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On Common Ground
When a homeowner in suburban Chicago asked for a waterfeature and swimming pool that were aesthetically linked to one another and their surroundings, watershaper Lou Downes knew that close collaboration with the landscape architect would be crucial. The
Up from the Ruins
After leaving us with a cliffhanger last month, Scott Christie follows up here with information on the clients' surprise request and on the process of bringing the backyard into final form with -- in addition to the original pool and spa -- a new pond sys
A Sloshing Mystery
More than 25 years ago -- back before he became a professional watershaper -- Jim Wilder encountered a fountain behavior he couldn't explain. Since then, he's figured it out and, in this article, shares his observations on how to work with this fascinating water effect.
Hail the Queen
Indis'a ancient stepwells, it seems, were about much more than providing their thirsty communities with water. As Victoria Lautman discusses in the second of three articles on these structures, they were actually the Subcontinent's first 'multi-purpose'
Peeling the Onion
As part of a huge, evolving, multi-year project, Scott Christie and his colleagues were tasked with adding a pool to an estate's big backyard. In the first of two articles on what took place, he guides us through a design process filled with details, cha
Water Wisdom
Our attraction to water is well documented, observes Lauren Stack -- but none of us are automatically comfortable around it, nor do we learn to swim without some assistance -- a pair of concerns this article addresses with high hopes for the future.
A Splashy Statement
It's a play pad with a difference: While offering ample opportunities for vigorous summer fun, notes Peter Arnold, the area's looping set of spray rings are the visual heart of this Canadian housing development -- even in winter when there are multiple f
Softly Modern
From concept to completion, this project walked a narrow path between the modernist inclinations of the homeowners and the traditional surroundings in which their property was situated, notes watershaper and landscape designer Kevin Fleming. But that stylistic balancing act was easy to manage, he says, compared to executing the project’s fine details, including walls that seem to float in space, a complex hardscape plan and a seamless all-glass-tile finish.
A Master at Work
When it comes to identifying those who’ve shaped his life and work, acclaimed landscape architect Raymond Jungles doesn’t hesitate in naming Brazilian designer Roberto Burle Marx as a singularly profound influence. Famous for bold arrangements of plant materials and architectural forms, Burle Marx’s gardens are among the world’s most celebrated and studied – a legacy Jungles describes here as a close friend and student of the master.
Hard Choices
Early in 2004, Stephanie Rose wrote passionately in her column about the effective use of rocks in landscapes and gardens. Do you think you know why she assigned so much importance to these materials?
Temperate Thoughts
Our nation's capital boasts many wonderful fountains, writes Jim McCloskey -- but there are some odd exceptions, and one of them has a fascinating history. and then there's the Temperance
Design from Italy to India
WaterShapes book reviewer Mike Farley goes international by taking a look at two works on Tuscan design: Tuscan & Andalusian Reflections (2005) and Homes and Courtyards (2007), both by designers from the firm Bassenian/Lagoni Architects. He also explores Hindu and Islamic influences by reviewing Masterpieces of Traditional Indian Architecture by Satish Grover.CRYSTAL FOUNTAINS VIDEO SHOWCASE
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New Products at Watershapes.com
CMP Debuts Powerclean Salt Chlorinator
Pool/Spa Systems & Equipment
Product information from CMP on Powerclean Salt Ultra, a salt chlorinator for pools and spas.
Product information from CMP on Powerclean Salt Ultra, a salt chlorinator for pools and spas.
Blue Thumb Offers Bubbling-Rock Fountains
Fountain Systems & Equipment
Product information from Blue Thumb on its line of bubbling-rock fountains for garden decoration.
Product information from Blue Thumb on its line of bubbling-rock fountains for garden decoration.
Campania Offers the MC1 Fountain Kit
Fountain Systems & Equipment
Product information from Campania on its MC1 cast-stone fountain kits with special decorative panels.
Product information from Campania on its MC1 cast-stone fountain kits with special decorative panels.
Fountain People Offers New Scuppers
Fountain Systems & Equipment
Product information from Fountain People on its Mediterranean-style scuppers for pools and waterfeatures.
Product information from Fountain People on its Mediterranean-style scuppers for pools and waterfeatures.
Cardinal Systems Updates French Drains
Construction Systems & Materials
Product information from Cardinal Systems on HydroBlox, a product that updates the performance of French drains.
Product information from Cardinal Systems on HydroBlox, a product that updates the performance of French drains.
Raypak Releases New Electric Pool/Spa Heater
Pool/Spa Systems & Equipment
Product information from Raypak on the Electric 3 Series Titanium heater for spas and small swimming pools.
Product information from Raypak on the Electric 3 Series Titanium heater for spas and small swimming pools.
Hello, 2019!
WaterShapes World (blog)
In his first blog of this brand-new year, Jim McCloskey is announcing his intention to devote more and more space to a certain type of editorial and product content in upcoming editions of this newsletter. While on the subject, he also has an important,
In his first blog of this brand-new year, Jim McCloskey is announcing his intention to devote more and more space to a certain type of editorial and product content in upcoming editions of this newsletter. While on the subject, he also has an important,