04 Sep Water Features for the Garden: Tread’s 8-Tier Showstopper in Steel and Glass
Water Features for the Garden: Tread’s 8-Tier Showstopper in Steel and Glass
When it comes to creating large water features for the garden, a well-thought-out design can truly transform the space. Recently, Tim had the opportunity to work on a project for Veronica & Brian, that blended the beauty of water, the artistry of metalwork and the challenge of integrating both into a stunning courtyard setting.
“Our family and visitors are blown away when they see the water feature. The three viewing windows all provide different perspectives and are the perfect space to linger and take it all in.”
Designing and Building the Water Feature
The design process was a collaborative effort with clients Veronica & Brian, who found us on Instagram. They wanted a custom water feature for their courtyard but weren’t sure about the style or size.
After some visits to our studio and their home, we landed on a large elliptical water feature that could be enjoyed from all three courtyard windows.
The mathematics, engineering and fabrication involved were no small feat. Our expert, Tyler Ferrari played an important role in bringing this design to life. We built the entire piece at our studio first to ensure everything was perfect. Then, it was transported to the site, where we had to cut a full side off to fit it through the side gate and re-weld it in the courtyard. Thankfully, everything went smoothly!
Installation Challenges and Water Feature Automation
One of the biggest challenges was the tight access through the side gate. But by testing the piece in the studio first and making adjustments on-site, we were able to install it successfully. We also wanted the water feature to be low maintenance for our clients.
So for this project we did something new – a hard plumbing connection in copper to a float valve that automatically tops up the reservoir. Plus, we added a hard-wired switch inside the house for the water pump and lighting which can be controlled remotely for intensity, colour and strength.
Adding the Sky Gardens and Final Touches
With the water feature in place, the next step was to install three large sky gardens as a backdrop.
We added rocky elements, ground planting rings, and custom-lit, hand-cut bollards. The sky gardens were installed next, adding height and depth to the space. One of the most outstanding aspects of the sky gardens is their ability to rotate. This feature ensures even growth all around, allowing the plants to cascade beautifully over time, regardless of their position to the sun.
Sky Garden Plant Choices and Maintenance
Sky Gardens come in all shapes and sizes, customised to fit each unique situation.
The large size means they hold plenty of potting mix which helps keep them from drying out too quickly. For this project, the larger gardens feature plants that need more water, while the shallower one is perfect for succulents that need less frequent watering.
To help these sky garden plants grow evenly and beautifully, the team added a sleeve that allows to easily rotate the vessels. This ensures they get consistent sunlight and stay looking great from every angle.
Grateful for the Journey
We couldn’t have completed this project without our amazing team of five who worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life!
Special thanks to Rob Hayley, our glass artist, whose magic with glass added the perfect finishing touches to the water feature.
Finally, we’re incredibly grateful to our clients for trusting us with such an important part of their home. Seeing their reaction and knowing that the piece we created will be a central part of their daily lives is what makes all the hard work worthwhile.