The Wild Swimscapes Ethos
At Wild Swimscapes, Charlie creates swim ponds that work in harmony with the land, using natural materials and native planting to support biodiversity. In this video, Charlie shares his design philosophy—crafting spaces that feel wild yet inviting—and clients reflect on their experiences of reconnecting with nature through their bespoke swimscapes.
The challenge
The existing garden, while full of potential, presented several complex challenges:
- Uneven terrain with significant elevation changes.
- Overgrown vegetation that needed careful management to preserve biodiversity.
- A desire to maintain the wild aesthetic while making the space accessible and functional.
- Creating a swimming area that felt natural rather than man-made.
Balancing these elements required a thoughtful approach—one that enhanced the landscape rather than altered it.
Project goals
To bring the vision to life, we set out with the following objectives:
✔ Shape the land organically to accommodate a swim pond without disrupting the garden’s wild character.
✔ Use natural materials such as locally sourced stone and timber to create pathways and resting areas.
✔ Introduce native planting to maintain biodiversity and attract wildlife.
✔ Design a natural biofiltration system for crystal-clear water with minimal maintenance.
✔ Incorporate secluded seating areas for quiet reflection and relaxation.
The result
The finished swimscape is a true sanctuary, seamlessly blending into the existing landscape. The swim pool follows the natural contours of the land, framed by native wildflowers and aquatic plants. The uneven terrain has been transformed into a layered, inviting space, with stone paths and wooden platforms offering perfect vantage points to enjoy the surroundings. The once-overgrown garden has retained its wild essence, now enhanced with a clear, inviting pool that serves as both a place of refuge and a thriving habitat for local wildlife. Amida’s Swimscape is a living testament to how thoughtful design can harmonise with nature, creating a space that is both functional and deeply connected to the landscape.
