Dezeen Magazine

Swimming Pool in Chamusca da Beira by João Mendes Ribeiro

Portuguese architect João Mendes Ribeiro clad this swimming pool pavilion with mirrored panels so it disappears into the surrounding orchard (+ slideshow).

Swimming Pool in Chamusca da Beira by Joao Mendes Ribeiro

João Mendes Ribeiro added the pool and pavilion in the grounds of a countryside property in central Portugal without disturbing the garden too much.

Swimming Pool in Chamusca da Beira by Joao Mendes Ribeiro

"The swimming pool was settled in a way that would allow to avoid changes on the terrain morphology and not to interfere with the existing vegetation, keeping the orchard's character almost untouched and favouring the landscape scenic atmosphere," said the architect.

Swimming Pool in Chamusca da Beira by Joao Mendes Ribeiro

Polished stainless steel sheets cover the small building at one end of the pool, which houses a pantry, toilet, shower and small storage room arranged in a row.

Swimming Pool in Chamusca da Beira by Joao Mendes Ribeiro

These mirrors reflect the landscape around the pool so from some angles the building is camouflaged amongst the trees.

Swimming Pool in Chamusca da Beira by Joao Mendes Ribeiro

The small rooms within the structure are entered through panels that swing open on both sides of the building. Its thin roof overhangs to provide poolside shade.

Swimming Pool in Chamusca da Beira by Joao Mendes Ribeiro

The pool sits to one side of a granite platform that's level with the ground at the pavilion end but is accessed by stairs at the other to compensate for the gently sloping site.

Swimming Pool in Chamusca da Beira by Joao Mendes Ribeiro

A single set of steps leads into the water from a corner by the pavilion.

Swimming Pool in Chamusca da Beira by Joao Mendes Ribeiro

João Mendes Ribeiro has also converted the former house of a Portuguese poet into a writer's retreat. Our latest story from Portugal is a collection of farm buildings revamped into a minimal family home.

Swimming Pool in Chamusca da Beira by Joao Mendes Ribeiro

We recently featured aerial photos that reveal the angular geometries of a rooftop swimming pool in Bangkok and have previously posted a plunge pool at a Stockholm house that looks like an aquarium.

Swimming Pool in Chamusca da Beira by Joao Mendes Ribeiro

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Swimming Pool in Chamusca da Beira by Joao Mendes Ribeiro

Here's some text from the architect:


Swimming Pool in Chamusca da Beira

The swimming pool in Chamusca da Beira is located in a rural property whose landscape is characterised by the presence of large and small scale trees, in an orchard area with ornamental and fruit trees.

Swimming Pool in Chamusca da Beira by Joao Mendes Ribeiro
Plan - click for larger image and key

The swimming pool was settled in a way that would allow to avoid changes on the terrain morphology and not to interfere with the existing vegetation, keeping the orchard's character almost untouched and favouring the landscape scenic atmosphere.

Swimming Pool in Chamusca da Beira by Joao Mendes Ribeiro
Section - click for larger image

The swimming pool is surrounded by a granite stone platform where, in one of its extremities, relies the volume containing the swimming pool dependencies (one pantry, one toilet, one shower and a small storage room). This volume is coated with polished stainless steel sheets that, by being highly reflective, allow the camouflage of the volume on its surroundings, dematerialising its presence and visually extending the landscape.