'aura skypool' by kokaistudios is the world's highest 360° infinity pool

where sky and water meet

boasting spectacular views across the dubai skyline, in the UAE, the ‘aura skypool’ by kokaistudios is the world’s highest 360° infinity pool. the project sits right at the top of the palm tower skyscraper on the manmade jumeirah archipelago, 210 meters above the ground. the interior takes its cues from the natural world, including a rock formation-inspired sculptural wall, reclaimed wood, and numerous plants. spanning two floors to include deluxe changing rooms and a light-flooded lounge, the design plays on the senses to generate a holistic, impactful effect.

outdoor deck approaching into the pool

all images by aura skypool dubai, juliet dunne

an island in the sky

from the outset, aura skypool lounge sets an exclusive tone thanks to dedicated elevators transporting guests to the 50th floor of the high-rise. the doors open onto an urban oasis, imagined as ‘an island in the sky’. at its heart is an angular travertine plaster centerpiece, appearing as natural boulders — the geometric finish transforms the tower’s central core from a space-limiting challenge, to a signature focal point. this 3D object forms the backdrop of a central bar, and the counter which is made of reclaimed wood reminds guest of flotsam washed up on the shore.

kokaistudios (find more here) has carefully selected the surrounding concrete floor tiles for their tactile quality — when experienced barefoot, they are reminiscent of walking on sand. in keeping with the lounge’s island theme, ceiling drapes evoke beachside cabanas while window curtains act as a useful sunscreen in dubai’s unforgiving heat. both inject movement into the design as the fabric sways in a welcome breeze from fully openable glass partitions that wrap around the space.

outdoor terrace

a naturally ventilated beach-like environment

the skypool and lounge enjoy natural ventilation, standing out among other air-condition-dependent locations in the area, and ensuring comfort for all guests. throughout the project, plants and small trees reinforce the venue’s outdoor, beach-like atmosphere, and complement the furnishing’s muted palette of greens, oatmeal, and teal. the central lounge is surrounded by a wooden deck, with sun loungers and tables, as if it were a shoreline. from here, guests look across the mirror-like infinity pool that circumnavigates the tower to a spectacular city and ocean vistas beyond.

on two sides, networks of floating platforms jut into the water for an altogether more exclusive experience that is reminiscent of a private island. the pool’s height called for wind-breaking partitions at each corner in order to prevent waves from breaking over the facility’s outer edge. although swimmers can pass easily underneath, the architecture helps visually separate and divide the outdoor area. with this in mind, kokaistudios’ design also incorporates an outdoor bar along the pool’s eastern side, opening the venue for exclusive parties and private events.

an atmospheric underwater cave

if the aura skypool and lounge are conceptualized as an island in the sky, the auxiliary facilities are imagined as an atmospheric underwater cave. located on level 49, functions include changing rooms, staff areas, and a retail kiosk. physically connected by a brass-clad staircase inlaid with LED lighting, the floors are thematically linked through color, material, and form. at its core is the same angular, rock-like finish of the lounge above; while changing rooms feature sand-blasted blue-green glass doors. an absence of daylight contrasts with the sun-bright atmosphere above, reinforcing the cave motif.

boasting spectacular views and relaxing atmosphere

outdoor deck approaching into the pool

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indoor lounge

front view to the lounge bar

the contract between ceiling and staircase

reception and staircase on 49F

the 'rock' surface plaster detail

project info:

name: aura skypool

designers: kokaistudios

chief designers: filippo gabbiani, andrea destefanisc

design director: ian yu

project manager: yao yao

design team: junyu chen, zheng xu, wei tse hsieh, yuen-wei chen

location: dubai, UAE

area: 1,516 sqm

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom