HK$247.7 million for your private luxury pool - with a view

WHAT: LUXURY SWIMARIUM
HK$247.7 million

WHO: Slimane Ouahesand Christophe Barthelemy Ouahes and Barthelemy are directors of the award-winning interior and product design firm OVA Studio. Founded in 2008, the firm focuses on finding innovative and sustainable solutions inmultidisciplinary projects ranging from retail and residential developments to offices and infrastructure. Their recent project, Hive-Inn hotel, has garnered attention across the globe.

Designers Ouahes and Barthelemy have coined the term "swimarium" for their version of the ultimate private swimming pool. Aptly named, the structure combines the fun of swimming and an aquarium, and is definitely a place to see and to be seen.

"We've all been to swimming pools, but with the swimarium it's all about the experience," Ouahes says.

The two-storey compound consists of a main pool fitted with tempered glass incorporated with LED screens, with a viewing lounge and a spa in the basement. A photovoltaic transparent glass dome provides a skylight to the pool, and the upper level also accommodates an outdoor bar and an open-air jacuzzi.

Not wanting to settle for "just another pool", the design duo aim to create an experience that takes the owner to the world's top diving spots without leaving their private estate.

The key solution to creating such an experience is to project live-feed videos of the world's top diving sights. It is also one of the most challenging and expensive tasks.

"Advanced 3D image technology is displayed on the bottom, side and roof of the swimming pool, creating a 360-degree immersive experience for the user," Ouahes explains.