The Lotus as Water Repellant

Kimo and Sarah Bertam, after being outbid on traditional homes, discovered a passion for floating homes after renting a houseboat in the Bay Area’s Mission Creek. This experience, fueled by their shared love for water—Kimo as a surfer and Sarah from childhood summers on a sailboat—led them to commission architect Robert Nebolon for their own floating home project. Despite Nebolon’s lack of prior floating home experience, his background in building near and on water made the transition seamless. The 2,100-square-foot, two-bedroom floating house was constructed on land over six months before being moored in Mission Creek. A primary challenge involved maximizing storage within the limited space while ensuring essential functionalities and managing weight, as the home would not move once in place. The resulting structure, inspired by the area's industrial heritage, features a sculptural, loft-like design that integrates seamlessly with its waterfront surroundings. Its distinctive sawtooth roof and expansive windows optimize space and natural light, creating a bright and airy interior. Architectural elements like the door, staircase, and kitchen incorporate an orange hue, referencing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The home boasts three decks, enhancing its connection to the water. Oversized warehouse-style windows are strategically placed to allow reflections of the water to ripple across the ceilings, further integrating the aquatic environment into the living space. The exterior is clad in 24-gauge metal siding with a fluorocarbon finish, selected for its durability and resistance to fading and chalking for up to 40 years, eliminating the need for periodic painting. This choice also circumvents the difficulty of painting a floating structure. The warehouse-style windows, made of black anodized aluminum with stainless steel hinges, are designed to withstand corrosion. No wood was used on the exterior, except for the finger pier that provides access to the front door and the couple's boat. From the main deck, residents can enjoy views of downtown San Francisco, including AT&T Park. The first-floor deck is furnished with Amazonia Terra teak chairs and IKEA Runnen teak outdoor floor decking. Inside, the living room features Australian cypress flooring with a tung oil finish, a Solas wall-mounted fireplace by Hearth Innovators, and a unique chair by Putra Salahin from Bali. The kitchen is equipped with a Wolf gas range, a white Carrara marble countertop bar, and Cobb Rise & Fall pendants by Original BTC. A custom wine glass holder, designed by the architect, is also present. The orange staircase, fabricated by Stocklin Iron Works and designed by Nebolon, uses steel railings and IKEA wood butcher blocks for treads, aiming to make the ascent to the second floor an engaging experience. The bathroom includes a teak live-edge countertop and a custom yellow cabinet supporting a Duravit double wash basin. A mirror from Restoration Hardware is paired with custom steampunk-style lights designed by the homeowner. The second-floor master bedroom features a custom captain’s bed, designed by the homeowner, with integrated drawers and storage. Its elevated height provides expansive views through the nearby window, contributing to the home's overall sense of openness and connection to its unique aquatic setting. #FloatingHome #WaterfrontLiving #RobertNebolonArchitects #MissionCreek #BayAreaDesign #ModernArchitecture #CustomHome #SustainableDesign #IndustrialInspiration

This article explores ten comprehensive pool landscaping ideas designed to enhance privacy, style, and functionality around swimming pools. It emphasizes key considerations for both in-ground and above-ground pools, focusing on the selection of durable materials, appropriate plants, and suitable patio furniture to withstand wet environments. Interior designers Hillary Kaplan and Miriam Silver Verga of Mimi & Hill highlight the versatility of landscaping, suggesting it can be either vibrant and elaborate or restrained to uniform greens, creating an architectural backdrop for the pool. The article advises on making thoughtful choices regarding plantings and material selections to achieve desired creative outcomes and seamlessly integrate the pool area into the overall backyard landscape design. One crucial aspect discussed is investing in splash-proof furniture. Kelly Bradley from The Home Depot recommends selecting chaise lounges and outdoor couches made from wicker, teak, wood, or plastic with added cushions. These materials are chosen for their water resistance and quick-drying properties, ensuring comfort and longevity. Examples include the Hampton Bay Laurel Oaks Black Steel Outdoor Patio Chaise and the Hampton Bay 2-Person Gray Wicker Outdoor Patio Daybed. Another key recommendation is to incorporate shade