What it takes to make a splash when building a new development
- Housebuilding at highest level in nearly 10 years (DCLG)
- Urban living increases anxiety by 21% and mood disorders by 39% (Dr Jaan Peen)
- Developers including swimming pools & vitality experiences for enhanced wellbeing (Aqua Platinum)
When it comes to flagship developments in prestigious locations, the premium price tag means that buyers expect top of the range facilities – not just in their individual apartments but in the building as a whole. For locations like central London, buyers are investing in a lifestyle rather than just a home. That’s why significant developments, such as 190 Strand, have to ensure that their facilities are a cut above the rest.
Housebuilding in the UK has reached its highest level in nearly ten years, with 164,960 new homes started in the year to June 2017. That’s an increase of 13% over the previous year, according to Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) data. The increased competition means that developers are having to provide increasingly tempting facilities in addition to the homes themselves.
At 190 Strand, developer St Edward has achieved precisely that by engaging luxury swimming pool design and build company Aqua Platinum.
“We knew that 190 Strand needed something truly marvellous – the building’s prime location and specification demanded it. The bespoke apartments and penthouses on London’s world-famous Strand inspired us to create a stunning pool and vitality area for residents to enjoy as part of their central London lifestyle.”
Dominic Searle, Aqua Platinum
As such, the Aqua Platinum team allows for not one but two pools at 190 Strand.
The first was a fully tiled mosaic pool of 125m³, which serves those who swim to keep in shape as well as those looking to simply relax and enjoy the water. The design team also built in a 30m³ vitality pool, equipped with the latest in air and water jet features, to complete residents’ wellbeing experience. The vitality experience was completed with a traditional sauna and a luxury steam room.
Dutch researcher Dr Jaap Peen was one of a team of scientists who found that urban living raised the risk of anxiety disorders by 21% and the risk of mood disorders by 39%. The need for those living in the heart of urban environments to combat stress has never been better understood.
Swimming for 30 minutes three times per week has been found to increase general life satisfaction, lower stress levels, raise mood, improve sleep patterns, lower incidences of anxiety and depression, according to Swimming.org. Swimming can also help to rebuild muscles after injury and to improve memory, concentration and focus in people living with conditions such as dementia.
Residential planners have certainly taken this information on board when it comes to new developments such as 190 Strand. Indeed, the resulting exquisite, deck-level pool and adjacent vitality pool are not only charming residents, but have also been short-listed for the Design & Architectural Awards 2017.
“The facilities at 190 Strand really are something special. We’re delighted that this has been recognised by the short-listing committee of the Design & Architectural Awards.
“The wellbeing area of 190 Strand was no easy feat. The complexity and size of the scheme meant that we had to develop an upper level and lower level complex plant room system, so that it could accommodate the balance tank and high-tech control systems. We paired that with a best-in-class filtration and disinfection system, resulting in outstanding water clarity and purity in both pools. It’s the ultimate addition to the perfect contemporary development.”
Dominic Searle, Aqua Platinum
For more information, call 0203 362 0442 or visit www.aquaplatinumprojects.co.uk.