Starry Night: Ron Gibbons’ Platinum Standard Project

Watershaping advanced by leaps and bounds from 1999 through 2004 – a journey of artistry and practicality that was an inspiration to witness. In this retrospective feature, WaterShapes Editor Eric Herman reviews 25 key projects published during that time frame, offering an ongoing resource to watershapers while defining a Platinum Standard for the designers, engineers, builders and artists who use water as their chosen medium.

Ron Gibbons
Ron Gibbons Pools
Islip Terrace, N.Y.

The wetlands of Long Island provide a natural backdrop for this exquisitely detailed residential pool. Designer and builder Ron Gibbons vested the project with an array of unusual features, including the constellation of fiberoptic lights imbedded in the floor of the pool; a unique wetted deck that flows out to a long vanishing edge; a glass bridge; and cushioned underwater seats. It’s a composition whose simple beauty masks all the effort that went into making everything work so seamlessly