In early 2017 a family commissioned the design of a modern subterranean health spa and pool in a hillside behind their Italianate estate in Montpelier, Virginia. We embarked upon a five year venture over multiple designs to create not only a pool or spa space, but a Gallery in the truest sense. It is a place for experiencing modern art and a place for camaraderie, performance, memory making, and the pure beautiful spectacle that a fully embraced life has the potential to become.

The all cast-in-place concrete structure supports a roof top event lawn and terraced landscape buried into a hillside below the existing house. The lower level indoor space is designed specifically as a modern natatorium for a 50’ lap pool with depths varying between 3’ and 5’. At the back of the space parallel to the pool is a 50' long linear skylight above a 26’ deep cast-in-place concrete retaining wall. A 50’ long sliding glass paneled wall defines the opposite edge of the space and opens eastward into a rolling Piedmont meadow.

Concrete, plaster, and travertine evoke a sense of weightiness and the timeless permanence of a Roman Bath. The design aims to unite elements of earth, sky, and water in the service of spa and retreat.

Commissioned works in concrete and glass by mid-western artist, Rob Mathews hang along the back 26’ tall retaining wall below the skylight, and handblown glass coral polyps by Richmond artist Kiara Pelissier hang at the far end of the space on axis with the pool.

• Structural Engineer: Louisa Engineering with Delta Engineers

• Contractor: Pitts & Associates (Tony Pitts)

• Design 2017 - 2021 | Construction 2021 - 2022

• Stay tuned for additional photography soon of the exterior roof terraces