We recently were awarded the people’s choice of Houzz Best of Design 2020. This is a tremendous award and we are so thankful to be the winners!
Houzz is such a fun platform to display our work on, and to help others gain inspiration for their dream outdoor spaces. If you’re looking to have an award winning space of your own, don’t hesitate to contact us to get your project started today!
https://aquaterraoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/badge_48_8@2x.png160160Emily Thompsonhttps://aquaterra7111.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/logo-1.pngEmily Thompson2020-03-13 14:56:172020-03-13 14:56:19Best of Design
Sustainable landscapes don’t have to be ugly. A common misnomer is that, in order to be
sustainable, a landscape must be full of native plants, sticks and weed-like
wildflowers. Don’t get me wrong, there
are some incredible firms designing and installing beautiful sustainable
landscapes, but I also see a lot of them in our area that look great for about
a month in the spring and the fall; otherwise, they look to be a mess.
The term “native” gets thrown around a lot in the landscape
world, and depending where you live, it can mean different things. In Texas, because our state is so large (and
awesome), we have a lot of different native materials that work well in some
areas and not in others. What works in
the high-desert of West Texas will not work in the Piney Woods of East
Texas. Not so long ago, the DFW
metroplex was a black-land prairie, and as such, most of the native plants for
our region are wildflowers, low grasses and some ornamental trees. While it is lovely to drive past and admire a
field full of wildflowers, we all know they are short-lived, and after the
blooms, they will blend-in with the pasture.
A great look for a farm, but not a residential landscape.
The good news is, there are a lot of adapted plant materials that will thrive in our area. Native plants can look great when used in conjunction with other adapted plant material and will not require a lot of watering (this is key). Too many times, we see high water bills and over-watered material; if a plant looks bad, adding water should not be our first response (it’s not a cure-all for plants!). Check the soil a couple of inches below the surface, and if it is moist, we know watering is not the issue. With the right design, a residential landscape will contain plant material that requires little water (1-2x per week) once it is established and looks great throughout the seasons.
Here are some examples of plants that would fit into this
category of adapted plants for our area that look great year-round.
Shade Trees:
-Burr
oak
-Live
oak
-Cedar elm
Ornamental Trees:
-Texas
Mountain Laurel
-Desert
Willow
Shrubs & Vines:
-Dwarf
Palmetto
-Rosemary
-Crossvine
-Chinese
Wisteria
Groundcover
-Purple
Wintercreeper
-Grey
Santolina
-Frog
Fruit
Ornamental Grasses:
-Berkeley
Sedge
-Inland
Sea Oats
-Gulf
Muhly
-Dwarf Hameln Grass
Burr Oak Photo by: Harold Rau
Live Oak
TX Mountain Laurel
Smoketree
Desert Willow
Dwarf Palmetto
Rosemary
Inland Sea Oats
Dwarf Hameln Grass
Crossvine
Berkeley Sedge
Purple Wintercreeper
Chinese Wisteria
Frog Fruit
Grey Santolina
https://aquaterraoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/live_oak_1024x1024.jpg7701024Emily Thompsonhttps://aquaterra7111.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/logo-1.pngEmily Thompson2020-02-12 14:27:052020-02-12 14:27:07The Truth about Sustainable Landscaping
We are honored to announce that we recently won an award from the Southwest Pool & Spa show. Our very own Ross Burke won the Award of Merit for Hot Tub/Spa/Water Features. The project that he designed and AquaTerra built has a very unique feature that won the recognition.
Front yards and porches are historically simple. Landscaping and pavers usually round out the front displaying beautiful curb appeal. This project, however, surprises guests and onlookers. The homeowner wanted an outdoor space to serve as an extension of their formal dining room, as well as, a semi private front courtyard space to for the family to enjoy. They wanted a space to enjoy their front yard and interact with neighbors, while feeling comfortable and not exposed to the street. The layered, overlapping elements of the design are intended to blend with architectural design of the home. Additionally, we wanted to continue the use of stucco, steel, and ipe wood as seen on the home’s façade.
