Swimming Good Time

Savvy Singaporeans know how to live it up. Increasingly, having a swimming pool within the premise is a standard requirement for properties whether they are serviced residences, homes or even offices. Some property gurus say, a pool can increase the value of a property by as much as five per cent.

“Swimming pools form an integral and interesting aspect of condominiums. They are designed to complement the architecture, enhance the ambience as well as meet the lifestyle aspirations of the homebuyers,” explained Mr Eng Tiang Wah, Vice President, Product Development & Design, CapitaLand Limited.

Given how time-stretched people are these days and how oppressively hot it can get on this sunny island, it does stand to reason that a swimming pool should be the amenity of choice.

CapitaLand understands perfectly the premium placed on pools and has devoted much time, effort and expense to ensure that nothing but the very best is offered to its residents, tenants and visitors.

Size-ing the Moment

An Olympic-sized pool is 50 metres long. For a pool to be considered a good-sized one, it needs to be at least 25 metres in length so swimmers can comfortably do laps. The infinity pool at Somerset Greenways Chennai, one of only two such pools in the city, is 25 metres long.

Sky Habitat, a premium condominium by internationally acclaimed architect, Moshe Safdie, has a 50-metre lap pool for residents to get some serious exercise and four other pools including a sky pool on the 38 ^th storey for leisurely laps. At d’Leedon, the largest private residential development in Singapore and the first high-rise residential project designed by internationally-renowned Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Zaha Hadid, there is a 50-metre pool as well as a 75-metre pool.

The pools in office bulidings Capital Tower, One George Street and CapitaGreen are specifically designed for workouts – two out of the three pools are 25 metres-long and they are able to accommodate at least three lanes.

“Pools in office buildings are meant for tenants who want to exercise. Hence, they are regular-shaped for lap-swimming,” noted Mr Poon Hin Kong, CapitaLand’s Head of Design Management.

To keep the water a comfortable 29 degrees Celsius, waste heat generated from the air-conditioning system is used to heat the pool. In terms of construction, a double slab is installed below the swimming pool to prevent water seepage to the floor beneath,” said Mr Poon.

High on Life

Aesthetic appeal is another consideration when designing swimming pools. Infinity pools are particularly popular because the edge-less design of such pools creates the visual effect of the water extending into the horizon (usually the sky or sea) so the swimmer feels as if he is at one with Nature.

The infinity pool at Sky Habitat is perfectly poised to give residents a top of the world feeling. It is perched on the sky bridge which spans the top levels of the two 38-storey towers. Swimming in it, you not only enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding area, you feel almost air-borne.

Said Mr Eng: “Sky Habitat’s spacious units and accompanying terraces offer a unique high-rise experience, and makes the development conducive for multi-generational living. A myriad of lifestyle facilities are located on the three sky bridges, providing opportunities for community bonding and spectacular views of the skyline. Another highlight is the infinity pool on the 38 ^th storey, which is one of the tallest condominium swimming pools in Singapore.”

When completed in 2Q 2015, Sky Habitat’s infinity pool on the sky bridge will certainly be a popular gathering point for residents.

“The infinity pool and the idea of having recreational facilities on three sky bridges is one of the signatures of Moshe Safdie’s design at Sky Habitat,” added Mr Eng.

At Somerset Greenways Chennai, the infinity pool is on the 12 ^th floor of the serviced residence, gives swimmers an unparalleled view of the ocean.

“The view is one of the unique selling points of Somerset Greenways Chennai. Since we are the tallest building in the vicinity, our guests can catch the sunrise and be guaranteed complete privacy when they take a dip in our infinity pool,” said Ms Supriya Malhotra, General Manager, Somerset Greenways Chennai.

Over in Singapore’s central business district, the pool at One George Street commands wonderful views of the Singapore River and civic district around the Padang as well as part of Marina Bay. Take in views of the new downtown area from the pool on the 38 ^th storey of CapitaGreen. Letting the soothing water wash over you as the world bustles on below is indeed a balm for both body and soul.

Focal Point of Fun

Swimming pools often become focal points for communal activities. At CapitaLand, the design teams are keenly aware of this.

“Pools are one of the most popular amenities in any development that can be enjoyed by all ages. The aquatic gym facilities at d’Leedon offer a good yet gentle full body workout,” adds Mr Eng.

At Somerset Greenways Chennai, the swimming pool area is a focal point for fun.

“Our rooftop area houses the infinity swimming pool, a kids’ wading pool and a roof-top jacuzzi amidst a landscaped garden. Many guests use this space to host BBQ parties and get-togethers with friends and their family. On weekends, we pamper our guests with complimentary foot massages by the poolside. They can also opt to join the regular swimming lesions conducted by our gym instructors,” said Ms Malhotra.

Blue skies and bluer waters – busking in the sun as you enjoy the thoughtfully designed swimming pools at CapitaLand’s properties worldwide is perhaps one of the best ways of having a swimming good time whether you are at home, at work or abroad.