The pool at Embassy Gardens Legacy Buildings, a 2000 unit complex is remarked as the world’s first sky pool. Designed by HAL architects, it lends the complex more than just bricks and mortar, conferring a unique character to the development.
The 27 meters long glass bottomed sky pool is planned to be suspended between the two blocks of the 2000 homed apartment buildings. This five meter wide and three meter deep pool will allow the dwellers of the building to swim transversally amidst the two buildings. The 20 cm thick glass will allow the swimming residents of the buildings a dazzling view of London.
The ‘Sky Pool’ will be suspended 35 metres above ground level. Image © Hayes Davidson
The pool was designed by Arup Associates with the specialist advice of structural design engineers Eckersley O’ Callaghan and aquarium designers Reynolds. Seeing that advice was seized from specialist aquarium designers, the project was intended to simulate aquariums.10 storeys above the ground, the water bridge creates a recreational link between the two. The experience of swimming in the pool will be more like swimming in the sky which validates the term ‘sky pool’ . The thrill of swimming above a street will be experienced only by those who could expend £602,000. The project is intended to begin in the summer of 2015 and is expected to be complete in 2017.
courtesy of © Hayes Davidson
The tank is structure-free visually and gives the opportunity to experience swimming inside an aquarium. The design is a unique innovation that acts as a seamless connecting bridge for the residential apartment blocks. Since the pool is a unique character of the complex and enhances its singularity, it forms a part of the entrance.
View of the ‘Sky Pool’s’ location relative to the new Embassy of the United States. Image © Hayes Davidson
By: Surabhi Bhatt
Madeline Brooks is a Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she has been shaping and refining architectural content since March 2024. With over a decade of experience in editorial work, she has curated, revised, and published an array of projects covering architecture, urbanism, and public space design. A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Madeline brings a strong academic foundation and a discerning editorial eye to each piece she oversees. Since joining Arch2O, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s editorial direction, with a focus on sustainability, social relevance, and cutting-edge design. Madeline excels at translating complex architectural ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with both industry professionals and general readers. She works closely with architects, designers, and global contributors to ensure every project is presented with clarity, depth, and compelling visual narrative. Her editorial leadership continues to elevate Arch2O’s role in global architectural dialogue.