We didn’t stop there with the creativity and scope of the project. The backyard design was intended to be a modern pool with outdoor fire pit space where the family could gather. The landscaping is kept minimal to allow room for young kids to play. Trees along the back fence screen the view of neighboring properties, and lime green Sunshine Ligustrum offer a pop of color. Synthetic turf was selected to provide a clean play surface for kids, while allowing evergreen color.
https://aquaterraoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/IMG_4240-scaled.jpg25601920Emily Thompsonhttps://aquaterra7111.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/logo-1.pngEmily Thompson2020-01-30 19:21:052020-02-20 16:55:34Award Winning Front Yard Water Feature
https://aquaterraoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/5631-Caladium-Drive_HR-1116.jpg50557474Emily Thompsonhttps://aquaterra7111.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/logo-1.pngEmily Thompson2020-01-17 19:20:192020-02-18 19:26:42Tal Thevenot and AJ Kumaran Q&A
If you’ve ever traveled and experienced that “I never want to leave” feeling, then you will understand why so many people are requesting backyards that reflect certain resorts. We were recently featured in a Luxury Pools’ article about what is trending now. Our principle designer and CEO, Tal Thevenot, discusses that when clients bring resort photos as the inspiration for their backyard, he realizes that they are craving the resort lifestyle and feeling. That is then what the designers are challenged with when creating new designs for each client. A few of the photos below are from past projects that have had a sure theme of a specific resort and how they were brought to reality for the client.
As always, it is an honor to have our work noticed and featured, and we are thankful to have been recognized in this publication!
Looking for a resort feel only feet away from your living room? Check out more of our work here, and call us today to get your dream backyard started!
https://aquaterraoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/D_D_6317.jpg17982500Emily Thompsonhttps://aquaterra7111.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/logo-1.pngEmily Thompson2019-11-13 14:05:252020-02-20 16:56:43Trending Now: Luxury Pools + CEO Tal Thevenot
It’s always a fun surprise when you’re flipping through a magazine and you see one of your projects in it. We recently discovered that our project in University Park was featured in Traditional Home’s Elegant Homes magazine. Being featured in a magazine is such an honor, and we are grateful for our excellent team and innovative designers for their ability to produce projects worthy of recognition!
Want your outdoor space to be feature-worthy? Contact us, and we’d love to help. Our designers are always ready to take on a new project.
https://aquaterraoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/72530426_2765936400086203_785568549438488576_n.jpg960755Emily Thompsonhttps://aquaterra7111.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/logo-1.pngEmily Thompson2019-10-23 13:13:052020-02-20 16:57:46University Park Project + Elegant Homes
The
temperatures are finally cooling down enough for us to get outside and enjoy
our patios and decks. The autumn weather is also perfect for sprucing up the
landscape. Now’s the time to install that firepit or outdoor kitchen you’ve always wanted.
Fall
is also the ideal time to plant trees in Texas. New trees do well
when the soil temperature is above 40 degrees, which is year-round in much of
the state. The root systems of balled and burlapped trees can recover from
transplanting in the fall. They also have time to develop roots before
beginning growth in the spring.
But
there are some things you should
consider before heading to the nursery. The most important consideration is where
you intend to plant your tree. On a residential lot, trees should be planted at
least 10 feet from any foundation to allow the trunks and root systems to grow.
Be aware of any overhead obstructions, such as utility lines and the boughs of
other trees.
Next,
consider what kind of tree you want — shade, fruit-bearing, or ornamental.
For shade trees, the live oak is bough and branches above all others. It is the most commonly planted tree in Texas because it grows well virtually anywhere in the state. But live oaks need a lot of space. They can grow up to 40 feet tall and spread their branches 75 feet.
Other Native Shade Trees
Cedar elm. This is a very
hardy tree that tolerates drought well and thrives in nearly any soil.
Texas ash. Because this is a
rather small tree, it’s ideal for small properties or side yards. It delivers
brilliant colors in autumn.
Black cherry. This native is
a medium-sized tree, which makes it a good candidate for suburban yards. It
produces fragrant white blossoms.
Fruit Bearing Trees
Pecan. This is the official
state tree because it thrives in most areas, produces abundant shade, and drops
tasty, nutritious nuts in the fall.
Persimmon. These are native
across Texas, but many homeowners choose the Japanese varieties from nurseries.
The tree is insect and disease resistant.
Peaches, nectarines, and
plums. These so-called “stone” trees can produce abundant fruit when properly
cared for. The chief enemy of a good crop is a late freeze.
Ornamentals for Texas
Crepe Myrtle. These tough,
durable ornamentals can be kept at shrub-size or grown to 20 feet tall. Their
blooms come in a variety of colors and often blossom twice a year.
Redbud. You can find a
variety that will thrive in any part of Texas. These trees are early bloomers
in spring and do so in brilliant bursts of red.
Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum. This
native does well in most parts of Texas and only grows to about 18 feet, making
it ideal for home landscaping. It delivers large clusters of blossoms in
spring.
