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

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 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.