Upstate New York Pool House

2000 sf

Accord, NY

The pool house is a year-round play, swim, exercise, and recreational sanctuary. While technically a natatorium (a structure built around, not adjacent to, a pool), it really functions as both an indoor and outdoor pool.

The pool and surrounding space feel inviting winter or summer and are used throughout the year. Gracious openings, in the form of two large elliptical skylights and a south-facing, wall-sized glass door bring the sky and earth in, integrating the interior space holistically with the landscape. In the colder months, the pool and deck are enclosed and enjoy light via the skylights and glass wall. In the warmer months, the south wall, actually an airplane hangar door, fully opens the south side of the structure and extends the deck outside to create an indoor/outdoor solarium.

In addition to the south deck, there is an east-facing terrace with a teak covered wall, bench seating and a steel wood-burning grill. The directionally angled roof provides shade throughout the day and expands the view outwards and over the aerated pond on the property. Additionally, there is a bathroom and changing area, double interior showers, a bar space, and an equipment room for the controls and pool toys.

The natatorium was designed and built with dedication to green design and maintenance. The base of this consists of a geothermal hydronic system and a reclaiming hydronic dehumidifying system that both heats and cools the space and the pool itself. Other details help maintain a small footprint: the openings and roof are specifically oriented to utilize the seasonal angles of the sun and take advantage of or minimize light and heat; airflow is maximized through strategic cross ventilation; and the super-insulated walls and roof ensure optimal temperature retention.

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DESIGN TEAM

Randy Armas, Michael Hoehn, Mel Loyola Agosto, Christopher Tomasetti

CONSULTING ENGINEER

Buro Happold - Cristobal Correa, Ana Serra

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

Hoffmann-Brandt Projects

CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

John Gates

PHOTOGRAPHY

Naho Kubota and Amy Barkow Photo