If you’re spending more than $1.2 million on a small apartment in a swanky part of London, you’d expect some pretty spectacular inclusions – but a 25-metre “sky pool” made entirely of glass, suspended between two buildings, 10 storeys up, wouldn’t be on many lists.
The pool, part of a 2000-apartment development at Nine Elms, the Thames riverside district wrapping around the iconic Battersea Power Station in the heart of London, is being described as a world first.
The ‘sky pool’ will sit 10 storeys above the ground. Picture: Ballymore Group
The 5m x 3m pool, which will hold 375 tonnes of water, is one of the stand-out features of the Embassy Gardens project by developer Ballymore, which includes commercial and residential buildings. The entire quarter of the British capital is being revamped to become “Dubai on Thames”.
The apartments – which will have spectacular views of Westminster to the east and the iconic power station and Battersea Park to the west – will have high ceilings, walnut parquetry and abundant natural light, “reminiscent of a Manhattan loft apartment”, according to Ballymore.
But it’s the transparent, structure-free pool, which has been granted planning permission, which will amaze potential buyers.
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The pool will link the rooftop terraces of two apartment buildings. Picture: Ballymore Group
Acting as a “bridge” between the top of two apartment blocks with communal rooftop sun terraces, the pool has been designed by Arup Associates, with specialist input from aquarium designers Reynolds. In artists’ impressions, it appears to float in the air.
Residents will literally be able to “look down” on people below, as they perfect their breaststroke.
An artist’s impression of the ‘Sky Pool’ at Embassy Gardens. Picture: Ballymore Group
The pool is the brainchild of Sean Mulryan, chairman and founder of Ballymore. “We set out to create places and spaces that are more than just bricks and mortar,” Mulryan says.
“The pool is testimony to this philosophy and gives the development a unique character.”
The one, two and three-bedroom apartments, which range from just 38.5 square metres to 104.3 square metres and start from $1.2 million, go on sale in September.
SOURCE: REALESTATE.COM.AU
