HAMPSHIRE.- A minimalist glass poolhouse complex, by Dan Brill Architects, creates a modern landscape that adds visual contrast to a Grade II listed property in Hampshire. The complex is set within the 2.2 hectare private grounds of a Georgian listed house, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and a Special Area of Conservation. The site is located beside a river on the edge of a small hamlet.

Dan Brill’s design contrasts with the Georgian house and frames views of the striking natural landscape to the South. Accommodation in this high-specification project includes a glazed pool house, two swimming pools, a spa, tennis court, changing facilities, as well as plant and storage facilities.

The main pool house is accommodated beneath a six metre deep cantilevered roof that overlooks the main swimming pool. Enclosed by frameless glazing on three sides, the building envelope is diminished, with the interior treated as one with the surrounding modernist landscape. The pool house readily transforms into a cinema; at the touch of a button, motorized blackout blinds, a screen and projector descend from the ceiling.

The pool house is flanked by stone-clad changing, store and plant areas, unified by a linear butterfly roof and naturally lit from frameless clerestory glazing above. Portland stone is used extensively as the basis of the design, contrasted by the darkly stained hardwood boardwalk feature that extends along the pool and into the natural landscape to form a jetty.

The building’s visual simplicity conceals an extremely high level of technical complexity. The execution of design was challenging, with unforgiving requirements such as many design elements aligning with other elements in both plan and section. However, the resulting elegant lines and light appearance have created a stunning addition that complements the natural landscape.

Dan Brill Architects is a young architectural practice committed to a contemporary design approach that is equally practical, sustainable, contextual, and accessible. Inherent to their design philosophy, Dan Brill Architects seek to transform project constraints into opportunities that generate inventive and unique design solutions. With extensive experience in the educational, public and residential sectors, their work is characterised by conceptual clarity and an innovative use of materials. Dan Brill Architects is RIBA registered and offers a full range of architectural, interior design and project management services.