Swimming To Infinity

Swimming To Infinity

By : Abd. Mudeffar

Infinity pools, also known as vanishing edge pools, are swimming pools that create an illusion of water extending into the horizon and vanishing off into the infinite space. Infinity pools have been long used by Europeans way before they become popular in the 1950s. They are commonly seen in vacation houses and hotels where the pool eventually leads into a large body of water. Infinity pools aren't restricted for vacation spots, though. Nowadays, residents have also been incorporating infinity pools into their own houses.

In Sydney, Australia, a residential plot in the Vaucluse suburb was designed to overlook a long stretch of water. This is made possible via an infinity pool as conceptualized by the architectural team from Bruce Stafford Architects.

Their concept was to frame the different views that guests can immediately notice upon arriving on the street. This is made possible by different ranges of space connected to a circulation spine on the site’s long axis. As a result, a courtyard and double volume living areas are created, allowing the guests to enjoy different viewing opportunities before arriving at the infinity pool’s edge. The architects used stone elements and quartz stone walls to achieve the earthly aesthetic as requested by the clients.

So what makes the pool look infinite? The visual effect is simply created by placing a pool skimmer or reservoir below the side of the swimming pool that is out of view. The reservoir functions similar to a pool filtration system, collecting water that is being filtered back to the pool. Because of the reflective illusion, infinity pools look peaceful and romantic, as it quietly flows into infinity and beyond.