This Large scale water feature was installed in May of 2015 this Pond is made up of a 60x25’ upper pond dropping 5’ of elevation thru a series of streams and multi level waterfalls into a 20x25’ lower pond. The lower pond then empties into a 20’ stream that disappears into a 3000gal underground holding reservoir. The water is recirculated thru a 12,000 GPH pump that feeds 1500 gallon wetland Biologic filter, and a 8000GPH pump that feeds a series of underwater jets to create proper water circulation. In total this water feature holds a total of 33,000 gallons of water. This project prosed a series of problems and challenges for the crew. The problem we had to address is the yard had a significant slope in 2 directions. In order to level off the yard to make way for the water feature a series of outcropping retaining walls had to be built to support the ponds. The other challenge we had was the limited access, because the initial landscape was already in we had to work our way out of the back yard excavating, building and installing the stone work as we went, the underground basin and lower pond had to be completely finished before the upper pond could be started. The end result was a beautiful rustic back yard that fades away into the natural landscape of the conservancy that surrounds the house. In total it took 170ton of outcropping stone, 140ton of granite bounders, 75 light fixtures hundreds of plants and 33,000 gallons of water to create this stunning oasis

Installing a multi-faceted water feature that includes stream, waterfalls and pond, nestled in between multi-level patios, creates a restful and functional backyard oasis. www.deckandpatio.com

This sustainable project was completed on a private 80 acre view parcel in the hills above Corralitos, CA. The owners were drawn to us through the Green Building link on our website and after an initial meeting, hired us to manage the preliminary feasibility studies, site work, design and eventual construction. With this type of project, we start at the beginning; making sure that development on the site is both possible and practical before we spend a lot of our client’s budget on plans that may not be suitable. After we determined that building on the property would be permitted by the Santa Cruz County Building and Planning Departments, we completed several feasibility steps that included: •A geologic review • Percolation test (for septic) • Water well probability analysis • Grading analysis • Biologic review • Site survey and topographic mapping • Earthquake zone and archeological clearances With these steps finished, we set up interviews with several local architects that we partner with to find the one that was most appealing to our client. The owners were integral to the process and agreed with our choice of Daniel Silvernail, Architect. He impressed the clients with his gracious nature and open attitude; welcoming feedback and the preferences they had throughout the design process. In addition to being very reasonably priced, Mr. Silvernail quickly gave his attention to the preliminary design plans. After client reviews and approval the full architectural and construction blueprints were finished. We had the complete ready-to-submit-for-permit documents in less than 10 weeks; this included structural engineering, energy calculations and Green Building ratings. We were all impressed by his professionalism throughout the design and building process.

On a quiet cul-de-sac not too far from downtown San Luis Obispo lies the contemporary craftsman styled Clausen Residence. The challenges that accompanied this project were what, in the end, made it so interesting. The buildable area of the site is very small due to the fact that almost half of the property is occupied by a biological open space easement, established to protect the creek that runs behind the lot. In addition to this, the site is incredibly steep, which lent itself well to a stair stepped 3-story floor plan. Strict height restrictions set by the local jurisdiction governed the decision to bury the garage in the hill, and set the main living space on top of it, accompanied by the children’s bedrooms and game room further back on the site. The 3rd floor is occupied fully by the master suite, which looks down on the back yard below. Off of the great room is a vast deck, with built in barbecue, fire place and heaters, ideal for outdoor entertaining year round. The house, adorned in lap siding and true craftsman details is flanked by gorgeous oak trees and the creek beyond.

Bokeana Corp.
Photo of a tropical landscaping in Other.

Inspiration for a landscaping in Other.

Bokeana Corp.
Photo of a tropical landscaping in Other.

Treatment For Residential Waste water Every home generates wastewater and while there is no way of getting away from this fact, it is good to know that there are quite a few options when it comes to treating residential wastewater. The traditional septic tank For a very long time, the septic tank ruled the roost when it came to residential water treatment. This tank is a fairly simple construction and is very widely used. It relies on the sedimentation process to deal with residential wastewater. Sometimes the septic tank can be boosted in its processes with the use of: • Flocculates. • Chemical inputs. • Patented or proprietary technology and so on. Use of chemical methods Processes such as chlorination have emerged as cost effective methods to treat wastewater. At the heart of the following processes is the use of a chemical agent and a chemical reaction to get the wastewater treated: • Ion exchange. • Adsorption. • Chlorination. • Use of polyvalent metals for coagulation and so on. Biological processes In a very unique wastewater treatment approach – bacteria are used to break down the components of wastewater! Of course there is a lot of science and research that has gone into these methods of treating wastewater. For instance, the use of a septic tank, as stated above is a biological, anaerobic method of treatment. Biological processes will also cater for destroying any disease causing organisms. The combined approach Residential wastewater is also treated with the use of a combination of methods. For instance, a device that uses an aerobic approach to wastewater treatment will also have mechanical components to get the process to be even more effective. It is critical to invest in a system that promises total – 100% - treatment of the wastewater. If the residential wastewater is not treated comprehensively then the effluents can cause all kinds of health issues to the people in the property. Effective systems If you are scouting for a system to help in treating residential wastewater then you should know that there are systems that are sophisticated in their working. Flow equalization to ensure 100% treatment and the use of an internet based alarm system make such products very effective and energy efficient too. It is also a good idea to check with your local sanitation authorities before investing in products so you can ensure you are compliant with all local health and public safety rules and regulations. For instance, using NSF certified systems can help in this regard.

