Got a pool? Lucky you. No doubt you’re enjoying a surge in popularity this summer.
Since early June, temperatures have barely dipped below 95. And with a sultry August on tap, there’s no respite on the horizon.
Although any old watering hole will do during a heat wave, aesthetics do matter. Exactly why some of the world’s most renowned architects have included pools in their designs as integral elements of a property’s visual significance.
Read on for a peek at three iconic stunners.
Casa Monterrey
Architect: Tadao Andō
Just over a decade ago, the award-winning Japanese architect created this swoon-worthy pool for a residence in Monterrey, Mexico. Starting on one side of the house, it extends into a cantilever overlooking the Sierra Madre mountains.
Andō’s architectural style: “Haiku” — emphasizes nothingness and empty space to represent the beauty of simplicity.
Das Canoas House
Architect: Oscar Niemeyer
A pristine example of modern Brazilian architecture, the pool creates “a juxtaposition between the natural and artificial,” according to AD. The 1950s Rio de Janeiro property was home to Niemeyer and his family.
The Brazilian architect became internationally known for his designs of a civic building in Brasilia and collaboration with the United Nations headquarters in New York.
Catalonia, Spain Residence
Architect: Ricardo Bofill
Attention-grabbing red is the hallmark of this privately owned pool built in 1973. A surrounding deck encircles the entire structure complete with cascading steps.
The Spanish architect, who died earlier this year, was known for creating urban-scaled architecture aimed at addressing larger political and social issues.
For covetable pools closer to home, we contacted Brigg’s Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty director of editorial communications (and all-around great guy) Rob Brinkley.
11345 West Ricks Circle, Dallas
“A floating square water feature in the middle of the backyard oasis,” touts the listing. The supremely chic pool is made of absolute black granite and features a waterfall edge.
“The water flows evenly over the entire structure, creating an ethereal, peaceful experience within the backyard park,” says Realtor Melissa Jennings. Asking price: $6.5 million.
Submerged loungers are exactly where we want to be on any 100-plus degree day. Enough said.
Agent Melinda Matise holds the listing. Asking price: $3.195 million.
“Not the pool you picture when you think of a ranch,” says Brinkley. Indeed. The saltwater pool, surrounded by multiple fountains, sports a distinctly Italian vibe.
And we know where we’re headed after a dip. The property’s custom-designed wine cellar holds a whopping 3,700 bottles of vino. The listing agent is Clay Bebee; the asking price, $7.6 million.
The same couple has owned this Lakewood gem for 30 years, says Realtor Kevin Sayre. We get it. What this tropical-inspired pool lacks in size, it more than makes up for in charm — think waterfall, stone patio, and custom arbor.
Get your bid in now. Listing price: $1.25 million.
Trust us. When listing agent Joan Eleazer calls this Bluffview home “perfection” and “the property of a lifetime,” she’s not embellishing. Consider the dream team: architect Tom Reisenbichler, interior designer Carol Cumbie, and landscape architect Coy Talley. (And did we mention legendary Bud Oglesby did the original design?)
The infinity pool is a showstopper.
A waterfall spills down to the creek-side lawn terrace below. All this luxury comes with an equally luxe price tag: $24.5 million.
