We were approached by a team of architects working on a new-build house in Oxford who wanted to incorporate a natural pool into a large, rewilded site. Their vision was for the house to seamlessly blend into the landscape, creating a truly wild, ecological space that felt like stepping into untouched nature.

The natural pool became an essential part of this journey, aligning with the clients' deep passion for nature and their love of the ecological benefits and wildlife that a natural pool brings. Designed to be a unique feature within the site, the pool is fenced off to ensure it is safe for the clients’ young family. It serves as both a peaceful retreat for the parents and a fun space for the entire family to enjoy.

The pool is connected to an attenuation pond that manages water overflow and drainage from the rest of the site. Although modest in size—just 8 meters long, 3 meters wide, with a total area of around 70 square meters and a depth of 1.5 meters—it fits perfectly within the landscape.

The swim zone features a dog-leg design, surrounded by a regeneration zone that wraps around three sides and opens up to a filtered beach. We added a bubbling boulder, which creates gentle ripples and the soothing sound of flowing water. An L-shaped deck, crafted from Siberian larch, provides space for the skimmer and filtration units beneath, while the wood’s natural silvery patina beautifully complements the surroundings.

The pool sits like a jewel within the site, constantly buzzing with dragonflies, bumblebees, swallows, and even bats. The surrounding wildflower meadows and native trees add to the incredible biodiversity. Though small, this little gem of a pool makes a big impact—both visually and ecologically.