Know
your needs before you buy. Is the area where you intend to plant shady or
sunny? What kind of soil do you have? Any well-established, reputable nursery
will have people who can help you make the right choice of tree. And nearly
every Texas county has an Extension Service office.
When You’re Ready to Plant
Handle your tree only by the
root ball, never the trunk.
Dig a hole that gives the
root ball 6 inches of clearance on all sides and is only as deep as the root
ball.
Backfill the hole with the
same soil you took out — never substitute soil.
Water thoroughly.
Do not use fertilizer until
early spring or you risk burning the tree.
Mulch around the base to preserve
moisture.
Water thoroughly every seven
to 10 days. Overwatering can damage your tree.
You
should also be aware of what trees to avoid.
The black walnut tree secretes a toxin that will kill nearby plants and
flowers. It’s also incredibly messy. Other messy trees that will drop leaves
and junk all over your hardscapes? Cottonwoods and mimosas. Both of these are
also brittle with weak root systems.
The right trees are a long-term investment that can enhance the beauty and value of your home. Care for them wisely, and they will return your investment many times over.
Need some help with your landscape design? Here at AquaTerra we strive to be a single source solution for our client’s outdoor needs. Contact us, we’re here to help you have the most beautiful landscape on the block.
Emma Bishop is a lifestyle and design
writer, and mother of two beautiful girls. She is a social butterfly and loves
to entertain guests at home with beautifully decorated spaces for any occasion.
https://aquaterraoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/fall-tree.jpg624832Emily Thompsonhttps://aquaterra7111.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/logo-1.pngEmily Thompson2019-09-20 13:02:262019-09-20 13:02:28Landscaping During the Texas Fall
In the August 2019 issue of Hearth and Homemagazine, two of our very own received recognition for projects they designed and managed.
First up is Ross Burke, one of our
principal designers and project managers, received the award for Excellence in
Outdoor Room Design for a space less than 1,000 square feet. He masterfully
designed and built this space to command attention and appear larger than reality.
Adding privacy through custom pergola inventively defines the space. Creative
partitions such as a steel planter allows for spaces to be defined but not
overwhelmed, crowded, or too closed off from the rest of the area. The outdoor
kitchen is arranged to fit in the necessary elements while not overcrowding or
feeling too compartmentalized. It is evident that each aspect and corner of
this yard was utilized and thought thoroughly about in order to maximize but
not overwhelm.
The second recognized is our
president and principle designer, Tal Thevenot. He was the builder on this
project that transformed a long, narrow yard into an inviting and intriguing
space. Sleek lines and visually exciting accents throughout, this backyard is
no longer the monotonous and unused square footage of the past.
Do you want your backyard to be award winning too? Here at AquaTerra, we strive to be a single source solution for our clients outdoor needs. If you are ready to begin the journey for your project, please contact us and let us go to work for you!
https://aquaterraoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/heart-and-home-cover.jpg600691Emily Thompsonhttps://aquaterra7111.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/logo-1.pngEmily Thompson2019-08-29 19:31:592019-08-29 19:32:03We Don't Just Claim to be Award-Winning
https://aquaterraoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/02_ModernCourtyard.jpg30244032Heather Bloemhttps://aquaterra7111.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/logo-1.pngHeather Bloem2018-11-05 18:49:082019-08-15 16:39:09We Do Things Excellently
Often times, many designers struggle working together, but for Randy Angell of Randy Angell Designs and Tal Thevenot, CEO and designer here at AquaTerra, it couldn’t be a better working relationship. The Dallas-based outdoor design executives have more than made a name for themselves working solo in the industry. Thriving on high expectations and innovative design, Randy and Tal challenge each other in a fun, healthy way. As you can see, together they continue to make waves and the final results are nothing short of breathtaking!
Designed by Randy Angell Designs, built by AquaTerra Outdoors, photograph by Wade Griffith.
The Vision Behind the Design
Tal managed AquaTerra’s flawless buildout of Randy’s innovative design for this McKinney estate. Working side by side, the vision was to create a family paradise with minimal boundaries from the indoors out! The modern outdoor design includes a large pool with a lap lane, spa and water features, an outdoor living room with fireplace and tv, and an outdoor kitchen and bar with surrounding seating terraces. When designing the space, RAD was strategic in showcasing the home’s spanning greenbelt views. The stunning 6ft tall rain curtain further marries the two spaces by anchoring the surrounding structure and framing the landscape.
Photograph by Wade Griffith. design by Randy Angell, build by AquaTerra Outdoors, as featured in Pool and Spa Magazine.
