World’s First Pool On Top Of A Skyscraper Could Give Amazing 360-Degree Views Of London
A company called Compass Pools have designed a unique swimming pool called Infinity London – a stunning 360-degree open-air pool on top of a 55-story building, over 200 meters above the London skyline.
The company says this pool would be made from cast acrylic instead of glass as this material transmits light at a similar wavelength to water, making the pool look perfectly clear. And it’s not only the sides that would be clear – the bottom of the pool would also be transparent, allowing visitors of the building to see the swimmers above.
More info: Compass Pools | h/t
Compass Pools have designed a unique pool concept called Infinity London
Many people were asking how would people get to the pool and Compass Pools have come up with a unique solution. “Swimmers will access the pool through a rotating spiral staircase based on the door of a submarine, rising from the pool floor when someone wants to get in or out,” write the company on their project page.
The swimming pool will be packed with all sorts of innovative technology
Another unique feature of the pool is a built-in anemometer – a device used to measure wind speed. Compass Pools say it would be linked with a computer-controlled building management system and would ensure the optimal water temperature and make sure water doesn’t get blown down to the streets below.
“Boasting an innovative twist on renewable energy, the pool’s heating system will use waste energy from the air condition system for the building,” write Compass Pools. “The hot gas that is produced as a by-product of creating cold air in the building will run through a heat exchanger to heat the water for the pool.”
This swimming pool certainly isn’t for those who fear heights!
“Architects often come to us to design roof top infinity pools, but rarely do we get a say in the building design because the pool is usually an afterthought,” says Alex Kemsley, swimming pool designer and technical director at Compass Pools. “But on this project, we actually started with the pool design and essentially said, ‘how do we put a building underneath this?’”
“When we designed the pool, we wanted an uninterrupted view, both above and below the water,” says the designer.
Colorful lights will give the pool a unique appearance at night
The pool would also feature a full spectrum of lights, giving the building the appearance of a “sparkling jewel-topped torch” at night.
According to the company, the construction of the pool could kick off as early as 2020
Even though the exact location of the Infinity London is not yet confirmed, the designer is suggesting The Shard. “Swimming in the SkyPool at The Shard, it’s quite a weird feeling to have helicopters flying past at your level, but this pool takes it a step further,” says Alex Kemsley. “Pop your goggles on and with a 360-degree view of London from 220m up, it really will be something else – but it’s definitely not one for the acrophobic!”
This is not the first time companies suggested unique designs for London
Just last year the J. Safra Group and Foster + Partners suggested a uniquely shaped skyscraper to be built in London called “The Tulip“. However, its suggestive shape did not really sit too well with most London residents.
Let’s hope we’ll see more interesting designs in London’s skyline in the future!
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