The Duality of a Farmhouse Pool:  Swimming and Reflecting

The Duality of a Farmhouse Pool: Swimming and Reflecting

Photography by Joshua Tompkins

A new swimming pool was conceived at an existing, historic farmhouse property of rolling hills and mature trees.

The success of the project was due, in part, through the well–considered siting of the pool. A balanced spatial relationship between house and pool was achieved. On one hand, the pool is located convenient to and on axis with the outdoor terrace. On the other hand, the pool is detached from the terrace and is part of the landscape — It is surrounded entirely by green lawn and at a lower elevation than the outdoor terrace.

Employing an economy of materials, the pool lives quietly and is in harmony with the surroundings. An antiqued bluestone pool deck surrounds the pool providing just the width for a comfortable walking space — No more and no less. The poolside chaise lounge area is located on lawn for a softer alternative to stone.

The swimming pool doubles as a reflective pool. Features common with pools — Handrails, grab bars, diving boards — were all eliminated in favor of a simple, serene composition. A dark interior pool finish fits the language of the farmhouse property and amplifies its reflective qualities, drawing in the sky above.

LET'S CONNECT

 A balanced spatial relationship between house and pool.

A balanced spatial relationship between house and pool.

 Surrounded entirely by lawn, the pool rests lightly on the landscape.

Surrounded entirely by lawn, the pool rests lightly on the landscape.

 Historic lamps, salvaged from the streets of Berlin, bring character and sophistication to the outdoor space.

Historic lamps, salvaged from the streets of Berlin, bring character and sophistication to the outdoor space.

 A dark, recessive interior pool finish fits the language of the farmhouse property.

A dark, recessive interior pool finish fits the language of the farmhouse property.