This conceptual project followed on from an existing contract where I was commissioned to design and submit planning for the renovation of an ancient farmhouse (Project 19). My clients’ brief was a private swimming pool with pool house with changing rooms, shower and toilet facilities, plus outdoor kitchen and BBQ area and garaging for two vehicles. The clients wanted a certain level of privacy but did not want to lose the mountain views. The conceptual designs consisted of a collection of buildings that complemented each other and tied in with the traditional farmhouse buildings in the surrounding area. The design created a courtyard feel for the complex and traditional materials were planned so as to reflect the vernacular of the traditional farmhouses surrounding it. Maximising the location and movement of the sun at different times of the year was an important factor in the design. Three design options were provided for the clients to choose from, and all included huge sliding glass doors to open the indoor swimming pool up during the summer months. Although the designs were only concepts, they still had to be well thought through so that they were attractive as well as technically possible. I had to consider the technical requirements for a swimming pool plus the space needed for the plant rooms and so I worked closely with a local engineering company (bureau d'études) to factor all these elements into the design concepts.