With typical holiday and family gatherings ranging from 50 to 70 people or more, adding space for entertaining was the driving force behind a remodel and addition of an indoor swimming pool for homeowners Rick and Leah in Pickerington.
The homeowners wanted a design to accommodate their large family for indoor and outdoor entertaining throughout the year, yet have their house still feel like a home. “The major goal of this project was to create spaces to be able to handle large groups of people for family gatherings, and to do that without the spaces being cold or uninviting,” explains Bill Nicholson, President of Nicholson Builders.
The lower level includes more entertaining space with a second kitchen and eating area. Collapsing glass doors off the eating area lead out to a new natatorium—an entirely new structure added to the house that handily increases the home’s entertaining appeal.
The natatorium, with a modern-meets-rustic style interior of exposed beams, knotty-cedar boards and skylights in the soaring ceiling, provides ample space for family and guests to enjoy water recreation. With a 22×46-foot pool, a separate hot tub and baby pool, as well as poolside seating area with a fireplace and big screen television, there’s something for everyone.
Oversized windows lining the natatorium walls can all be opened to allow fresh air to easily breeze through it. The natatorium structure sits in back and to the side of the main house allowing for backyard space and an extensive patio area. “We built 3-D models of the natatorium, studied sun angles, and how the new structure would tie into the main house,” explained Nicholson. “We wanted to make sure the natatorium didn’t overwhelm the house. We designed it in a way that it’s not very visible or dominant from the road. You don’t see it until you’re on the property; it’s nicely concealed behind the house. It’s a great surprise.”
All the expansions and additions were for the one goal of having enough space for the homeowner’s large and extended family to come together. Whether they are celebrating a holiday, throwing a birthday party, or just having a casual weeknight dinner or dip in the swimming pool, the home is always open to family anytime for any reason. “Our family loves it, they feel at home here. One of our sons is here four to five times a week,” commented Rick.