A "new" idea for swimming pools

First built in Austria in the early 1990's, natural pools have been popular in Europe but not in the US.
In a natural pool all clarifying and cleaning of the water is achieved purely with the motion of the water through biological filters and plants rooted hydroponically in the system.
Managed properly, natural swimming pools have crystal clear water and require no chemicals to maintain, as they are self-cleaning mini-ecosystems.

The bottom line: any dual-purpose solution like the natural swimming pool that works as both a beautiful pond and a healthy place for swimming gets my vote. It's simply a great way to conserve water for our future and have fun at the same time - plus it can be a real eye catcher in your garden and improve the value of your property.

Backyard vacation

Each project brings a new dimension to the landscape experience. It may be touch one of the five senses or it may touch the soul. The concept for this garden was inspired by the clients son. Having autism and an affection for water, the garden touches all his senses and his soul.

Thanks to a good friend, I now realize just how bad my typing is. I spell really well and type really badly. Sustainable sustainable sustainable sustainable sustainable... ok I've got it now!
We have rain today which will be nice for all the new growth that is about to push!
I've noticed that the Water Oaks are dropping leaves they never dropped in the winter and my crocus are starting to burst through the soil. The Daffodils are looking great and the roses are budding up. My Camellia is still blooming and my dogs are destroying the lawn. There are lots of birds in the garden and a fine greenish yellowish dust everywhere... Hello Spring!!!

Susatinable Landscape Design

We live in a beautiful and yet fragile place in the world. Stewardship is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Thoughtful and sustainable design is critical to us, our environment and future generations.

HEALTH
Plants and natural landscape elements can improve our quality of life. Physical activity, restorative and aesthetic experiences and social interaction play an important role in human health. Designing space for physical activity, social interaction and food production provides opportunities for better stewardship of our bodies, our relationships and our environment.

HYDROLOGY
Water is an invaluable resource necessary for all life. Conventional drainage systems remove water quickly from a site in large amounts. This contributes to erosion, flooding and polution. Utilizing rainwater and gray water for on-site non-potable water needs, such as landscape irrigation, cleaning outdoor surfaces and water features is one way to use water effeciently. Most conventional landscapes are designed to use water only once and drinking water is used for purposes that may not require potable water, such as lawn and garden irrigation. We have technology to integrate systems that mimic nature. As we recognize the value of water, we must also recognize the value of natural systems to store, clean and distribute available fresh water.

SOIL
Soil is essential for the production of food, timber, medicines, fibers and other raw materials. Healthy soils allow rainwater to penetrate, preventing excess runoff, sedimentation, erosion and flooding. Soils also help clean, store and recharge ground water. By storing water and slowing the delivery of water to plants, healthy soils play a significant role in vegetation health as well.

VEGETATION
Plants provide a livable atmosphere and moderate climate by regulating the earth’s oxygen/carbon dioxide balance and filtering pollutants from air and water. Incorporating healthy native or non-invasive vegetation into the site design is the begining. Specifing plants available from local growers to reduce energy use and other negative environmental impacts of shipping and ensure that plants are adapted to local environmental conditions is second. Minimizing the amount of time that plants are stored on-site before planting is third.

MATERIALS
Excessive material use, due to structural over-design and misperceptions of increased safety, and improper materials management cause needless waste and require more resources, production and transport. Specifing materials that require less frequent maintenance and replacement reduces cost and saves resources. Using local materials reduces the energy consumed during transport and support local economies. It also accomplishes a look that is contextual and supports the local vernacular. Reducing the urban heat island effect by shading constructed surfaces on the site with vegetation.

The Landscape Design Process

1. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT PHASE

INITIAL CONVERSATION BETWEEN CLIENT AND DESIGNER
COLLECTION OF PERTINENT SITE DOCUMENTS FROM CLIENT
CLIENTS CRITERIA CONSIDERED
INITIAL SITE INVENTORY
CLIENTS VALUES AND BIASES CONSIDERED
CODE REQUIREMENTS CONSIDERED
COMMUNITY STANDARS CONSIDERED
DESIGNER’S VALUES AND BIASES CONSIDERED
FUTURE MARKET OPPORTUNITIES CONSIDERED
VERNACULAR CONTEXT CONSIDERED
CLIMATE AND MICROCLIMATE CONSIDERED
IMAGE AND STYLE CONSIDERED
PRECEDENT AND ANALOGY CONSIDERED
PROGRAM SYSNTHESIS


2. SCHEMATIC DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PHASE

SITE CONTEXT DETERMINED
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES DETERMINED
CIRCULATION AND MOVEMENT DETERMINED
BEHAVIORAL CRITERIA DETERMINED
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES DETERMINED
FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS DETERMINED
SCHEMATIC PLAN PREPARED
CLIENT REVIEW WITH DESIGNER
INVOICE
NECESSARY REVISIONS DISCUSSED



3. CONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT PHASE

DETAILED LAYOUT PLAN WITH DIMENSIONS PREPARED
ELEVATIONS (AS NECESSARY)
SECTIONS (AS NECESSARY)
DETAILS (AS NECESSARY)
SPECIFICATIONS
CLIENT REVIEW WITH DESIGNER
INVOICE
BID REQUESTS SENT OUT



4. PLANTING PLAN DEVELOPMENT PHASE

PLANTING PLAN PREPARED
LAYOUT
QUANTITY
SPECIES
PLACEMENT
SPECIFICATIONS
LIGHTING PLAN PREPARED
CLIENT REVIEW WITH DESIGNER
INVOICE
BID REQUESTS SENT OUT

Day One

Day one of the new blog! We are very optimistic about the Spring. Check back often for new content.