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
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
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.
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Beat the Texas heat with our favorite outdoor shade solutions!
At AquaTerra, we’re always looking for ways to maximize beauty, utility, and comfort when designing your outdoor environments. Here in Texas, the summer sun is unforgiving, often lasting well beyond the season. Without adequate protection, what would be an otherwise perfect outdoor memory becomes downright miserable! Don’t let the sun’s harsh rays get in the way of any outdoor fun. Choose one of these outdoor shade solutions to create an inviting, pleasant outdoor space.
Consider the position of the late afternoon/evening sun:
Whether you’re dining al fresco with the family or entertaining a large crowd, the late-afternoon and evening hours are prime times to enjoy the outdoors. Heat from the sun can remain extremely intense well into the early evening. To make matters worse, the low angle of the setting sun can leave your patio roof or trellis completely useless. When choosing the location and layout of your outdoor space, be mindful of the sun’s angle and position throughout the day. If you’re short on space planning options, bring in shade-producing solutions instead. Roll down shades are a great option to ensure protection from the sun at any hour.
Wood arbors are beautiful outdoor shade solutions but can limit design options and tend to weather quickly. You can dramatically increase your shaded area by mixing metal with wood. This industrial look allows you to take advantage of larger spans and cantilevers only possible with steel beams. For a light and airy feel opt for a durable, solid metal shade structure.
Designed and built by AquaTerra Outdoors, photo by Wade Griffith
Purchase a custom umbrella:
We’ve all had bad experiences with the “big box” store umbrella. They blow over in a light breeze. The fabric tears easily and parts rust out quickly. After one season of use, most of those umbrellas end up in the trash. Consider investing in a custom-made umbrella with high-end metals and fabrics tailored to fit your space perfectly. These umbrellas can be designed to span 12-15′ in diameter and can be adjusted easily to accommodate the sun’s changing position. The cost for this type of product ranges from $3k-$10k, but given their durability and design flexibility, a custom umbrella may be the perfect outdoor shade solution.
Stumped with how to shade your space without adding more metal, wood and plastic to your view? Consider planting a mature canopy tree in a strategic location. Trees are nature’s solution for shade and offer many benefits. They soften any outdoor space with natural elements, as opposed to man-made materials. Trees also provide a natural habitat for wildlife in your nature scape while increasing the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere. As if creating a beautiful source of shade and clean air weren’t enough, trees also cool the air by a process known as “’transpiration cooling”. Tree leaves release water into the atmosphere, cooling the surrounding air as the water transforms from liquid into a vapor. Pretty neat, right?!
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.
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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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Whether you live in the city or out in the suburbs with a little more outdoor space, there are so many fun ways to create a personal garden to suit any setting! UsingMetal Garden Beds, AquaTerra can help clients create a cool, artistic approach to their own garden – and it’s easier to set up than you may think.
Easy steps to setting up your own garden:
Select a Location: A sunny spot in your yard will almost always work best. Try to pick a spot that gets at least 6 hours of full sun a day.
Bed Set up: We set up our metal garden beds by clearing the ground first. You’ll want to remove any existing ground vegetation and break up the ground/soil for better drainage. After putting your garden beds in place, fill the beds with dirt about a 1/2 to 2/3 of the way up, then top off with a mixture of organic potting soil and compost. Mix well for best results.
Plan and plant: The last step is the most fun – planting! First, find out which plants grow best in your area during the season in which you would like to plant. Local nurseries will have some seedlings already started that you can plant right in the ground. Of course, you will have more options if you are willing to grow from seed and Seed Savers Exchange is a great online resource! Just follow the instructions on how deep to plant the seeds, the optimal timing for planting and water as directed and watch your plants flourish.
Ready to dig in and start your own garden? We’ve partnered with Metal Garden Beds to giveaway ONESendero raised bed! Just head to our facebook page for details.
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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
https://aquaterraoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/4230-Woodfin_A_HR-8976.jpg44512971Heather Bloemhttps://aquaterra7111.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/logo-1.pngHeather Bloem2017-10-12 11:42:422019-05-06 15:23:13AIA Dallas Tour of Homes 2017 Feature
Sustainable design trends are working their way down South. At AquaTerra, we are all about responsible design, so we can’t help but get excited when we have a client who wants to implement a sustainable solution. Below is a short clip showcasing a chic steel water feature that we created in North Texas, which uses pond plants to naturally and beautifully purify the water.
Pond plants naturally remove decaying debris, minerals from stone, etc and leave the water clean and clear. Floating plants, such as the waterlilies we used, provide a lush and serene aesthetic, while also cleaning the water as effectively as many man-made filters.
As you will see in the following clip, water overflows into a biologically sustainable filtration system for a modern, farmhouse look. Green, clean and modern – who could ask for more!
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Everything really IS bigger in Texas, including its biological diversity! Because of its size and geography, Texas has it all – forests, deserts, mountains, hills, prairies and coastal plains. All told, there are over 5000 species of native plants.
There are 5 major benefits to using Texas natives in your upcoming landscape renovation:
Native plants are drought tolerant. In the extreme summer heat, this is beneficial from a water conservation standpoint.
Native plants provide habitat and food for birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife.
Native plants are low maintenance overall because they are adapted to the Texas soils and climate. Therefore, they don’t require extra fertilization or care.
Natives are not only beautiful, but they help maintain biological diversity.
Native plants are unique to their own region, and they help enhance the natural beauty of Texas.
With so many beautiful options and obvious benefits, the choice is clear. Honoring local horticulture in our designs is not only the practical choice, it is aesthetically pleasing as well. There’s more to Texas than just tumbleweeds, so get out there and plant a native y’all!
This Starwood home, located in Frisco, TX, was originally designed in the Mediterranean-Tuscan style, typical of the late 90’s and early 2k period. Over the past few years, the home’s interior had been fully renovated to reflect a more clean-transitional look. Aquaterra’s goal for this landscape, pool and outdoor living renovation project was to harmonize the exterior with the interior by creating that same timeless feel. Defining new gathering spots, enhancing flow and maximizing space, with a balance of form and function, was our top priority.
Before
Starwood Exterior Before
Starwood Pool Before
Starwood Pool Before
After meeting with the client to get a sense of their needs, as well as review our process, program and scope, we sent them a proposal for creative services. After presenting our vision of transforming their former look into a clean, fresh “Santa Barbara” style, the clients gave us permission to proceed with a new pool and outdoor kitchen design, as well as a new fire pit, additional landscaping and enhanced lighting. Additionally, Aquaterra updated the outdoor appliances, fans, security light fixtures and re-routed some ugly electrical lines.
In order to give the entire residence a beachy, California feel, we recommended painting the home white. To complete the look, Aquaterra was entrusted to have custom light fixtures made, as well as design and provide all the pottery and outdoor furniture required to put the finishing touches on this beautiful project!
Construction
Starwood Home Exterior Painted
Pool Construction
Pool Construction
After
Santa Barbara style
Pool Complete
Fire pit and pool
Beautiful Transformation
As we near final stages of this project, you can see the dramatic change to the exterior of this home. The before, during, and after photos show just how much work goes into a project like this, and the transformation is incredible!
Palms and Pottery
Sweet Potato Vine
IPE Deck and Gloster Furniture
Bobe Water Scuppers
Special thanks to some of our suppliers we worked with: Lynx appliances, Haiku Fans, Pentair pool equipment, Bobe water and fire features, Solara lanterns, Gloster furniture, Finest Finishes plaster
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