AHU is the beating heart of this contemporary, architect designed pool house

Poised at the top of a wind-swept hill, it was essential that this residential pool environment was energy efficient and maximised the stunning views of the Malvern hills. 

The client gave architect, Klas Hyllén, an open brief allowing a large degree of creative freedom, with the resulting wellness retreat situated apart from the main living spaces.

Playing on the strong Arts and Crafts inspired forms of the existing home Klas referenced the several rounded ends to the building forms and continued the strong material language of the existing house in a contemporary way. As such they envisaged a pure, oblong form of brick and water. This primary form is angled towards the stunning landscape views. 

Requirement

Klas Hyllén is passionate about energy conservation, which made Recotherm’s AHU a perfect fit…

“A pool is inherently energy hungry, but we have ensured it uses as little energy as possible by avoiding heat losses. Recotherm’s AHU provides heat recovery so that all heat is recycled whilst ensuring sufficient ventilation.” 

Challenges

Unusually, all pool services needed to be integrated into the pool structure itself in order to achieve the architect’s vision and fulfil the client’s brief.

This meant there was no service void around the perimeter, with the water extending to the edges of the building. As such, the large ducts required for air handling needed to be integrated into the structural walls.

Solution

Recotherm worked in close collaboration with a structural engineer and used the RHS (rectangular hollow section) steel ring beam for a dual purpose; holding up the timber diagrid roof and functioning as the primary air supply duct to the pool. 

This vital role in providing unrivalled attention to detail, from initial discussions to quoting, commissioning and installation of the energy saving AHU was why Recotherm were chosen for this prestigious project.

Outcome

This innovative pool hall design has created a large pool area with stunning views and incredible natural light effects.

The client was delighted with the levels of service as well as the end result:

“They even made a site visit in Christmas week to adjust the system to account for the pool cover and check the unit was performing as it should. The overall environment is so relaxing, quiet and effortless.”