Diving force: a pool and spa complex in Sweden has hidden depths

A key feature of Claesson Koivisto Rune's new spa and pool in Sweden is the chevron tiling pattern
A key feature of Claesson Koivisto Rune's new spa and pool in Sweden is the chevron tiling pattern.
(Image credit: Åke E:son Lindman)
By Jonathan Bell
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Simplicity, geometry and water come together with rigorous precision in Claesson Koivisto Rune’s Pool and Spa, a new addition to a late-19th century Swedish neoclassical mansion house. Set apart from the main house, the structure is pared back in form but detailed right down to the placement of every patterned tile.

CKR’s brief was for a covered pool for winter use and an open air one for summer. The pools are joined by two simple structures, containing a dining space, kitchen and two spas, indoor and outdoor.

The complex includes a pool and two simple structures​

The complex includes a pool and two simple structures

(Image credit: Åke E:son Lindman)

The buildings have pitched roofs but a bare minimum of surface modelling. CKR has swathed everything with wood decking and laser-cut tiles, using an oversized chevron pattern that both references traditional French parquet and emphasises the forms of the steps and the depth of the pool.

‘There are only four materials,’ the architects say, ‘wood, tile, water and glass – the chevron pattern from wood is superimposed on tile, amplified and modulated by water and reflected by glass.’ This design runs deep.

As originally featured in the April 2017 issue of Wallpaper* (W*217)

Laser-cut tiles are laid in a chevron pattern that references traditional French parquet

Laser-cut tiles are laid in a chevron pattern that references traditional French parquet

(Image credit: Åke E:son Lindman)

The spa is a new addition to a Swedish neo-classical mansion house

The spa is a new addition to a Swedish neo-classical mansion house

(Image credit: Åke E:son Lindman)

The oversized chevron pattern is a simple and clean design feature

The oversized chevron pattern is a simple and clean design feature

(Image credit: Åke E:son Lindman)

The structure is set in the grouns of a late-19th century house

The structure is set in the grouns of a late-19th century house

(Image credit: Åke E:son Lindman)

Two simple structures adjoin the pool space. One contains a dining area and kitchen and the other a spa

Two simple structures adjoin the pool space. One contains a dining area and kitchen and the other a spa.

(Image credit: Åke E:son Lindman)

The covered outdoor space

The covered outdoor space

(Image credit: Åke E:son Lindman)

INFORMATION

For more information, visit the Claesson Koivisto Rune website

Jonathan Bell

Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper’s first podcast.

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