solutions like sunbrellas, pergolas, or gazebos to protect against intense sun reflection from the water. Jessica Foster from The Home Depot suggests gazebos for shelter and ultimate relaxation, noting options like the Hampton Bay 10 ft. x 10 ft. Holden Outdoor Patio Black Hard Top Galvanized Steel Gazebo, which can accommodate chaise lounges or daybeds. Pergolas, such as the Hampton Bay Orchard Park 10.6 ft. x 13.3 ft. Brown Steel Arched Beam Pergola with Sling Canopy, are also presented as ideal for hosting events. The article also covers the importance of finishing touches, including solar lights, water-resistant cushions, and functional side tables for drinks. Adding an outdoor rug and a patio umbrella are suggested to enhance comfort and style. Privacy around the pool is addressed by recommending fast-growing trees like Arborvitae or European Cypress, which can form a cohesive green wall. Engaging a landscape designer is advised for selecting species best suited to the local geography and for deterring pests. Safety is a significant concern, leading to the recommendation of non-slip stones such as granite and limestone for poolside areas, as surface water can create hazardous conditions. Regarding plant selection, the article advocates for water-loving and low-mess options. Kat Aul Cervoni, a landscape designer, suggests ornamental grasses for their texture and movement, and plants like lavender that tolerate high sun and heat. She also stresses avoiding plants that drop leaves or petals during the summer to maintain pool cleanliness, recommending small-leaf evergreens like boxwood, yew, and holly, as well as hydrangeas, clethra, agastache, and gaura for their long bloom times and pest-repelling qualities. Natural stones like bluestone, travertine, limestone, marble, and granite are highlighted for their aesthetic appeal and durability, with a reminder to ensure they have a textured finish to prevent slipperiness. Frederico Azevedo of Unlimited Earth Care emphasizes softening harsh edges of rectangular pools with soft blooms that reflect color into the water, enhancing the pool's visual integration with the garden. Finally, the article discusses considering local wildlife, such as deer, when selecting plants, opting for naturally resistant species like alliums, and designing the landscape to match the pool's intended use—whether for exercise or entertaining—by incorporating elements like mosquito-dissuading Calamintha or fragrant flowers. #PoolLandscaping #OutdoorDesign #BackyardIdeas #PatioFurniture #ShadeSolutions #NonSlipSurfaces #WaterResistantDecor #PlantSelection #PrivacyLandscaping

Water features, such as fountains, are architectural elements that contribute to both visual appeal and a tranquil atmosphere in various outdoor settings. The calming sound of burbling water can evoke a meditative state, transforming an ordinary garden or exterior space into a luxurious sanctuary. This collection highlights diverse fountain designs from the archives of Architectural Digest, showcasing their versatility across different geographical and stylistic contexts. Fountains are presented in a variety of styles, from intricately tiled Moroccan designs to simple, modern installations. For instance, Khloé Kardashian's Calabasas home features a Moroccan-style fountain, while decorator Anouska Hempel's English residence incorporates a garden fountain encircled by Cotswold drystone walls. The influence of regional aesthetics is also evident, such as an Andalusian-style fountain in a California house designed by Madeline Stuart and a courtyard fountain in Emily Summers's Palm Springs home, which was commissioned from Spanish sculptor Xavier Corberó and includes a basalt statue. Beyond aesthetics, fountains often serve as focal points in garden and landscape design. An example is the Fountain Garden at a Dutchess County, New York, farmhouse by G. P. Schafer Architect, featuring a granite basin by Stone Structures. Similarly, fashion designer Vince Camuto's New York home showcases a limestone fountain framed by hydrangeas on its west terrace. In upstate New York, a 19th-century-style retreat renovated by McAlpine Booth & Ferrier Interiors and architect John I. Meyer Jr. includes a fountain framed by a trelliswork arch. Historical and grand estates also demonstrate the enduring appeal of fountains. At Chatsworth House, the Baroque family seat of the Dukes of Devonshire in England, the Seahorse sculpture fountain, originally part of a 1690s parterre, and the 314-yard-long Canal Pond from 1702 are significant features. In northern New Mexico, an estate designed with landscape architect Edith Katz features a classical fountain and pavilion by Haddonstone. Modern interpretations and unique repurposing of objects into fountains are also explored. A hacienda-style beach house in the Dominican Republic by designer Juan Montoya