The spray of purple blooms and lush greenery of lilac verbena adds to the serenity of a small biological pond. Photo: Orly Olivier
Inspiration for a farmhouse drought-tolerant backyard water fountain landscape in Los Angeles.

Koi pond in between decks. Pergola and decking are redwood. Concrete pillars under the steps for support. There are ample space in between the supporting pillars for koi fish to swim by, provides cover from sunlight and possible predators. Koi pond filtration is located under the wood deck, hidden from sight.

Rachel Loewen Photography © 2017 Houzz
Inspiration for a scandinavian living room remodel in Chicago

This project included a natural looking waterfall feature with the pond, moss rock boulders and lush landscaping around the pond and spa. We used Aquascape Inc.‘s water systems, which included high efficiency pumps, skimmers, biological filters etc. The clients’ “in-tub views” are spectacular; they also enjoy wonderful hydrotherapy options due to Bullfrog Spa’s individual, inter-changeable massage JetPaks, which our clients say, always hit the spot. www.longislandhottub.com

Bokeana Corp.
Design ideas for a tropical landscaping in Other.

Koi pond in between decks. Pergola and decking are redwood. Concrete pillars under the steps for support. There are ample space in between the supporting pillars for koi fish to swim by, provides cover from sunlight and possible predators. Koi pond filtration is located under the wood deck, hidden from sight. The water fall is also a biological filtration (bakki shower). Pond water volume is 5500 gallon. Artificial grass and draught resistant plants were used in this yard.

When I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.” This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat. The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings. Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up. The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation. When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space. Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.

On a quiet cul-de-sac not too far from downtown San Luis Obispo lies the contemporary craftsman styled Clausen Residence. The challenges that accompanied this project were what, in the end, made it so interesting. The buildable area of the site is very small due to the fact that almost half of the property is occupied by a biological open space easement, established to protect the creek that runs behind the lot. In addition to this, the site is incredibly steep, which lent itself well to a stair stepped 3-story floor plan. Strict height restrictions set by the local jurisdiction governed the decision to bury the garage in the hill, and set the main living space on top of it, accompanied by the children’s bedrooms and game room further back on the site. The 3rd floor is occupied fully by the master suite, which looks down on the back yard below. Off of the great room is a vast deck, with built in barbecue, fire place and heaters, ideal for outdoor entertaining year round. The house, adorned in lap siding and true craftsman details is flanked by gorgeous oak trees and the creek beyond.

Bokeana Corp.
Inspiration for a tropical landscaping in Other.

Bokeana Corp.
Design ideas for a tropical landscaping in Other.

One of the most popular hardwood floor finishing which offers Tom & Peter Flooring is provided by WOCA. If you’ve decided that you want a natural looking wooden floor that is lacquer-free, then the likelihood is that you’ve chosen oil as your way of protecting your wood and making your floor look great at the same time. WOCA for wood flooring comes in various forms and is a great way of making sure that your wood is protected, but at the same time looks natural. A highly popular as well as effective way of treating wood floors, oils effectively penetrate into the wood and in some cases harden into the surface of the floor to stop damage and to maintain the wood in its optimum condition. WOCA Oil finish hardwood flooring has taken the United States market by in 2014 and shows no signs of slowing down in 2016 and now. Here are some of the most common questions we have regarding this type of finish which we will I’m to answer in today’s my blog: Is oil finish as durable as traditional factory urethane finishes with aluminum oxide? When it comes to durability, oil finish flooring tackles the issue with a completely different method. The penetrating oil serves as protection from moisture and wear while allowing the user to feel the wood grains in their bare feet. If compared directly to factory finished aluminum oxide finish, the oil finish flooring will not perform as well to abrasion and impact. However, the beauty of this finish is the fact that it will camouflage any scratches which will inevitably accumulate over time. Will this finish evaporate over time and will this be harmful for indoor air quality? Another concern for oil finished floors its effect on indoor air quality. For on-site applications, some varieties suggest several coats which typically require the residents to be out of the home due to mild odors. However, there are factory finished UV-cured or single coat applications which lessen the downtime. Despite the odors produced during the drying process, oil finish floors rank amongst the lowest for VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. Certain brands even boast true zero VOC. This fact alone makes oil finished floors one of the best options for green building solutions. “WOCA products are certified by independent laboratories, the German Institute for Biological Building Materials, and are in accordance with DIN–Norm 53–160. WOCA WoodCare Denmark products meet or exceed the most stringent U.S. standards for volatile organic compounds.” –WOCA Oil Finish Manufacture Does this type of finish require additional maintenance which I am not familiar with? For weekly cleaning, oiled floors use a special cleaner which contains an oil and soap mixture. After a period of 12-18 months some oil may evaporate causing the wood grains to appear dry. An additional layer of oil can be reapplied to keep the floor looking fresh. Although oil finished floors require more involvement in periodic maintenance in high traffic areas, this maintenance can be done much easier than the equivalent of an onsite sand and refinish. WOCA Master Color Oil contains pigment, which provides a single-step hardwood floor staining process. Laying down the stain and the finish in one step. This product comes 14 different colors, from Black to Extra White, and you can mix them freely to create various color palettes that will meet the demands of any job. Below are some pictures of the finished job…