What’s Next for the Outdoor Design Team
Attention to design and quality is what earned this project the cover of Pool and Spa News, and is a promise delivered upon with every project we embark on. Congratulations on a well-deserved cover feature, Randy and Tal! We’re counting down the days to share the outdoor design duo’s latest project currently underway in the North Dallas suburb, Lakes on Legacy. Follow us on Instagram to catch a glimpse of this upcoming modern beauty’s progress and final reveal! Read the full PSN story, here.
Modern outdoor environment designed by Randy Angell Designs, built by AquaTerra Outdoors. Photograph by Wade Griffith.
Karen & Dan Doore had a great challenge for AquaTerra: they wanted to create a fun and functional backyard space for their children and grandchildren to use, despite some significant structural and configural limitations.
Structure and Permitting Challenges
The main hurdle we faced was the 20’ gabion embankment that abuts the Doore’s yard. The embankment was created to prevent erosion into adjacent Cottonwood Creek and presented a plethora of permitting issues with regard to installing a new pool and decking. After months of work and numerous meetings with the City of Richardson, we were finally able to achieve a great design that was acceptable to the permitting department and delightful to our clients. AquaTerra overcame the challenge by designing the pool to sit just outside the drainage easement and building the patio decking on a floating concrete base rather than drilled piers so as to not disturb the gabion structure below.
Lead designer Ross Burke illustrates some of the design challenges we faced.
Pool & Outdoor Features
The configuration of the space also presented some interesting design challenges, which inspired our team creatively. Creating continuity and maximizing functionality in this unusually shaped space was achieved by creating two separate play spaces, one in the north yard and one in the south yards, with the pool and decking situated in between.
We chose a simple, black metal fencing for the front of the house to help connect the front and back yard and create a sense of depth. In order to create a private space for the pool, spa and deck area, AquaTerra installed horizontal wood fencing in the south yard.
The pool was designed to feature a play pool with a shallow deck for the grandkids and sunbathing. A spa was also installed with a raised infinity edge for a chic profile.
A steel planter was custom-made to cover the otherwise exposed home foundation, which was filled with trailing rosemary to provide a dramatic contrast in color and texture.
The north yard has a potting shed with a seating area to suit our clients lifestyle. The pottery and paint colors used for the area were selected by our clients.
The pool’s location and raised spa was situated so as to also create a dramatic focal point from the family room.
Design Aesthetic
From the beginning, our client Karen had a vision for her backyard space. She used the term “modern prairie” to convey an overall aesthetic and guiding principle for our design team.
IPE decking was selected with this aesthetic in mind. The decking was left un-oiled intentionally, as it will naturally develop a soft, natural grey patina over time.
The natural stone color and texture for the raised wall were selected to compliment the decking and to blend with the cedar fence beyond.
To enhance the prairie feel, scuppers were designed to give an illusion that the water is flowing through the wall from the Cottonwood Creek beyond.
Blue iridescent glass tile was selected to create a visual pop against the stone wall and tie in with the pool color.
Challenges such as these present a wonderful opportunity for creative solutions that both satisfy and fosters the artistic and logistical growth that we strive for at AquaTerra. We are proud of our work at the Doore home and are happy to have fulfilled our client’s expectations.
https://aquaterra7111.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/logo-1.png00Heather Bloemhttps://aquaterra7111.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/logo-1.pngHeather Bloem2018-01-22 15:45:462018-01-23 16:21:10Creative Solutions and Backyard Fun in Richardson
Why should you select a Design + Build + Management firm?
With nearly 20 years of experience in Design + Build + Management, AquaTerra passionately believes that a team who covers all three bases is the best and most effective choice for any project. Here are our top 6 reasons why selecting a one-stop shop is a great way to go.
TEAMWORK: When all aspects of a project are managed by AquaTerra, everyone has the same goal. Our entire team is fully informed on what success looks like in terms of meeting and exceeding client expectations. The reality of a large scale project is that a hiccup or two is likely to occur. However, when everyone is on the same page, solution’s occur in real time and results happen faster.
ACCOUNTABILITY: AquaTerra is accountable for EVERYTHING from soup to nuts. When the same team designs and builds the project, there is no question of who is accountable for design, details, schedule, quality and process. Furthermore, the customer has a single point of contact, which critical if delivering excellence is a priority. And it’s always our priority.
