A Reflecting pool is a water feature found in gardens, parks, and at memorial sites. It usually consists of a shallow pool of water, undisturbed by fountain jets, for a calm reflective surface. This reflecting pool found in Singapore, demonstrates how a water feature can add not only design elements but also aid in paying the utilities. The priority of building the home “wrapped” in a reflecting pool was cooling down the home. A koi pond is strategically placed on the first story to facilitate micro-cooling of the first-floor rooms. The purpose of the second story pond is also designed to insulate the dining, bedrooms and family spaces underneath from heat gain. In the same way, the water body above also helps to regulate temperature swings within the house.
“Landscaping can change the microclimate around a building by 20 – 25 degrees F. According to the US Department of Energy, energy-efficient landscaping can save up to 30% on home heating bills. Savings for cooling can be even more. Tests in Florida showed a 50% reduction in air conditioning costs. Most people can save at least a few hundred dollars a year by properly reworking their yard … Water also tempers heat. Even a small pond can help.”
(https://www.epa.gov/greenkit/landscap.htm)
