Pure design, pure fun. However much we want to get closer and hug each other, the pools that bring together two skyscrapers are very popular, even if they cause dizziness.
After the news on the "+" shaped pool-purifier located in New York, even London now boasts its own unique swimming pool. It will be called Sky Pool.
A thrilling pool
Sky Pool goes far beyond the expectations of those who are "hungry" for adrenaline, because it invites visitors to swim between two skyscrapers in a transparent acrylic box.
The Sky Pool was designed by HAL Architects and involved several engineers and acrylic manufacturer Reynolds Polymer Technologies.
The project it is part of the Embassy Gardens in London, a mixed-use housing development next to the United States Embassy building.
Sky Pool, fly swimming
The pool itself is suspended at a height of 35 meters (114 feet), between two condominiums. It extends for 15 meters (50 feet) in length (to which must be added another 25 meters of tanks positioned on the two buildings).
148.000 liters of water.
Structurally, it consists of a single piece of acrylic with a total thickness of approximately 14 inches (35 cm) placed on a steel frame.
Sky Pool couldn't do without a Sky Deck. Actually two, one on each side of the pool. For each deck, double terrace with bar and restaurant, and various lounge areas.
Great engineering challenge
Be attentive readers (what a blast) and you will not have escaped the fact that it was a significant engineering challenge to ensure that Sky Pool supported the weight of the water and the amount of pressure created, while still resisting wind loads and the sway of the water. building.
"The side walls form deep beams that can cover this distance by carrying the weight of the water, as well as resisting the water pressure on the sides and wind loads," he explains. Eckersley O'Callaghan, one of the engineers involved in the project.
"The two buildings are subject to normal movement for this scale, including wind swings and foundation settling. The pool structure compensates for these movements by not being rigidly connected at both ends; it can slide and keep watertight."
Even just bringing Sky Pool to London was hard work.
After manufacturing and testing in Colorado, the pool structure first took a trip to Texas, then ended up by ship for three weeks across the Atlantic Ocean to the Netherlands. From there to the port of Tilbury in London, then he went up the Thames, finally the transfer by truck.
For this last part of the sky Pool trip it was necessary to remove traffic lights and road signs and completely close the road. It was then finally moved into position using an 840-ton mobile crane, supported by a second, smaller crane.
The opening? May 19th. Have a good swim, and if you are afraid, avoid diving: certain things come to the surface in the water.