includes a courtyard fountain with crisscrossing jets, reminiscent of Spain's Alhambra palace. In a Hawaiian home, a large Balinese iron pot is repurposed as a lanai fountain, demonstrating creative approaches to water features. Fountains also contribute to the sensory experience of an outdoor area, as noted by interior designer Emily Summers, who collaborated on a fountain for a Dallas home's outdoor dining area. She emphasized its role in providing both animation and gentle, ambient sound in the garden. This selection underscores the diverse applications and aesthetic contributions of fountains, whether as antique stone pieces from France in a southeastern U.S. residence, modern spherical chrome designs in a Los Angeles forecourt, or 17th-century pieces integrated into historic Italian villas and Moroccan riads. #OutdoorDesign #WaterFeatures #GardenFountains #LandscapeArchitecture #HomeDecor #TranquilSpaces #ArchitecturalElements #LuxuryHomes #GardenDesign

Aquatic flowers are plants that thrive in water, adding visual appeal to ponds and water features in gardens. These plants vary in their preferred growing conditions, sizes, and aesthetic contributions. For instance, water lilies, well-known for their diverse varieties, can be hardy to freezing temperatures or tropical for warmer climates. They also provide shelter for aquatic animals. Lotus flowers, often confused with water lilies, are distinct because their blooms rise above the water's surface, and their large foliage can spread up to 2 feet wide. Due to their rapid spreading, lotus flowers are often grown in containers within ponds. Water poppies feature small yellow flowers and heart-shaped foliage, with blooms lasting a single day but continuing throughout summer. Their compact size makes them suitable for smaller water features. Water hyacinths are free-floating plants with purple and yellow stalks, growing up to 12 inches tall without needing soil. However, their fast-spreading nature necessitates containment, often in floating baskets or indoor containers. Water irises, while not typically associated with aquatic environments, thrive in shallow water up to 8 inches deep, producing three-petaled flowers that can reach 3 feet above the surface. Water forget-me-nots are a low-maintenance option for water gardens, with delicate blue and yellow flowers, best grown in shallow water or wet soil at the water's edge. Water hawthorns are notable for their vanilla-scented white flowers, blooming from spring to early winter, preferring cooler, calm waters. Broadleaf arrowhead, also known as duck-potato plant, produces tubers that serve as a food source for wildlife and can add vertical interest to a water garden, growing up to 3 feet above the water. Pickerelweed, with its tall spikes of white, blue, pink, and purple flowers and heart-shaped leaves, prefers shallow waters and is beneficial for birds and pollinators. Mosaic flowers offer visual intrigue with diamond-shaped leaves that can turn red and small yellow flowers, though the flowers might not appear in alkaline water conditions. Calla lilies, which thrive in wet soil, are suitable for pond edges in shallow water, contributing wavy foliage and distinctive blooms. Swamp lilies, reaching over 6 feet in height, add a wild aesthetic with long, narrow petals and a sweet aroma, growing best in wet soil or shallow water. Blue flag irises provide an elegant touch with bright blue flowers and help stabilize pond borders, blooming from early spring to early summer. Cardinal flowers, with their tall, bright red blooms, are ideal border plants for ponds, thriving in shallow, standing water and attracting hummingbirds. Marsh marigolds, characterized by heart-shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers, also flourish in shallow water along pond borders. Cattails, or bulrushes, are fast-growing perennials found in bog marshes and wetlands, reaching up to 10 feet tall. Some species can be invasive, so selecting native varieties is important. Lastly, swamp milkweed is a crucial plant for monarch butterflies, growing well along pond edges and in wetlands, producing pink to reddish-violet or white summer blooms. These aquatic plants offer a range of sizes, colors, and growth habits, allowing for diverse and vibrant water garden designs. #AquaticFlowers #WaterGardening #PondPlants #WaterLilies #LotusFlowers #GardenDesign #PlantCare #DeerResistantPlants #PollinatorPlants

