WaterShapes

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Photo courtesy Questar Pools & Spas, Escondido, Calif.
Photo courtesy H2Oarts, Santa Paula, Calif.
Photo courtesy Hess Landscape Architects, Lansdale, Pa.
Photo courtesy Design Ecology, Austin, Texas
Photo courtesy Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pa.
Photo courtesy Huntington Library, San Marino, Calif.
Photo courtesy Rock Solid Tile, Calabasas, Calif.
Photo courtesy Hughes Water Gardens, Wilsonville, Ore.

The Finishing Twist

In the long-awaited conclusion to our coverage of a grand, comprehensive exterior-design project in Texas, landscape architect Michael Percy guides us through a property where his firm dealt with every conceivable detail, from the entry drive and graciously secluded courtyard to the beautiful swimming pool with its unusual spiraling backdrop, the lavish dining and recreation areas and the wonderfully hidden rock-lined spa.

Making Edges Vanish

As a veteran watershape engineer, Dave Peterson has reviewed plans for countless vanishing-edge projects. Along the way, he's developed a preference for a specific approach to angling the top of the edge wall, offering guidance here that applies in nearly every case.

Wilma's Baubles

Of all the visual offenses perpetrated by pond installers, there's one that upsets Dave Garton more than any other. Here, he offers several reasons for why it's something he encounters with such frequency, then discusses ways to avoid having it happen in the first place.

Begin Again

When these clients originally made contact, they were after a renovation. But once Ryan Hughes saw the site and the plan and considered what the homeowners really wanted, he persuaded them to start from scratch and work with him in creating the bayfront poolscape of their dreams.

A Desert Delight

Presented with great views, willing clients and a nearly blank slate, Rick Chafey took full advantage of the opportunities the site offered while also providing the homeowners with one-of-a-kind details that captured the essence of their ambitions for a new hilltop home.

Fountain Assets

This long, narrow fountain was aimed at transforming a building's huge atrium into a relaxing space for its collection of high-stress tenants. Executing the job took creativity, writes Robert Nonemaker -- but it also required detailed planning and monumental, step-by-step efficiency.

A Steep Achievement

The unique, Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home had a lot going for it, but it needed a truly daring addition to reach its full potential. William Drakeley was more than ready to meet the need -- despite a steep slope, a tricky stone ledge and a bold, multi-phase approach to construction.

Softening Edges

Among all of the elements defining superior naturalistic watershapes, accomplished pond/stream specialists know that edge treatments are generally what separates great work from the ordinary. Here, watershaper Steve Sandalis highlights these transitions, sharing techniques he uses to soften edges and create areas where grassy verges, plants, beaches and rocks combine to make impressions in various and seamlessly beautiful ways.

Forming Flows

When observed as it exists in nature, notes Sven Schunemann, water’s various forms and rhythms can be captured and reproduced by watershapers. He and other Flowforms sculptors have raised that bar, however, digging deep into water’s physical dynamics and developing precise, specialized water/ sculpture systems that are visually intriguing – and also lay claim to being a form of treatment that naturally enhances water’s capacity to nourish.

The Company You Keep

Fifteen years ago, Brian Van Bower wrote eloquently about what it took (and still takes) to navigate the toughest cluster of decisions many business owners ever have to make.

A San Francisco Treat

San Francisco is a constantly unfolding delight for visitors, observes Jim McCloskey, so much so that it helps to narrow your exploratory focus -- in his case to water. That's how he came across this splendid MLK memorial fountain downtown, right next to Moscone Center.

Rendering Creativity

Drawn to drawing for greater success. Book Notes includes reviews of a wide variety of publications hand-selected by a professional watershaper/landscape designer who sees their relevance in his life and work.

CRYSTAL FOUNTAINS VIDEO SHOWCASE

Click 'play' to watch the current showcase video

New Products at Watershapes.com

Crystal Fountains’ Sequencing Fog System

Fountain Systems & Equipment
Product information from Crystal Fountains on the Model NCF300, a sequencing fog jet designed for deck-level applications.

Atlantic Water Gardens Launches LED Bar Lights

Pond/Stream Systems & Equipment
Product information from Atlantic Water Gardens on its Model WWBL5 Bar Light for the illumination of pond walls, waterfalls and spillways.

Technidea Updates Digital Leveling System

Construction Systems & Materials
Product information from Techidea on ZipLevel Pro2000, a digital altimeter/leveling system for watershaping and more.

Pool/Spa Systems & Equipment
Product information from Ramuc on EP High Build, an epoxy resurfacing material for plaster and concrete watershapes.

Endless Pools Makes Underwater Treadmills

Outdoor Living Systems & Accessories
Product information from Endless Pools on Hydrostride, an underwater treadmill for walking, jogging or running in pools.

Fountain Systems & Equipment
Product information from Solus Decor on its concrete water bowls with metal scuppers fro use with ponds, pools and other waterfeatures.

So What's Up?

WaterShapes World (blog)
Lots of questions have arisen since the announcement of the sale of WaterShapes in November 2019 . As Jim McCloskey reports here, big changes will be few -- but opportunities for exploiting the synergies between the deal's partners are boundless as the New Year begins.