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THE ESSENTIAL E-NEWSLETTER FOR WATERSHAPE DESIGNERS, ENGINEERS AND BUILDERS
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| October 23, 2019 www.watershapes.com |
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FEATURE ARTICLE
Entertaining Possibilities
If there’s one thing he’s learned in completing projects for clients who can afford whatever they want,it’s that planning is the key. But before that, notes Ryan Hughes, he needs a design that makes sense, suits the site and gives him every opportunity to pursue both fun and beauty. [more]
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DESIGN DYNAMICS
Shaping an Environment
Wrapping up a four-part series with a look at a project he’s been covering detail by detail,Kurt Kraisingerpulls it all together by unveiling the completed poolscape — and offering some concluding observations on working with clients while keeping an eye on design integrity. [more]
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TRAVELOGUE
Communing with Roberto
Unable to resist, Jim McCloskeytraveled across the country last month to seethe New York Botanical Garden’s exhibition on the art of Roberto Burle Marx just a few days before it closed. It was a revelation, he says, and gave him an even deeper respect for the artist and the man. [more]
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Locked in the middle of walls and floors in everything from tiny fountains to gigantic commercial swimming complexes, a proper cage made up of steel reinforcing bars is the hidden strength that allows a concrete vessel to hold its form, come what may. Here, veteran steel contractorLarry Longtakes a look at this key shell-shaping material, explaining what it takes to set up structures that will last a lifetime — and beyond.
This article, originally published inWaterShapesin March 2000, has been digitized for all readers. Clickhereto see the full text and enlarge the images to study the craftsmanship in detail.
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TECHNICAL BRIEFING
Soothing Sounds
Evoking strong images, emotions and associations, the sound water makes in moving through a landscape adds a powerful aesthetic component to even the simplest of designs. That’s why Rick Andersonrecommends paying attention to the ‘aural factor’ — right from the start. [more]
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WATERSHAPES WORLD
‘Big Easy’ Bound
With the New Orleans pool show fast approaching, Jim McCloskeyis ready to learn all he can about what’s happening on a number of important fronts — at Genesis in particular, but also at the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and with a whole flock of acquaintances new and old. [more]
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WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .
Spread the Word Dept.:An article from U.S. Masters Swimming defines the many benefits of swimming. [more]
Seems like the perfect message to share with prospects.
Aquatic Excess Dept.: Video report covers four huge U.S. estates that have their own backyard waterparks. [more]
Not to my taste, but I know lots of kids who’d love them all.
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WATERSHAPES CLASSIC
The Power in Partnering
On watershaping projects, even minor conflicts or disputes can lead to courtroom battles. Back in 1999,Curt Straubdefined a way to avoid these lose/lose scenarios through a simple up-front agreement. [more]
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Deckorators’ Voyage Composite Decking
Deckorators(Prairie du Chien, WI) has launched Voyage, a line of vertical-grain, simulated-wood deck boards designed with textured embossing for enhanced traction. Available in four colors — Sierra, Tundra, Costa or Mesa — the strong, lightweight base material has a fiber-like structure similar to wood but experiences no thermal expansion/ contraction. For details, click here.
White/Gray Fountains from Blue Thumb
Blue Thumb(Saginaw, MI) offers white-and-gray stone fountain kits. The three-column assemblies come in 18-, 24- and 30-inch heights, all 8-1/2 inches square and smooth on four sides. The kits include 48-inch fountain basins, 1,495 gallon-per-hour mag-drive pumps, flow-control valves, plumbing, tubing and polished black pebbles for the basins. For details, clickhere.
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WPN UPDATE
If there’s one thing we’ve all learned in the past 30-odd years, it’s that the decision to purchase a watershape of any kind is a process that takesyearsfrom initial idea to installation.
That’s why a web forum like the WaterShapes Professional Networkis so important: It gives homeowners and other decision-makers an easy, anonymous way to gather information and, eventually, reach out to make contact with professionals whose work they admire. Check it out — and get ready for your future!
TheNetworkis working just the way we’d hoped: Time toclickaboard?
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