Adding an outdoor fountain to a home’s exterior can significantly enhance the aesthetic and auditory experience of a yard or garden. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a notable surge in demand for home improvement projects, with outdoor spaces, particularly fountains, seeing a significant increase in popularity. Experts note a doubling in fountain sales in recent years, attributing this trend to people spending more time at home and seeking comforting elements like the sight and sound of flowing water. Outdoor fountains offer multiple benefits beyond just visual appeal. They contribute to a serene atmosphere, helping to reduce stress. Additionally, they are more water-efficient compared to maintaining large grassy areas and can attract local wildlife, adding vitality to a garden. The choice of an outdoor fountain involves considering various types and factors during the purchasing and installation process. There are numerous types of outdoor fountains available, each catering to different aesthetic and functional preferences. Bird bath fountains, for instance, circulate water, creating an inviting spot for birds. Cistern fountains collect water in containers, forming reflective pools that can host fish and aquatic plants. For those with a creative inclination, DIY fountains allow for personalization using waterproof containers, tubing, and a pump, though it is crucial to use solid materials that will not damage the pump. Floating fountains are designed for pools or ponds, often used for special occasions. Flowerbed fountains can be integrated into garden beds, either above or in-ground. Outdoor wall fountains are mounted on exterior walls, providing dynamic water movement and sound. Solar-powered fountains offer an energy-efficient option, operating on direct sunlight, which helps in reducing utility costs. Lastly, spitter fountains typically feature a sculpture that projects a concentrated stream of water from a pond or pool. When purchasing an outdoor fountain, material selection is a key consideration, influencing durability, appearance, and cost. Common materials include lightweight aluminum, tranquil bamboo, robust concrete, versatile fiberglass, durable and affordable resin, natural slate, corrosion-resistant stainless steel, and heavy, long-lasting stone. The sound produced by a fountain is another critical aspect, as preferences vary widely. What one person finds soothing, another might find distracting. Therefore, it is advisable to listen to different fountains before making a decision to ensure the water flow creates the desired auditory experience. Fountains are also considered a form of yard art, similar to sculptures. Personal taste should guide the selection process, with various companies offering beautifully designed options to suit diverse aesthetic preferences. Installation of an outdoor fountain can range from simple plug-and-play models to those requiring more effort. A universal rule for installation is to ensure the fountain is placed on a level surface, such as concrete or packed gravel. Most smaller to medium-sized fountains can be installed by homeowners with basic tools and shims. However, factors like size, sunlight exposure, and shelter need to be taken into account. Large concrete fountains can be extremely heavy, requiring careful consideration for transport, installation, and winter storage. Placing a fountain out of direct afternoon sun can prevent excessive algae growth, which can clog the pump and tubing. Similarly, choosing a sheltered spot can protect the fountain from debris like sticks, grass, and tree seeds, minimizing maintenance efforts. #OutdoorFountains #GardenDesign #HomeImprovement #WaterFeatures #DIYProjects #YardArt #StressReduction #WildlifeAttraction

Water features offer a serene and aesthetically pleasing addition to any outdoor space, transforming it into a relaxing oasis. The soothing sounds of flowing water contribute to a calm ambiance, while the features themselves can serve as captivating focal points. These additions are versatile, suitable for various yard sizes and budgets, encompassing everything from intricate koi ponds to simple solar-powered fountains. One popular option is a Japanese-inspired water feature, often based on a tsukubai. These typically involve a stone bowl with water pumped through a copper pipe, with surrounding plants like acers and ferns enhancing the traditional aesthetic. Stone wall water features seamlessly integrate natural elements, creating a tranquil environment where water flows over or through existing or newly constructed stone walls. For those with larger spaces, a trio of tall-standing water features can add vertical interest and provide consistent soothing sounds near an entrance or within a garden. Water features can also be incorporated into lounge pools, offering both visual appeal and a refreshing element on hot days. Wall-mounted fountains, such as a lionhead design, are ideal for saving space while adding a touch of elegance, particularly when paired with vine-covered walls and bistro seating to evoke a cafe-like atmosphere. Timeless water features, often crafted from limestone and surrounded by lush greenery, blend seamlessly into French country-style exteriors. Innovative designs combine different elements, such as fire