The sixth-floor heated pool and lounge at The St. Regis San Francisco has been transformed through a full-scale renovation. Guests and residents can now relax, unwind, and immerse themselves in a world of serenity. The initial design brief was to identify a new tile for resurfacing the pool and restoring its functionality. Once underway, the project evolved to encompass a larger vision: to create an atmosphere of total respite, where travelers can experience water as a conduit to freedom and relaxation. “As a life-long swimmer, the opportunity to work on a project such as this was such a treat,” notes Paul Cooper, principal architect at TEF Design, who led the project. “The renewed space now matches the contemporary elegance, sense of wellness, and functionality of the 5-star hotel experience.”
Building upon existing brand standards, the team worked to establish an aesthetic that captures the sophistication and nuance of the St. Regis experience while responding to the downtown San Francisco context. The calming enclave features furnishings with soft and sinuous shapes, in addition to soft earth tones and materials that bring nature inside, creating an oasis within the city. Textural elements, such as walls with wood slat cladding and a wood slat ceiling, add dimension to the space while imparting warmth and comfort. “Finding a way to relax and recharge is important no matter where you are,” adds Cooper. “Water plays an important role in the human pursuit of relaxation.”
Comfortable lounge furnishings are arranged poolside and throughout the space. Large windows on the south side of the venue provide direct visual connections to the neighborhood and the sky. The pool deck is organized in zones by a set of partial walls to provide areas of privacy. An oculus at one end of the pool mirrors the signature rounded forms of neighboring SFMOMA, abstractly connecting the pool to its surroundings and deepening the sense of place. “As the sun sets,” notes interior design collaborator Gio Pagani, “warm rays of sunlight filter into the pool area, casting a beautiful play of light that harmonizes with the tranquil waters of the pool.” Open 24 hours for guests and residents, the reimagined swimming pool reinforces the welcoming, gracious environment of the hotel and invites guests and residents to experience the art of serenity, whether swimming, lounging, or enjoying the pool area’s food and beverage offerings.
