London To Get World's First Glass-Encased Suspended Pool

London’s much-anticipated development project, Embassy Gardens, will feature the world’s first glass-encased “Sky Pool”, according to plans developed by UK-based architectural firm, Arup Associates, in collaboration with engineers from Eckersley O’Callaghan and aquarium builder, Reynolds. Located in the Nine Elms district, between Battersea and Vauxhall, the 2,000-home development is slated to complete in 2017.

Situated at a height of around 115 ft (nearly 35 m) above the ground, the swimming pool will be suspended between two apartment blocks, currently being developed by the Ballymore Group, in conjunction with Eco World. The recently-unveiled design shows a stunningly minimalist “Sky Pool”, whose 20-cm-thick transparent glass casing will allow residents to enjoy a breathtaking aerial view of the city of London. Speaking about the innovative project, Sean Mulryan, the CEO of Ballymore, said:

My vision for the sky pool stemmed from a desire to push the boundaries in the capability of construction and engineering. I wanted to do something that had never been done before… At Ballymore we like to push the boundaries on all aspects of design, the Sky Pool’s transparent structure is the result of significant advancements in technologies over the last decade.

Measuring up to 25 m (around 82 ft) in length, 5 m (nearly 16 ft) in width and about 3 m (or 10 ft) in depth, the swimming pool will likely be the first of its kind to be suspended between the rooftops of two adjacent buildings. Additionally, the plan includes a spectacular “Sky Deck”, featuring a rooftop spa, a bar and an orangery. A small bridge will allow residents to walk from one building to the other. Mulryan added:

The Sky Pool’s transparent structure is the result of significant advancements in technologies over the last decade. The experience of the pool will be truly unique, it will feel like floating through the air in central London.

For an abode in this paradise, a buyer will have to shell out a staggering sum of $1.3 million.