Center stage, the basalt column water feature is located off an organic stone patio and dry stream bed that cleverly manages an excess of water on site.

Stream / water feature
This is an example of a mid-sized coastal full sun side yard stone pond in Detroit.

Garden Stream and cascade into the pond with lush landscaping
Photo of a contemporary landscaping in Miami.

This was a backyard renovation. There was an existing plastic tub pond with many perennials around it. We took out everything, saved as many perennials as we could and installed a new rubber lined, natural ecosystem pond, stream and waterfall. We redesigned the area and created a couple different seating areas along with a pathway over the stream. Transplanted the perennials and added a few new plants to add interest all year long. Here you can see the small bridge we created over the stream.

This is a recently completed project in Lancaster County, PA consisting of natural stone steps with a limestone boulder retaining wall and a 15′ pondless waterfall with 5 LED landscape lights in the stream. The video was shot with our GoPro Hero. Below are some still shots of the waterfalls and stream.

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Eric Roth Photo

Bird Friendly Garden Stream
Inspiration for a traditional stone retaining wall landscape in Seattle.

On screen display simplifies control for all your music streaming needs. Living room complete with Lutron motorized shades, Lutron RA2 lighting control, Monitor Audio floor standing & in-ceiling speakers with matching subwoofer and Sonos for music streaming. The room is controlled via an Elan home automation platform and a handheld remote control. FYM Photography

This natural pool features a lazy river and its own island. The bridge gives access to the gazebo, grilling station and slide. The river enters the pool through a cave and waterfall.

For femininity and romance, we used soft neutrals and pale pink. Textured linens play well into the elegant chandelier. Design: Wesley-Wayne Interiors Photo: Stephen Karlisch

This is an example of a traditional backyard stone water fountain landscape in Vancouver.

The well-lit living room features an open and spacious design, exuding a bright and inviting atmosphere. Large windows illuminate the room while allowing light to stream in.

Example of a large trendy enclosed beige floor living room design in Miami with beige walls, no fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Natural light streams through Anderson windows and doors to the living room. The two-story natural stone fireplace is accentuated by the muted palette used for the wall color and furnshings. Photography by Ansel Olsen.

Writing nook at edge of family room with view to stream
Inspiration for a country freestanding desk study room remodel in New York

Stream with ground covers, water feature, boulders, ground covers, natural plantings with stream, thimbleberry
Design ideas for a mid-sized eclectic partial sun backyard water fountain landscape for summer.

A koi and lily pond fed by a boulder-set stream, built under coastal pines. Deep water keeps the fish cool through summer, circulation and biological filtration support the living system, and lilies shade the surface so the water stays clear without chemicals. The stream above was tuned drop by drop until the sound carried to the house.

A koi and lily pond fed by a boulder-set stream, built under coastal pines. Deep water keeps the fish cool through summer, circulation and biological filtration support the living system, and lilies shade the surface so the water stays clear without chemicals. The stream above was tuned drop by drop until the sound carried to the house.

Aquascape Inc.
Photo of a traditional landscaping in Chicago.