The Tunnel Vision House - Pool The Tunnel Vision House - Tunnel to pool without going outside . The owner wanted to incorporate a retractable roof system , enabling the pool to be used all year round and accessed from indoors . Much thought went into how to achieve this end .
“ We chose to open up an existing concrete foundation wall to create an underground tunnel that leads to the pool deck . In conjunction with the civil engineer , we were able to create a straight run from the existing basement all the way underground to the pool , so the client never has to go outside in the winter .
“ Phil and I then devised a mechanical heating and cooling system inside the tunnel , so everything is climate controlled . Furthermore , the client requested an addition to the main house : a staircase that leads to a new gym off of the master bedroom , with a Californianstyle balcony . The walls slide in two directions to open up the entire gym area . It has a balcony , and below that , there is a covered exterior terrace . A staircase connects the second , first and basement floors , so the client can move from the gym , down the staircase to the tunnel , enabling immediate access to the pool .”
new structure . Chris continues : “ To bury the tunnel , we used rock , covered with Astroturf , which can present a drainage issue . We , therefore , had to create all types of waterproofing , and make sure the tunnel was pitched to prevent water seepage . A climbing wall was added to the exterior of the tunnel , making the space much more usable . It was a unique project ; one of which Phil should
Unique project
There were several complexities with the project , including an existing pool house that needed to be architecturally and climatically integrated with the modernhb . com 75