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| ANOTHER WORLD: The authenticity of the Tuscan theme is dramatically reinforced by this small fountain, placed on the opposite side of the home from the pool. It conjures a scene reminiscent of an ancient courtyard where the wellhead was a key fixture and definitely adds to the overall evocation of another time and place. |
As it turns out, the pump head had been constructed with a lead-containing alloy at a time long before medical science (and code writers) knew about the negative effects of certain metals in water. Our desire was to preserve the antique finish and appearance of the pump-head-turned-fountain while allowing it to function safely as a cascade into a swimming pool.
It took some time, but we eventually found an epoxy sealant that we used to coat the inside of the pipes. It was void of any color or texture that would interfere with appearance of the historic piece.
The project featured two additional small fountains - one in a courtyard garden on the opposite side of the house from the swimming pool, the other a small wall fountain on one of the upstairs balconies. In each case, antique fixtures and materials were used, accenting extremely small flows of water that added subtle spice to the overall composition.
As completed, the simple, rectangular pool is retiring, yet elegant. The bright sun forces the shadows of the sparse, twisted trees onto the dusty granite walkways and still water, while the rough stone and rustic pump head provide the illusion that you're in a place that's grown beautiful over a great span of time.
the joy of these projects for us is that we were involved from the start and were able to offer technical support and construction skill that furthered the design and execution of these watershapes and their surroundings. The pools themselves are simple, but with changes in elevations, through contrasting and complementary textures, with subtle color and contrasts., and through the encompassing of architectural styles and art pieces that evoke other times and places, the environments are rich with meaning and fully express the architect's special vision.
Water is an integral tool in such evocations - universal, timeless and vital. When you work with such a talented designer in such exquisite settings, the efforts of the watershaper can seamlessly fuse with the surroundings and bring a quality and character to a project that is both unique and inspiring. |
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| COMPLETING THE PROGRAM: From every angle, the pool offers great reflections, wonderful colors and warm textures. The plantings are also in keeping with the Tuscan theme and make the setting seem as though it has been transported to southern California from the Mountains of Italy. |
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