There are many impressive house designs to discover online every day. They are created by professionals who consider not only the clients’ wishes, but also the safety and stability of the entire building. Today we want to examine a house with a very special feature: a swimming pool that forms part of the structure itself. By the end, you will probably have plenty of praise for its unique design and sophisticated solution. In this post we introduce the award-winning Shaw House by Patkau Architects.
The Shaw House with swimming pool above the ground
This private residence is designed as a single-family home of about 285 square meters, including a living room, study, music room, and pool. The way these areas are distributed inside the house is both impressive and intelligent. Because Vancouver is located in a high seismic-risk area, the architects used reinforced concrete for much of the structure and designed an above-ground lap pool. The living room is at ground level, while the private rooms and music room are arranged on different levels. Since the site is narrow, the pool is positioned along the west side of the house, connecting the bedroom and the study terrace.
Pure beauty in a house with swimming pool
Believe it or not, the pool is located above the ground along the private areas of the house. Its position was certainly a major challenge because of local seismic conditions, but that did not stop the Patkau design team. Instead, the architects developed a unique pool that adds extraordinary beauty to the home. Sunlight reflected from the water reaches the central area of the house, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Despite its compact size, the Shaw House and swimming pool form a remarkable architectural work. Take a look at the images below to get a better idea of the house.
Shaw House exterior: clean lines for a modern home design
Shaw House has small rooms, but they feel generous because of the high ceilings. The ceiling heights add a sense of space and bring more light into the rooms. The plan is elegant and functional, with each area clearly organized. With the right furniture, the interior feels much larger than its compact footprint suggests.
It is impressive to see how Patkau Architects created such a house despite the difficult site. Structural reinforcement was necessary, and the result is an intelligent design that protects residents while creating a memorable spatial experience. The feature that distinguishes the house from many other small renovation projects is its enclosed above-ground lap pool. This house with a pool is not something you encounter every day, and none is quite as distinctive as Shaw House.
From below, you can see the pool and the dining area, and even glimpse someone swimming laps above. Light reflected through the water reaches darker corners of the house and creates a serene atmosphere. The pool runs prominently above the living spaces and private rooms, with glass allowing it to be seen from inside. Its position also helps organize the house around water, light, and fresh air.
An unusual house with swimming pool, where light and space prevail inside
Daylight penetrates the pool house
A room where the simple furniture is not the only focus
The interior is very simple and reduced to a minimum: dining room and kitchen
The whole house is built of reinforced concrete and has high ceilings
The pool connects the parts of the house
miranda_shida
Peter Dark
Anna Lohan
