Historic Chapel Hill

Tucked within the historic Gimghoul District of Chapel Hill, just steps from the heart of the UNC campus, this lap pool is a graceful extension of its historic surroundings built not just for function, but to honor the architectural language of one of North Carolina’s most beloved districts.

Designed for a homeowner dedicated to daily swims, the pool’s proportions are tailored for laps while still offering space to relax and reflect. The decking is crafted from tumbled brick to give age, carefully chosen to mirror the iconic historic walkways that weave through Chapel Hill, anchoring the space in local heritage. Framing the pool, bullnosed Crema Eda travertine coping softens the geometry with classic elegance, and a matching Crema Eda swim lane provides both function and visual continuity.

At the far wall, that uses natural stone to mirror the natural stone retaining walls throughout the district, timeless scuppers set into native stone pay homage to the historic Gimghoul District’s iconic stacked walls weathered, proud, and built to patina with grace over time. These hand-selected materials, paired with the pool’s symmetry and restrained detailing, create a design that feels as though it has always belonged.