Designing a villa with a swimming pool: the experience of Studia 54, engineering features and eternal trends

Climate conditions

Climate plays a crucial role in determining the type and construction technology of a pool. In southern and Asian countries, a house is hardly ever complete without a pool, whereas in colder regions, people prefer baths, hot tubs, and spa complexes. These options are more convenient to use, allow for year-round swimming, and do not require seasonal maintenance.

For instance, in our project in Vasant Kunj (India), a 1,500 m² residence was designed around an inner courtyard with a pool, serving as the central recreational area. The facades of the living rooms, lobby, bar area, and guest rooms face the courtyard. During the day, the courtyard offers shade and coolness, and in the evening, accent lighting transforms the water surface into a dynamic installation.

Engineering

Swimming pools may vary in shape, depth, finish, and visual design, but from an engineering perspective, there are only two fundamentally different types:

— outdoor pools

— indoor pools

They differ in terms of construction, maintenance, and the set of engineering systems.

Outdoor pool

• requires a separate technical room

• natural ventilation system

• it is important to select equipment that can withstand temperature fluctuations

• water heating increases operating costs

Indoor pool

• ventilation and air dehumidification system is mandatory

• it is necessary to prevent the appearance of mold and condensation

• ventilation is designed simultaneously with the construction of the house

• high energy efficiency with year-round use

In both cases, the architecture of the house and the climate still play a key role. They determine the type of pool, its shape, and engineering solutions.

Studia 54's personalized approach

At Studia 54, personalization begins with understanding how the customer and their family will live—what habits, scenarios, and desires the future pool project should take into account. We view it not as a separate object, but as part of a unified architectural and engineering ecosystem.

At the design stage, we select equipment, consider cleaning and automatic water quality control technologies, and lay the groundwork for safety and energy efficiency solutions. At the same time, we form the engineering structure: we calculate loads, integrate the pool into the overall design, and think through the operation of all systems in advance — from ventilation to heating.

The Crystal Istra architectural project would not be complete without an open lounge area. Here, a large swimming pool stretches along the terrace. The result is a peaceful and secluded place, created for the comfortable life of the customer's family.

Swimming pool in an apartment

A swimming pool on the roof of a skyscraper or inside a two-level penthouse is not uncommon in Studia 54 projects.

When designing a swimming pool in an apartment, it is important to provide for:

— a separate technical room (usually one floor below)

— a specialized ventilation system

— silent convectors

— reliable waterproofing

— reduced vibrations and floor protection

For one of our clients, it was essential to be able to swim every day without leaving home. We designed a personal pool with a panoramic view of the city: the perfect solution for someone who keeps fit and prefers privacy.

To prevent condensation and mold, a complex ventilation system was integrated, and we used stainless steel in-floor convectors around the perimeter of the pool.

Signature design solutions from Studia 54

Having covered the technical side, we can now turn to what makes Studia 54 projects recognizable: unique design solutions in the studio's signature style.

A focal point on the water

One of our favorite solutions is a relaxation area located on a separate “island” platform surrounded by water.

In a 1,750 m² residence project in India, we created an atmosphere of seclusion with a soft sofa group. Shallow water and relaxing sounds create the effect of complete fusion with nature.

Levitating sun loungers

We sought to find the ideal formula for relaxing in the sun, which led to the creation of “levitating” sun loungers that appear to float above the water.

Observing white water lilies, we were inspired by their lightness and weightlessness. This solution does not interfere with circulation around the pool and does not overload the visual component.

Teak deck flooring in the pool

The most important procedure in matters related to flooring in pool areas or adjacent rooms is the direct selection of the type of wood. The material must withstand constant humidity, not deform, and retain its aesthetic appeal for many years.

Teak perfectly meets these requirements. Its natural density and high oil content make the wood resistant to water and temperature changes: teak does not crack or warp and remains stable even with intensive use.

In addition, teak decking is safe — the surface does not become slippery, which is especially important for rooms with high humidity. It is the combination of durability, functionality, and tactile warmth that makes teak the best choice for finishing pool areas in Studia 54 projects.

A complete spa area: what else is needed besides a pool

When a customer dreams of having a pool in their home, we take a broader view of the task—as creating a complete spa area where they can fully relax and feel like a guest at their own resort. In addition to the pool itself, we consider the entire complex of accompanying facilities:

— hammam

— sauna

— steam room

— showers

— changing rooms

— massage room

— lounge area

— bar area

For example, in a project in the Philippines, at the owner's personal request, we integrated a bar directly into the pool area, which was the perfect solution for private evening events.