For this project, there was a desire to create a more intimate space within the larger setting. This was achieved by establishing a sunken outdoor living space, the focal point of which is a grand-scale fire & water feature.
Although a brick patio existed for larger groups, there was not an area for smaller gatherings. In addition, the house is situated near a very popular lake and at roughly the same level of the lake, leaving the back of the home quite exposed. Intimacy and a certain nestled coziness was achieved by slightly lowering the patio level and creating natural berming with mass plantings.
Large monolithic basalt pillars amplify the lowered perspective. Polished on one side, left natural on the other, they also add texture and a sense of scale to the space.
Central to this modern garden is the large basalt stone that has been cut, hollowed and polished to accommodate water and fire to create a natural stone fountain. The large catch basin allows the water to be recharged when it rains, and also acts as a filter.
Most fire effects that incorporate water keep the two elements separate. In this system however, the water and fire are integrated, as the water is infused with gas which is then off-burnt, creating the fire.
The highly polished surfaces of the basalt pillars act as mirrors, reflecting the light of the dancing flames in the evening and the reflections of the lake and landscape during the day.
One of the more unique pieces of limestone was cored through to create a bubbling natural stone fountain that, along with the stream and waterfall, runs year round.
A challenging aspect of this project was to satisfy the client's request for a naturalistic pond that would at the same time be in harmony with the modern architectural style of the home. To accomplish this, large weathered limestone boulders were hand selected for the central stones. These subtly complemented the color of the home, while lending a natural feel, and therefore were in keeping with the design intent of the feature. To allow easier interaction with the pond, large stepping stones (also weathered limestone) were placed throughout.
The pond system was designed to biologically accommodate a large number of koi and goldfish. Since completion of this project, the fish population has been multiplying steadily, which is a sign of healthy eco-system. Lights set at the deepest part of the pond allow the koi to be viewed, even late in the evening.
The client very much wanted to be able to enjoy this unique water garden with its natural stone fountain and koi at night, yet wanted the natural feel of the pond be respected and maintained. Integral to the pond are large limestone stepping stones set slightly above the water level that allow one to walk through the pond. Lighting therefore was essential to highlight this area, especially in terms of safety. Great care was taken in the placement and angles of the lights to avoid creating "hot spots" which might have obscured the stepping stones. A soft light was cast across the pond's surface. The use of lighting in creative conjunction with the movement of the water creates the effect of dancing light and moving shadows without distracting from the natural beauty of the setting.
Set adjacent to the pond is stone dining set, made from Nine Dragon Stone, a type of marble. The outside edges of the table, chairs, and base have a natural stone surface, while the top of the table and chairs are polished, highlighting the color and variation present in the natural beauty of the stone.
The approximate weight of the entire stone set is over 6,000 lbs 
Not simply a work of art, this functional dining set is surprisingly comfortable, and the natural beauty of the stone makes it ideal for any garden setting. For more information about AguaFina's stone furniture collection, please contact us at info@aguafina.com.
Large weathered limestone boulders were hand-selected and serve to accent and anchor the garden. They are also used as stepping stones though plantings of fountain grass and other perennials.
The undulating curves of the house are mirrored in both the bed of gravel and the edge of the lawn, creating a sense of seamlessness between the house and its surroundings.
This photograph shows the creative use of various types of stone throughout this project. Integral to the design was use of black Asian gravel imported from Indonesia, contrasted with pea gravel chosen for its fine texture and light color. Visible in the foreground are the large weathered limestone boulders chosen to anchor the garden, and in the middle distance are the monolithic basalt pieces that frame the more intimate seating area and fire/water feature.