DEDICATION: Your outcomes are our best endorsements! We take a great deal of pride in what we do and are devoted to enduring quality. We believe in Design + Build + Maintenance and we are dedicated to the longevity and beauty in each and every project. The management & maintenance aspect of our delivery system allows us to catch the smallest of mistakes and we are also able to ensure excellence by keeping any fine details from falling through the cracks.
EXPERTISE: Having a team of first rate experts in their field is our greatest asset. They are the heart and soul of the company and champions of excellence. At AquaTerra, we can offer our clients best-in-class experts in design, build and management, which is a fairly unique offering and a central factor for timeless outdoor spaces.
COLLABORATION: By working with a one-stop-shop, the design-build process is far more efficient and dramatically accelerates the process. For example, our clients avoid having the typical repetitive meetings that are required by the architect, general contractor and design consultants. Collaboration results in less time wasted and lower fees for our clients. Additionally and importantly, a design-build client retains more creative control of their project.
SAVINGS: Based on our experience and analysis, we believe a unified design-build process can save you more than 10% in overall expenses. Reason being, a firm like AquaTerra pass along our efficiencies of scale and teamwork along to our customers. By sharing operating costs among the 3 branches of the firm, we can lower cost, mitigate general conditions, and lower design fees and construction costs.
Given the benefits of working with a Design + Build + Management firm, why would anyone approach an important project in a piecemeal approach?
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Celebratory Ground-Breaking Ceremony for New AquaTerra HQ!
Last month, AquaTerra christened the location of our new office headquarters with a wonderful groundbreaking ceremony. The new location will house the entire team in one facility and that is certainly cause for celebration! As we have grown over the years, lack of space required our construction team to be located remotely. The new location will allow for the design, management team, construction teams and service teams to be housed in one building.
We believe it’s going to be a special space and are overcome with excitement over having both the opportunity to collaborate under one roof, as well as the space to grow our team.
Let’s dig!
We believe in collaboration and continuous improvement as guiding principles of excellence. We will have a large training room so we can continue our focus on creating some the of best installation teams in the business. To share our love for the outdoors, we will have a small boutique showroom and a beautiful exterior courtyard. We have always had great passion for protecting the environment. Our new building will utilize renewable energy in the form of solar panels, wind turbine and water harvesting.
We started the morning over coffee and refreshments as we welcomed our team, close friends, pastor and architect/engineers. After a few words by Tal and a prayer by Hope Fellowship pastor, John McKinzie, we officially commenced the occasion as the shovels got dirty. Huge thanks to our great building team – Hodges Architecture, Clay Moore Engineering, and Novel Builders for helping make this dream a reality.
Construction should take about 16 months. The building is scheduled to be complete around June and we plan to move in during August. Thank you to all who have supported us throughout the years. We love creating special outdoor spaces for families to live, laugh and play outdoors. As construction continues, we will share more sneak peeks of the space, so stay tuned!
MISSION STATEMENT Create unique and timeless outdoor environments.
Lead the outdoor industry in design, construction, and management.
Provide extraordinary service and create lifelong relationships.
Cultivate people of passion with integrity.
Grow profitably and give generously.
https://aquaterraoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/AquaTerra2017-5.jpg26403960Heather Bloemhttps://aquaterra7111.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/logo-1.pngHeather Bloem2017-11-03 12:46:472017-11-03 12:46:47Groundbreaking Ceremony at New Office Headquarters
AquaTerra is honored to be have another one of our projects featured in the AIA Dallas Tour of Homes this year!
AIA Dallas 2017 tour of homes back yard
Our team worked closely with Robert Bellamy to create a landscape design that complemented this M-Gray Architecture home design. The front yard of this Dallas home features a unique vertical steel pipe fence that sets the tone of the aesthetic. The home is accented beautifully with floor to ceiling windows throughout, but the focal point of the home is certainly the slightly elevated box-like feature that is accentuated with a contrasting color and hovers subtly over the landscape. As you approach, the windows allow you to see directly through to the backyard, framing a tree. The dry creek bed carries your eye to the far portion of the landscape, which is kept earthy in order to complement the natural materials in the architecture. You can’t help but feel one with nature in this serene setting.
Front yard fence
Dry creek bed
Back yard water feature
Make sure you Save the Date for October 28-29th. For more information on the event and to purchase tickets, visit AIA Dallas. We hope to see you there!
Back yard water feature
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https://aquaterraoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/05-Isom.jpg10801350Heather Bloemhttps://aquaterra7111.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/logo-1.pngHeather Bloem2017-10-05 11:36:452019-05-03 21:16:03APSP International Awards of Excellence 2017