Pool designers at Compass Pools have developed Infinity London, what is believe to be the only building in the world to incorporate a 360-degree infinity pool. The concept, also referred to by the Greek ‘lemniscate’ symbol (∞), features a 600,000-litre pool built right on top of a 55-storey building. The pool will be fitted with a full spectrum of lights which will give the building the appearance of a sparkling jewel-topped torch at night. The floor of the acrylic pool will be transparent, allowing visitors to see the swimmers and sky above. Compass Pool’s swimming pool designer and technical director Alex Kemsley commented: “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. “But on this project, we actually started with the pool design and essentially said, ‘how do we put a building underneath this?’
UNINTERRUPTED VIEW
“When we designed the pool, we wanted an uninterrupted view, both above and below the water. “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. “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!” Infinity London could kick off construction as early as 2020 if all the partners and contractors are confirmed. It will have a five-star international hotel on the top floors of the building with the pool used by the guests. Commenting on the design, Alex continued: “We faced some quite major technical challenges to this building, the biggest one being how to actually get into the pool. “The solution is based on the door of a submarine, coupled with a rotating spiral staircase which rises from the pool floor when someone wants to get in or out – the absolute cutting edge of swimming pool and building design and a little bit James Bond to boot!”
Compass Pools
0333 456 7111
compass-pools.co.uk
