Buckingham Pools were appointed to Design and Build a complete wellness suite for Graduate Hotel in Cambridge overlooking the River Cam. Part of a hand-crafted hotel collection in university-driven towns around the globe, each boasts unique and immersive interiors commemorating the local culture. 

The primary process applied our design techniques in-house, collaborating with our client to meet the project brief. Our spectrum of works comprised a 10m x 5m skimmer swimming pool with a constant depth of 1.2m, a spa pool of 3m in diameter, a 2m x 1.6m sauna and a 2m x 1.87m steam room. Richard Sharman, our Contracts Manager, explains, “with this particular site, we had to design the pool in a slightly different way due to the pool’s proximity to the River Cam. It required the pool to be built within a water-retaining concrete box, essentially a box within a box”. The high-specification design pack incorporated elements inspired by Cambridge’s history and rich traditions with attention to detail considerations. For instance, the pool hall tiles are decorated with geometric and floral patterns dating back to the late 19th century to align with the hotel’s interior design. Nonetheless, one of the significant challenges was “very long lead times on the tile spec from overseas“, notes our Contracts Manager. “This required coordination with various other site works to ensure the overall programme was managed effectively.”

The Graduate Hotel logo embossed on the minimalist white mosaics was undoubtedly a creative idea to add brand recognition. With only one other of this specification in the country, an anti-drowning system is another distinctive addition to the stunning pool for increased functionality. The level-deck spa pool unit, featuring 28 massage jets, generates exhilarating water flow to offer a soothing experience to guests. However, the pre-formed spa unit’s delivery and installation were practically demanding. Part of the project in the latter stages meant precision planning and preparation to ensure the execution proceeded without a hitch. Richard Sharman says: “The installation was carried out through various stages to suit the sequencing of the build. The pool shell’s starting point was way back, even before any steels were erected. Stage by stage, with the spa installed after the pool shell and first-fix pipeworks complete, the project started taking shape.”

Minimalism continues to the steam room and the frontage of the sauna, contributing to a beautiful visual oozing sheer tranquillity. Brightness and daylight projected into the space are much borrowed from the generous-sized windows. Every facility was curated to offer window-facing to appreciate the views whilst enjoying the different wellness features in the room. 

“I was positive our team would thrive in a project like Graduate Hotel Cambridge,” says Paul Walton-Collett, the MD at Buckingham Pools. “Each team member involved has shown constant resilience throughout with a can-do approach, from engineering to installations to the delivery. Despite some challenges, the finished product demonstrates a suite of facilities finished with a high level of detail and care”.

Buckingham Pools accepted the set of challenges in the making with a consistent problem-solving attitude to ensure immaculate delivery. As are the clients, we are thrilled with the outcome of this prestigious wellness suite, now open for guests to dive in and unwind.