A Pool for Koi Carp

The starting point

The detached house sits on the edge of the green zone in a quiet, rural setting in western Switzerland. The owners have a great passion for koi carp and wanted a modern pool in Zen style, intended for breeding them.

The requirements for the basin were set by the owners and their landscaper: a water supply and drainage system, a defined water depth and a water volume matched to the stock, plus a water surface offering both sunny and shaded areas. Semadeni designed and welded the basin accordingly – we do not assess husbandry requirements for koi.

The solution

An L-shaped natural pool became the centrepiece of the garden design. With its modern geometry it fits into the garden as part of a generous terrace; the black basin is framed by light grey porcelain stoneware slabs chosen for the entire terrace. The pool was realised by Semadeni.

A massive granite dragon head, a sculpture from China, serves as a waterfall. Anyone wishing to cross the basin reaches the terrace with its seating area and fire pit via a concrete walkway.

The outcome

The contemporary natural pool has been part of the property since 2018. The water works like a picture: the dark surface reflects the surroundings anew again and again, and the calming sound of water carries across the whole garden. The planting is deliberately restrained and reads as graphic and architectural.