December 5, 2023

Design inspiration for basement swimming pools

Written by Michelle Martin

Be inspired on your subterranean basement pool design 

Basement swimming pools have long been synonymous with luxurious living, but taking the plunge to install one in your basement introduces a whole new realm of design possibilities. Basements, often underutilised spaces, can be transformed into captivating aquatic retreats that blend functionality with opulence. Well-appointed basement swimming pool designs draw inspiration from the history of the building or local vernacular, as well as the homeowner’s functional requirements. 

Some of IQ’s projects combine heritage and listed building basement swimming pool designs, and new build basement pool designs where starting at the drawing board offers more flexibility and ease to integrate entertainment zones or wellness retreats within the basement swimming pool design. 

Bedford Gardens 

Bedford gardens is a fine example of a 19th Century London dwelling, originally a home with a mews property positioned at the end of the garden of the main house. Both properties were demolished to create one single luxury light-filled family home fit for modern day living.  

The new basement swimming pool design to the former mews property boasts a large space for swimming and wellness, plus a family media room linking to the main house via a tranquil courtyard.  

Walk on glass was installed in the courtyard to allow maximum light to flood into the new basement swimming pool. The floorlights were sandblasted, offering privacy without a trade-off for natural light.  

Cornwall Terrace 

Cornwall Terrace Grade I listed property overlooking Regents park, underwent a complete refurbishment and fit–out to add a contemporary bright and airy feel adding a state-of-the-art basement swimming pool and spa design that would transform the space from dark and claustrophobic into an inviting and relaxing sanctuary.  

The new basement swimming pool and sauna connected to the outdoors via large arched frameless glass windows to the courtyard and internal heated glass walls that helped the basement swimming pool connect to the other basement rooms maintaining uninterrupted fog-free views, thanks to the innovative heated glass for pools.  

High Acres

High Acres is an example of a basement swimming pool design from concept to creation. The modern villa used the basement design to sit sunken within the land with seamless transitions and for the three storey luxury newbuild to arise from the grounds unimposing yet intentional with striking cantilever sections installed with floor to ceiling frameless glass.  

Slim framed sliding glass doors were installed to the basement swimming pool providing easy access to the patio as well as the garden. The glass façade basement design opens out during the warmer months to expand the space, maximise light and connection to its AONB location.  

Canal House 

Canal House at Little Venice Villa drew upon the materiality and original archway features within the new basement swimming pool design. Heated frameless glass windows were bespoke made to fit the original arches of this London period property adding a contemporary look while preserving consistent temperatures to the basement swimming pool and preventing dampness and humidity passing into the corridors and damaging the artwork.

Queens Grove 

Queens Grove innovative basement swimming pool design with adjoining home gym and spa area creates a holistic experience with partitioning frameless heated glass. 

The basement design to this London townhouse comprises of dedicated sections that are staggered over a series of steps using frameless glass screens to cordon off the space enhancing the acoustics as well as maintaining consistent temperatures throughout the distinct zones.   

What sets this design off as unique and innovative is an integrated wave shaped structural glass window with the wall adjacent to the sliding glass doors allowing natural light to flood the basement pool space and offering views to the garden.  

Stokes Hall 

Stokes Hall is another example of a new build where the inspiration for the basement swimming pool design was depicted on the owner’s favourable wish to install a climatised wine cellar adjacent to the swimming pool.  

Internal glazing with heated glass was installed throughout. The high performance glazing attributes to the thermal efficiency of the basement swimming pool.  

The use of the heated frameless glass enhances a sense of space and maximises views to the focal points of the basement design.  

These IQ swimming pool basement projects fuse design, functionality and comfort through innovative approaches to design including materials such as heated glass for swimming pools, climate control, ventilation, lighting and entertainment spaces. Whether the basement pool is a newbuild or a retrofit, our innovative glass technology will elevate your design to the next level.

Are you working on a unique basement swimming pool design and seek guidance on bespoke internal glazing solutions? 

Take the plunge and contact us today! 

Further reading: A Complete Guide to Swimming Pool Glass 

Design inspiration for Glazing Swimming Pool Enclosures