Sliding into Innovation
British design firm, Splinterworks (Bath, UK) has made a mark in the watershaping world by reimagining waterslides. Taking a truly daring design approach, the company combines form and function into structures that are as much works of sculptural art as they are pieces of poolside play equipment. ...
Beholding a Concrete Stream
Appreciating water doesn’t always require sweeping ocean vistas or cascading streams, explains writer and naturalist, Jamie Nestor. As he points out in this personal essay, the beauty and fascination of aquatic environments sometimes exist in surprising places, but can be no less inspiring. ...
Amending the Good Earth
Ensuring a stunning planting environment is all about the ground itself, says landscape designer, Mark David Levine. Beautiful greenery requires forethought and action in the form of soils testing and amendments for newly landscaped areas – a crucial practice he believes should be mandatory for all projects that include garden spaces of any size, style or location. ...
Floating Water Domes from Solus
Solus (New Westminster, BC) offers the Water Dome. These water bowls feature polished metal domes that appear to float inside a concrete vessels. Water flows up through the center of each dome to run over the reflective surface of the hand-spun metal and then drops off the edges into the surrounding water creating sound. Each metal dome is handmade and unique. Learn more here. ...
Water’s Complex Human Narrative
The story of water and the need to control is very much the story of human existence. According to author Giulio Boccaletti, efforts to transport and store water for agriculture and human consumption was, and remains, the primary organizing force in human society, a phenomenon that lives on to this day. ...
Teaming with History
The Arizona Biltmore is a truly historic property with a unique design pedigree. Crystal Fountains’ David L’Heureux reports that his company’s participation encompassed providing state-of-the-art fountain lighting and jet systems, as well as acting as a fountain design consultant on an elite project team. ...
Pivoting to Renovations
During times of economic strife, many watershapers have kept financial pace by focusing on renovations rather than new construction. Is it time to again start thinking in that direction given current uncertain economic conditions? Industry veteran Brett Lloyd Abbott believes so, and has advice about making a tactical shift in messaging. ...
The Vermiculite Touch
In the world of concrete, vermiculite is in some ways an unusual material – a lightweight aggregate that creates a durable and ultra-smooth substrate for vinyl liner pool. (It’s also widely used as a soil amendment in agriculture.) Phoenix B. Owens has been using it in his pools for decades, and believe with the right touch, vermiculite is a perfect choice. ...
Power of Personal Connections
Watershape University prioritizes live events. There is simply no substitute for spending time in person with like-minded industry professionals. WU will be on hand at the upcoming International | Pool | Spa | Patio and Deck Expo in Las Vegas, Nov. 12-17, to not only provide top-flight education, but also spend time with friends, old and new. ...
Concrete Cancer III (a perfect storm)
As Paolo Benedetti explains in this conclusion to his series on Alkali Silica Reaction, although the problem can be avoided with basic and well-known precautionary measures, it is almost impossible to cure once the it starts. The business implications are grim for watershapers who are caught unaware. ...