Georgian Pool & Recreation Complex
London

The pool and recreation complex was sited on the south side of the garden of the Grade II Listed house, behind the former coach house, and perilously close to two mature trees with preservation orders. The building was close enough to the main house to allow access through a new covered ‘link’ building, and the view of the garden from the house was retained. The building was conceived as a simple conservatory in the garden. The Tuscan order, the ‘solidest and least ornate’ of the orders, articulates the Portland stone garden façade, the other walls are built with London stock brick in lime mortar. Natural light from above is always welcome in a conservatory, and a large roof light has been placed above the centre of the swimming pool. Because of its visibility from the upper parts of the house, the roof of the conservatory was designed as the ‘fifth elevation’, and was clad with lead sheet, punctuated by the roof light over the pool. The swimming pool and gymnasium are at ground level, and changing rooms, plant rooms, storage, and the pool under-croft itself are housed in a waterproof concrete box below the ground.