and water. Fire bowls with water spouts create a striking contrast in modern backyard designs, while steel trough water features bring the tranquil sound of flowing water to create a peaceful outdoor setting. Koi ponds, featuring Japanese fish known for their calm movement, instantly infuse an outdoor space with tranquility and are a relatively budget-friendly option. Symmetry can be achieved with matching water features flanking a pathway, contributing to a cohesive and relaxing garden design. Multiple water features, such as five spouts on a stone mosaic wall, ensure the calming sounds of water are audible throughout the backyard. Vertical installation on retaining walls is a space-saving solution for smaller yards, drawing the eye upward and blending seamlessly with surrounding plants. Boulder water features, combined with river rocks, create interesting water flow patterns and can be strategically placed in pathways. Some water features are designed to be functional, like stock tank pools that house plants and serve as water-saving mechanisms in drought-prone climates. Large water bowls, especially oversized resin ones, can be eye-catching additions in spacious yards. Tiered fountains with Spanish-inspired tile basins can become central focal points in courtyards, complemented by potted tropical plants. Contrasting sizes, such as a large basin with a small water spout, add visual interest to garden pathways. Sustainability can be a key aspect, with DIY solar-powered water fountains offering an eco-friendly way to enjoy the benefits of flowing water. Custom water features, often made from concrete and metal, can enhance the ambiance of a vertical garden wall, aligning with Feng Shui principles for outdoor spaces. Integrating water features into existing pool designs, such as spouts from a retaining wall, is also a common approach. Plunge pools serve as excellent water features for smaller areas, and can be heated for night swims. Natural boulder and stone features around pools and spas can create the illusion of a natural lagoon. Elaborate stone water features, complete with growing vines, offer a dramatic statement for those with a larger budget. Small ponds with spouts can transform compact backyards into relaxing getaways. Built-in ponds, especially those integrated into decks with lily pads, bridge the gap between paved and green spaces. Water feature walkways, like a teak wood path over a pond with spouts, enhance the flow and sensory experience of a garden. Natural water features, such as narrow ponds built into retaining walls, utilize existing landscape elements. Artistic water fountains can double as garden art, completing the look of a pond. Tuscan-inspired wall-mounted fountains trickling into a pond evoke European charm, especially when paired with lush gardens and textured privacy walls. Elevated water features mimic waterfalls without significant cost, and can be adorned with lily pads. Incorporating water features into outdoor dining areas elevates the experience with soothing sounds. Unexpected placements, like a water feature at the bottom of deck stairs, utilize overlooked spaces. Modern water features often incorporate sleek materials like fire glass, river stones, and copper pipes for added color and texture. Water spout additions to existing ponds improve visual appeal and help keep the water oxygenated and clean. Round water features with manicured hedges offer a polished, symmetrical look. Utilizing natural creeks by adding native plants and boulders enhances their inherent beauty. For ultimate backyard transformations, professional landscape architects can design complex water features like waterfalls, creek beds, and rock gardens. Infinity water features, where water cascades between metal bodies, provide a contemporary and clean aesthetic. Grand limestone water features surrounded by boxwoods and perennials create welcoming front entrances. Unconventional designs, such as a long metal spout with a round steel pond, function as both water features and garden art. Regarding practical considerations, water features in hot climates benefit from partial shade to reduce evaporation, while in cooler climates, placement should prioritize enjoyment. Low-maintenance options include fountains with free-flowing water and pumps, as standing water features require regular cleaning or filtration to prevent algae. Decorating the inside of small water features involves selecting items based on personal style, arranging larger elements like driftwood and rocks, and filling gaps with smaller pebbles and floating plants. The best location for a water feature is one where its sounds can be enjoyed, considering proximity to a power source and safety for children and pets. #WaterFeatures #LandscapeDesign #OutdoorLiving #GardenDesign #HomeDecor #BackyardIdeas #FountainDesign #PondDesign #OutdoorOasis