London has unveiled a groundbreaking architectural feature, the Sky Pool, which is being hailed as the world’s first transparent floating swimming pool. Suspended 115 feet in the air, the pool connects two residential towers in the Embassy Gardens development, located in the city’s Nine Elms district. A striking addition to the London skyline, the pool not only offers exclusive luxury living but also presents a novel way to experience the city from above.
A First-of-Its-Kind Design
The 82-foot-long (25 meters) Sky Pool is designed to provide residents of the Embassy Gardens complex with a unique swimming experience, combining luxury with a stunning aerial view. The pool, which is 10 feet deep, is made of freestanding acrylic and spans the gap between two towers, providing a clear view of the streets below. Weighing 375 tonnes when filled with water, it is the largest structure of its kind in the world.
The pool was crafted in Colorado before being shipped 5,000 miles to London. Once it arrived, it was meticulously installed using a 750-tonne mobile crane and a smaller 50-tonne crane for precision. The installation process required exacting technical specifications, as there was only a 30-centimeter margin for error when fitting the pool into its steel frame.
Architectural Innovation
Designed by Arup Associates, with engineering support from Eckersley O’Callaghan and aquarium design experts Reynolds, the Sky Pool represents a significant achievement in engineering and design. Arup Associates, known for their work on iconic projects like the Sydney Opera House, applied advanced testing and behavioral analysis to ensure the pool’s structural integrity and safety. The pool itself has been designed with sides that are 200 millimeters thick, a bottom thickness of 300 millimeters, and is supported by a steel frame designed to withstand the weight and pressure of the water.
Beyond the technical challenges, the pool also boasts an aesthetic component with five lighting modes, enhancing the surreal experience of swimming while suspended between two skyscrapers.
Exclusive Living in Nine Elms
The pool is located at the heart of the Embassy Gardens development, which is rapidly transforming the Nine Elms district into one of London’s most exclusive neighborhoods. The Sky Pool is just one aspect of the development, which also includes luxury apartments, bars, restaurants, and shops. With a prime location next to the US Embassy and close to the Thames River, residents are afforded spectacular views of the London Eye and Westminster.
Embassy Gardens is home to 2,000 residences, with properties starting at £1.015 million ($1.4 million) for a two-bedroom apartment. As one of London’s fastest-growing neighborhoods, Nine Elms is also seeing the development of additional residential and commercial spaces, including new tube stations that will further increase the area’s appeal. The area’s former industrial roots have evolved into an ultra-modern urban hub with luxury amenities.
A Statement of Luxury
The Sky Pool is positioned as both a practical luxury feature and a bold status symbol, catering to those who seek a unique, exclusive lifestyle. Its ability to offer residents a swim in the sky, with a direct view of the city’s streets below, provides an experience unlike any other. Additionally, the pool’s design has captured the attention of design enthusiasts, with its transparent nature offering an immersive and surreal environment for those who dare to take a dip.
The pool’s opening on May 19th will be marked by a celebratory event, hosted by radio DJ Roman Kemp, featuring a performance by the synchronized swimming team Aquabatix. Despite its high status, the pool is only accessible to residents, reinforcing the exclusivity of the Embassy Gardens complex.
Conclusion
The Sky Pool is not only a remarkable feat of engineering but also a symbol of luxury and innovation in urban design. As cities around the world push for more sustainable and high-tech solutions, projects like this illustrate how architecture can blend function with fantasy, creating new ways for people to experience and enjoy city life. With its incredible views, cutting-edge design, and attention to detail, the Sky Pool sets a new benchmark in luxurious urban living.
References:
- The Guardian: “London’s Sky Pool: Floating 115 Feet Above the City”
- BBC News: “The Sky Pool: Engineering Marvel or Thrill-seekers Dream?”
- The Telegraph: “Luxury Developments in Nine Elms: Embassy Gardens’ Sky Pool”
Sky Pool | Nine Elms, Wandsworth, London. | Picture by Geoff Henson | Flickr
Picture by Matt Brown: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sky_Pool_at_Embassy_Gardens.jpg
Picture by 準建築人手札網站 Forgemind ArchiMedia: https://www.flickr.com/photos/eager/20564866349
