Houzz Tours
Germany Houzz: Library and Libations in a Filled-In Swimming Pool
An unused, energy-guzzling pool was converted into a relaxing living space with room for books and a bar
The owners of this former weekender in Kochel, Germany, enjoy stunning views from the lakeside abode, which they bought with a large indoor swimming pool. However, the couple barely used it due to its high energy consumption. One of the homeowners, a former a former surgeon and medical technology entrepreneur, has an incredible number of books that needed a home.
So, he came up with the idea of using the pool area for a library and reading area, where he and his wife could also entertain guests… which naturally led to the idea of including a bar. Pur Architekten guided him through sketching and planning his vision and Mihm Building and Carpentry made it a reality.
So, he came up with the idea of using the pool area for a library and reading area, where he and his wife could also entertain guests… which naturally led to the idea of including a bar. Pur Architekten guided him through sketching and planning his vision and Mihm Building and Carpentry made it a reality.
The pool, which was on the ground floor of the house, had an unusual octagonal shape that almost forms an oval area surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows. Partly running parallel to the edge of the pool, they provide a view of the garden, the lake and the mountains. The living room, which is located above the former swimming pool, is also visible through the walk-on glass ceiling.
Tempted to redesign your home and reduce energy consumption? Find energy-efficient architects near you and browse their projects
Tempted to redesign your home and reduce energy consumption? Find energy-efficient architects near you and browse their projects
The architect was mindful of how much energy can be lost through glazing, so she looked to upgrade the windows in order to improve the home’s sustainability without obstructing the sweepping views.
“The house has a strong personality. In the former pool area, steel columns support the wooden ceiling and the wooden beams,” says Raff. The existing steel structure was preserved and the design meticulously planned. However, the result reveals nothing of the steel, which is now hidden behind timber panelling.
“We took the measurements with a laser. We always do so. Here, however, it was particularly important because of the uneven shape,” says master carpenter Alexander Mihm.
Exact dimensions were also important because they were used to create the 3D model that the carpentry workshop relied on to accurately build the parts.
Mihm Building and Carpentry’s workshop is several hundred kilometres away from this home in a small community in the Rhön Mountains. In order to reduce the building and travel costs, everything had to fit perfectly.
“We were on-site with three people for two weeks to build everything. Everything went perfectly,” says Mihm.
Exact dimensions were also important because they were used to create the 3D model that the carpentry workshop relied on to accurately build the parts.
Mihm Building and Carpentry’s workshop is several hundred kilometres away from this home in a small community in the Rhön Mountains. In order to reduce the building and travel costs, everything had to fit perfectly.
“We were on-site with three people for two weeks to build everything. Everything went perfectly,” says Mihm.
The reading room is partially built into the former swimming pool, which creates a sheltered seating area framed by bookshelves. At the same time, the stunning view has been preserved. Most of the bookshelves were built between the timber-panelled steel supports to allow unobstructed views.
Additional storage space, also for books, is located beneath the reading lounge, in what was the above-ground part of the pool – a hatch in the floor provides access to this area. And, in case that isn’t enough, expansive drawers beneath the banquette seating provide additional storage space.
Liquid can still be found in the former swimming pool… but now they’re found at the bar. LED lighting adds a moody ambience and helps set the scene for social gatherings.
Browse more beautifully designed home bars
Browse more beautifully designed home bars
This is what the space looked like prior to renovations. “There was grey slate and a black mosaic,” says Raff of the crazy paving and black pool tiles. The steel columns, panelled ceiling and walls also partly shaped the new character of the room.
The fixtures, now in a light silvery grey, contrast with the darker ceiling and walls of the house. “Our basic architectural concept was to complement the already existing wooden structure,” says the architect.
“We used spruce because it fits best with the existing structure and was already used in the house. Furthermore, it was a matter of cost,” says Mihm.
“We used spruce because it fits best with the existing structure and was already used in the house. Furthermore, it was a matter of cost,” says Mihm.
The materials were oiled to exude a natural quality, while the muted colour palette presents cohesively throughout. The upholstery of the sofas complements in grey and is in a durable material that’s suitable for life with pets. Instead of starring, the subtle palette lets the books animate the room with their colourful spines and different sizes. Likewise, the views are also the hero of this room.
The costs included planning, materials, construction, plus overnight accommodation for the couple and installation fees for three employees who spent two weeks assembling everything on-site.
“With these additional costs, everything has to go according to plan,” says Mihm. And it did, with the client excitedly arranging his beloved books on the new shelves.
Your turn
What do you love about this converted swimming pool? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images for inspiration and join the renovation conversation.
More
Get your next dose of beautiful European design here with this Madrid Houzz: A Book-Loving Family’s Cosy, Contemporary Apartment
“With these additional costs, everything has to go according to plan,” says Mihm. And it did, with the client excitedly arranging his beloved books on the new shelves.
Your turn
What do you love about this converted swimming pool? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images for inspiration and join the renovation conversation.
More
Get your next dose of beautiful European design here with this Madrid Houzz: A Book-Loving Family’s Cosy, Contemporary Apartment
House at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their dog
Size: Approximately 160 square metres
Location: Kochel am See, Germany
Architecture: Pur Architekten
Building: Mihm Building and Carpentry
“For us, the transformation of an unused indoor pool area into a reading lounge with a bar area, was an extraordinarily challenging project,” says Birte Raff of Pur Architekten.