Looking for a bespoke water feature designer and installer

I would agree with all of Claudia's comments, especially about the liner creases.

We did a similar water feature last year but the rill was straight with right angled corners. Joining and creasing the liner was a bit of a nightmare. We weren't particularly happy with the finish but the client was. We were able to cover some of the creases with plants.

I think to use a liner with a curved rill will cause problems with the finished look. If the budgets there, get a stainless one made. You might be able to get a peformed liner made.

I ended up making a lip for the water to fall from out of copper. If you use a stainless steel blade (ebay have good prices) there is a lot of gubbings to hide in the wall. You will also see a lot of pipe and have to seal the liner around the pipe inlet hole on the blade.

The picture below shows the garden we completed last year. (we are going back to take proper pics when the client has painted the wall, the plants have grown a bit and there's a bit more light)

Replies

claudia de yong March 4, 2010 at 7:02pm

Hello, I have done a few raised ponds and for many I have used blockwork and then clad with stone or bricks. Most people use firestone as a liner now which is thicker rather than butyl which is slightly more expensive.Make sure you have a proper underlay too.

Your design will make it it imperitive to make sure the liner has no creases in it as they will be visible if there is no planting or shingle to hide anything.

Also make sure no cement falls into the water while bonding your edging sets.

www.claudiadeyong.com
Kieran Ray March 4, 2010 at 7:23pm

Speak to karl harrison he does bespoke water fetures.
The Perfumed Garden March 5, 2010 at 5:56pm

I would agree with all of Claudia's comments, especially about the liner creases.

We did a similar water feature last year but the rill was straight with right angled corners. Joining and creasing the liner was a bit of a nightmare. We weren't particularly happy with the finish but the client was. We were able to cover some of the creases with plants.

I think to use a liner with a curved rill will cause problems with the finished look. If the budgets there, get a stainless one made. You might be able to get a peformed liner made.

I ended up making a lip for the water to fall from out of copper. If you use a stainless steel blade (ebay have good prices) there is a lot of gubbings to hide in the wall. You will also see a lot of pipe and have to seal the liner around the pipe inlet hole on the blade.

The picture below shows the garden we completed last year. (we are going back to take proper pics when the client has painted the wall, the plants have grown a bit and there's a bit more light)
Nick Donaghey @ Garden Gurus March 5, 2010 at 8:28pm

Hi - I was just going to say the same as Claudia and The Perfumed garden (sorry don't know your name). Even if you can manage to get the liner down without creases (very tough shape to do that) how is a shallow rill going to look when all you can see is rubber liner?
Sorry I can't help re the feature itself!
Katrina Kieffer- Wells March 6, 2010 at 1:31am

usual story really - 'what's your budget?' - don't have one, until you give a verbal estimate and they panic! I really have no idea how much this sort of thing would cost - we have tried to do water features int he past with various sucess rates and failures, and just felt this one might be a bit beyond us. I am happy to simplfy it if the cost gets crazy...