Water Features Give Modern Interior Design a New Definition

When Dubai finally opens its very own, world renowned Water Discus Hotel, people will be amazed of the fact that half of the property floats like a spaceship while half is underwater. While the project's completion date has not yet been revealed, its design highlights interconnected series of under and above water parts.

A thousand years ago, water was a representation of both wonder and life. In Spain and Andalusia, two nations that invaded the Iberian peninsula, Roman irrigation systems were used to establish interior fountains and private pools in palaces.

In the recent years, technology has made it possible for water to be a part of interior designs. The Deep Ocean Technology by Polish engineers was utilized in Dubai & Zen Resort's Water Discus, a submerged hotel in Maldives. The same technology will be used in building a private United Arab Emirates residence.

Initial design sketches featured an edifice shaped above a water structure, which has staff quarters, a kitchen, and its very own helipad. Its underwater counterpart, on the other hand, highlights an opulent apartment. The development of this half stationary submarine/ half cruise ship is now at $50 million. Amongst the many challenges in putting this up is its safety amidst waves.

High-end homes have been highlighting water features. International Concept Management (ICM) director Dylan Wiman said that water has been capturing a lot of people's attention because it is easy to manipulate, in numerous ways. The experience of looking at fluorescent turtles, fishes, and small sharks is just like becoming part of a world we have never been in.

ICM is a U.S.-based company that focuses on commercial projects, although private clients are also welcome. One of their most popular creations is an Orange County beach house's 16-feet long aquarium. One wall is made a window to the property's underground sitting room, while another wall is made a pool wall at the same time. The huge aquarium is placed in between two facilities to create an infinite illusion of water from the aquarium to the pool.