At the heart of this renovation is a fully integrated indoor pool pavilion and connection lounge that transforms a modest existing bungalow into a year-round wellness retreat. Through three strategically designed additions—a front entry/mudroom expansion, a central indoor–outdoor lounge, and a rear pool pavilion—the project re-imagines what is possible within the footprint of a small property. The result is a highly efficient, sustainable, and experiential architectural feature that blends natural materials, progressive building science, and biophilic design.

Unique Design Elements, Energy Efficiency, and Sustainability:

The centerpiece of the project is a 12′ x 40′ custom fiberglass pool housed inside a cedar-clad pavilion topped with a fully planted green roof and skylights. The concept draws inspiration from Scandinavian spa principles, focusing on warmth, light, and nature. High vaulted ceilings finished with custom-milled douglas fir tongue and groove create a dramatic sense of volume and texture while naturally withstanding humidity. A series of triple-glazed skylights introduces abundant daylight, reducing lighting demands and casting dynamic light across the water throughout the day.

Sustainability guided every aspect of the pavilion’s performance strategy. The living green roof provides thermal insulation, stormwater absorption, and acoustic dampening, significantly lowering heating and cooling loads compared to a conventional roof. A high-efficiency energy-recovery ventilator (ERV) and a variable-speed dehumidification system work in tandem to maintain ideal indoor conditions with minimal energy waste.

The connecting lounge employs passive solar design principles— shading overhangs, and thermally broken assemblies—to harness winter sunlight while maintaining summer comfort. These strategies collectively elevate the home’s performance well beyond code requirements.

Choice of materials optimized durability, sustainability, and aesthetics. The fiberglass pool was chosen for its reduced embodied carbon, long lifespan, and efficient thermal performance compared to concrete pools. Fir, a renewable and dimensionally stable wood, forms the visual and atmospheric foundation of the pavilion and performs exceptionally well in a high-humidity environment.

Exterior elements—including locally sourced stone and thermally modified wood—strengthen the natural aesthetic while minimizing transportation emissions. The green roof assembly incorporates recycled materials, a high-performance membrane system, and a lightweight engineered soil blend supporting drought-tolerant plant species. Interior finishes continue this theme: natural stone pool deck, low-VOC coatings, and upgraded insulation contribute to a healthy and sustainable indoor environment.

Concept and Inspiration:

The vision behind this innovative feature was to create a year-round wellness pavilion that elevates daily living and reconnects the homeowners with nature. The clients wanted a space that contrasted the scale of their small bungalow while still feeling cohesive—an immersive environment centred around water, natural materials, and sunlight. Inspired by Nordic spa culture and biophilic concepts, the design team imagined a structure that served not only as a recreation space but as a restorative retreat.

By integrating the pool pavilion, the connection lounge, and the new front addition into a unified architectural experience, the project delivers a transformative feature that marries beauty, performance, and sustainability. It stands as a compelling example of how thoughtful design and innovative materials can re-imagine an existing home into something extraordinary.