Today we’re looking at the incredible cantilevered pool located at the Alpin Panorama Hotel Hubertus – a magnificent resort nestled in the Puster valley in the Alps. The picturesque locale is known as a world destination for hiking, skiing, biking and mountain climbing. Located in Valdaora, at the base of the Kronplatz at an altitude of about 4,400 feet, the hotel offers sweeping views of the Dolomites and the Vedrette di Ries Mountains.

At Pool Magazine we look to highlight inspiring projects that are pushing the boundaries of design and engineering. The cantilevered infinity pool at the Hotel Hubertus is one shining example that has been captivating the imagination of people around the globe.

The designers behind this breathtaking luxury pool design is none other than noa* network of architecture. The award-winning firm with offices in Germany and Italy has been drawing mass attention with its glass-bottom floating pool design.

Approximately 82 feet long and 16 feet wide, the pool was designed to look like a floating rock coming to rest and was built from anthracite-colored stone. Its cleverly concealed edges create the visual impression the pool is floating in space.

The architects took on the challenge of designing the pool as part of an overall renovation project. The pool connects the hotel’s new and existing areas, which include 16 enlarged new suites, a new kitchen and restaurant, an alternative entrance lobby, a wine cellar, and a brand new fitness and leisure room with panoramic terraces.

From inside the hotel looking out at the pool area, the water appears to float into space. With a glazed window on the bottom of the pool, swimmers can This sophisticated effect gives one the impression they are floating in an alpine lake suspended somewhere between Heaven and Earth.

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The key challenge in the project was to create a link between the existing building and the new design, in order to keep a uniformal and consistent appearance.

ANDREAS PROFANTER – *noa – network of architecture

Rising 40 feet from the ground sits the jewel in the crown of the Hubertus, the massive cantilevered pool. Supported by massive native larch tree trunk facades, the aesthetics create a homogeneous appearance following the natural topography of the area.

Suspended pools such as the Hubertus Pools have been capturing the public’s imagination as of late. Photos of this incredible cantilevered pool structure began circulating on social media as far back as 2017. Over five years later, the interest in this uniquely engineered pool still has builders talking.

Alpin Panorama Hotel Hubertus

Address: Via Furcia, 5, 39030 Sorafurcia BZ, Italy
Phone: +39 0474 592104

Recently while watching It’s a Wonderful Life, I noticed the swimming pool scene where George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) and Mary Hatch (Donna Reed) are at the school dance. It’s a defining scene where a retractable basketball court opens up to reveal a hidden swimming pool beneath it. As George & Mary are dancing they don’t notice the floor begin to open. The cheering crowds spur them on even further, as they think everyone is cheering their dancing they fail to see they are dancing right over the edge and plunge into the pool.

The Pool Scene from It’s a Wonderful Life

Many of the other people at the dance dive right on in and an impromptu pool party ensues. It’s a touching scene in a must see movie that should be at the top of everyones holiday movie list. Many people believe that the swimming pool wasn’t real. Frank Capra the director of the film had the entire set of the town of Bedford Falls created on an 89 acre back lot at RKO Pictures in Culver City.

The set was actually inspired from the real life town of Seneca Falls in New York. Film buffs suggested that the pool itself was also a prop. As it turns out, according to Snopes.com who did the fact checking for us, the pool has been identified and is real. It’s known as the Swim Gym and is a Beverly Hills landmark. The pool was built by the WPA historical pool contractors in their own right, and designed by Stiles O. Clements in 1939.

Historical Land Mark Swimming Pool Has Been in Many Movies

The retractable pool belongs to Beverly Hills High School and was actually used in the filming of the movie. What’s even more interesting is that the pool is still around today! The pool itself is 25 yards long and is still used in swimming competitions. With the turn of a key the inground swimming pool the retractable pool cover converts back to a basketball court / dance floor.

It’s a wonderful life (east coast feed) about to show the pool under the basketball court that still is there at my high school. #Beverly

— Adam Wohl (@adamwohl) December 25, 2012

We’re in Dallas for the 2021 International Pool Spa Patio Expo. It’s still a few days until the show actually starts, but there is so much to do in the city that you might just want to come a day or two early so that you can get the full experience. A stroll through the downtown area is a must if you’ll be in town for the Expo this week. After all, this is a city steeped in rich architecture. As frequent visitors, it would be remiss of us to visit without highlighting one of the best water features in the city – Thanks-giving Square.

In Town for the PSP Deck Expo? Visit The Incredible Water Feature at Thanks-Giving Square

The scenic and soothing water features are the centerpiece of the park and are definitely one of those iconic tourist attractions you really need to see for yourself. Located less than a mile from the actual Convention Center at the Omni Hotel in Dallas, it’s a definite must-see for anyone visiting the city. A serene and tranquil oasis in the center of the hustle and bustle of the Dallas downtown area, Thanks-giving Square is a place for meditation and reflection.

The soothing sounds of moving water permeate the square, drowning out the noise of daily life in the 9th largest city in the United States. First planned in 1964 after the Kennedy assassination and completed in 1976, this beautiful spiritual center has brought together people of different faiths, cultures, and traditions for over 45 years.

The Great Fountain’s flowing waters provide a tranquil ambiance ideal for reflection and contemplation. Visitors from all over the world, remark on the exceptionally planned public space.

The bell tower, which is supplemented by a nearby mosaic of Norman Rockwell’s iconic “Golden Rule” picture, punctuates the space to the west.

Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the park is the chapel which features a curving white edifice symbolizing the spiral of life and the human spirit. Visitors remark at the exceptional beauty of The “Glory Window,” a beautiful stained glass masterwork, located on the upper level.

VISITOR HOURS

Garden: Open every day 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Chapel of Thanks-Giving: Open every day: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Hall of Thanks-Giving: Open for special events or by appointment only

Address: 1627 Pacific Ave, Dallas, TX 75201