Black Patio with a Water Feature Ideas and Designs
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Exterior Worlds Landscaping & DesignThis shade arbor, located in The Woodlands, TX north of Houston, spans the entire length of the back yard. It combines a number of elements with custom structures that were constructed to emulate specific aspects of a Zen garden. The homeowner wanted a low-maintenance garden whose beauty could withstand the tough seasonal weather that strikes the area at various times of the year. He also desired a mood-altering aesthetic that would relax the senses and calm the mind. Most importantly, he wanted this meditative environment completely shielded from the outside world so he could find serenity in total privacy.
The most unique design element in this entire project is the roof of the shade arbor itself. It features a “negative space” leaf pattern that was designed in a software suite and cut out of the metal with a water jet cutter. Each form in the pattern is loosely suggestive of either a leaf, or a cluster of leaves.
These small, negative spaces cut from the metal are the source of the structure’ powerful visual and emotional impact. During the day, sunlight shines down and highlights columns, furniture, plantings, and gravel with a blend of dappling and shade that make you feel like you are sitting under the branches of a tree.
At night, the effects are even more brilliant. Skillfully concealed lights mounted on the trusses reflect off the steel in places, while in other places they penetrate the negative spaces, cascading brilliant patterns of ambient light down on vegetation, hardscape, and water alike.
The shade arbor shelters two gravel patios that are almost identical in space. The patio closest to the living room features a mini outdoor dining room, replete with tables and chairs. The patio is ornamented with a blend of ornamental grass, a small human figurine sculpture, and mid-level impact ground cover.
Gravel was chosen as the preferred hardscape material because of its Zen-like connotations. It is also remarkably soft to walk on, helping to set the mood for a relaxed afternoon in the dappled shade of gently filtered sunlight.
The second patio, spaced 15 feet away from the first, resides adjacent to the home at the opposite end of the shade arbor. Like its twin, it is also ornamented with ground cover borders, ornamental grasses, and a large urn identical to the first. Seating here is even more private and contemplative. Instead of a table and chairs, there is a large decorative concrete bench cut in the shape of a giant four-leaf clover.
Spanning the distance between these two patios, a bluestone walkway connects the two spaces. Along the way, its borders are punctuated in places by low-level ornamental grasses, a large flowering bush, another sculpture in the form of human faces, and foxtail ferns that spring up from a spread of river rock that punctuates the ends of the walkway.
The meditative quality of the shade arbor is reinforced by two special features. The first of these is a disappearing fountain that flows from the top of a large vertical stone embedded like a monolith in the other edges of the river rock. The drains and pumps to this fountain are carefully concealed underneath the covering of smooth stones, and the sound of the water is only barely perceptible, as if it is trying to force you to let go of your thoughts to hear it.
A large piece of core-10 steel, which is deliberately intended to rust quickly, rises up like an arced wall from behind the fountain stone. The dark color of the metal helps the casual viewer catch just a glimpse of light reflecting off the slow trickle of water that runs down the side of the stone into the river rock bed.
To complete the quiet moment that the shade arbor is intended to invoke, a thick wall of cypress trees rises up on all sides of the yard, completely shutting out the disturbances of the world with a comforting wall of living greenery that comforts the thoughts and emotions.
Hursthouse Landscape Architects and ContractorsA patterned Lannonstone wall creates a private backdrop for the heated spa, featuring a sheer water weir pouring from between the wall’s mortar joints. Generous planting beds provide seasonal texture and softening between paved areas.
The paving is Bluestone.
ArchitecTor, PCNestled in its own private and gated 10 acre hidden canyon this spectacular home offers serenity and tranquility with million dollar views of the valley beyond. Walls of glass bring the beautiful desert surroundings into every room of this 7500 SF luxurious retreat. Thompson photographic
Ryan Hughes DesignFINE DINING
The arching back splash and intricate tile medallion extend the beauty of the home’s design theme into the exterior dining room and kitchen. Woven all weather wicker by Patio Renaissance dining pieces in a dark finish provide an eye catching contrast to the neutral kitchen tiles and flooring. Decorative tile: Natural Travertine Tile with Glass tile in-lay by Lightstreams tile. Custom Onyx center pieces have LED backlighting with custom metal décor.
Ginkgo Leaf StudioA small, pond-less water feature allows for the sights and sounds of water without a lot of maintenance. A more contemporary water feature vs a typical fountain.
Westhauser Photography
Merrifield Garden CenterAn elegant setting for lounging or dining, this patio is nestled within a walled garden behind the house. The paving material is flagstone with brick detailing that matches the house. The walls and formal water feature have a coordinating stone veneer and flagstone caps. Subtle uplighting warms the space. Designed and intalled by Merrifield Garden Center
Techo-BlocFor this project, the Aberdeen large slabs were used in this small backyard to create an intimate outdoor seating area with a fireplace and a dipping pool. These slabs are perfect to make a small backyard appear bigger than it really is thanks to its seamless look.
Oliver BurnsFrom the master bedroom and en-suite lies an inviting outdoor space framed by a spectacular water feature. Here the acoustics of running water and verdant foliage provide a soothing respite in the heart of one of London’s most prestigious enclaves.
Creative Zen, Inc. Landscape Designer & ContractorKoi pond in between decks. Pergola and decking are redwood. Concrete pillars under the steps for support. There are ample space in between the supporting pillars for koi fish to swim by, provides cover from sunlight and possible predators. Koi pond filtration is located under the wood deck, hidden from sight. The water fall is also a biological filtration (bakki shower). Pond water volume is 5500 gallon. Artificial grass and draught resistant plants were used in this yard.
Ancient SurfacesImage by 'Ancient Surfaces'
Product: 'Indoor Courtyard stone elements'
Contacts: (212) 461-0245
Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com
Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com
Central Mediterranean courtyards within homes of all major South European design styles, featuring antique stone pavers, fountains, columns and more...
Watters Aquatech Pools & SpasLas Vegas, NV custom swimming pools & spas by pool designers and builders: Watters Aquatech 17028762217
UserCascading trough with reservoir and feature rill to decking edge.
Photography By Pawel Regdosz
© SigmaLondon
Clemens & Associates Inc.Hacienda-style front courtyard with a Mediterranean- stye carved stone fountain with blue tile and rustic-style wood outdoor seating with plush cushions.
Photo Credit: Kirk Gittings
Black Patio with a Water Feature Ideas and Designs
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