerge, with photographs to follow documenting the realised design and its integration within the garden setting.
This pool house project demonstrates how carefully designed ancillary buildings can add significant value to residential properties, creating new opportunities for outdoor living and leisure while respecting the character of existing gardens and landscapes.