Contemporary Patio with a Water Feature Ideas and Designs
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Exterior Worlds Landscaping & DesignThis shade arbor, located in The Woodlands, TX north of Houston, spans the entire length of the back yard. It combines a number of elements with custom structures that were constructed to emulate specific aspects of a Zen garden. The homeowner wanted a low-maintenance garden whose beauty could withstand the tough seasonal weather that strikes the area at various times of the year. He also desired a mood-altering aesthetic that would relax the senses and calm the mind. Most importantly, he wanted this meditative environment completely shielded from the outside world so he could find serenity in total privacy.
The most unique design element in this entire project is the roof of the shade arbor itself. It features a “negative space” leaf pattern that was designed in a software suite and cut out of the metal with a water jet cutter. Each form in the pattern is loosely suggestive of either a leaf, or a cluster of leaves.
These small, negative spaces cut from the metal are the source of the structure’ powerful visual and emotional impact. During the day, sunlight shines down and highlights columns, furniture, plantings, and gravel with a blend of dappling and shade that make you feel like you are sitting under the branches of a tree.
At night, the effects are even more brilliant. Skillfully concealed lights mounted on the trusses reflect off the steel in places, while in other places they penetrate the negative spaces, cascading brilliant patterns of ambient light down on vegetation, hardscape, and water alike.
The shade arbor shelters two gravel patios that are almost identical in space. The patio closest to the living room features a mini outdoor dining room, replete with tables and chairs. The patio is ornamented with a blend of ornamental grass, a small human figurine sculpture, and mid-level impact ground cover.
Gravel was chosen as the preferred hardscape material because of its Zen-like connotations. It is also remarkably soft to walk on, helping to set the mood for a relaxed afternoon in the dappled shade of gently filtered sunlight.
The second patio, spaced 15 feet away from the first, resides adjacent to the home at the opposite end of the shade arbor. Like its twin, it is also ornamented with ground cover borders, ornamental grasses, and a large urn identical to the first. Seating here is even more private and contemplative. Instead of a table and chairs, there is a large decorative concrete bench cut in the shape of a giant four-leaf clover.
Spanning the distance between these two patios, a bluestone walkway connects the two spaces. Along the way, its borders are punctuated in places by low-level ornamental grasses, a large flowering bush, another sculpture in the form of human faces, and foxtail ferns that spring up from a spread of river rock that punctuates the ends of the walkway.
The meditative quality of the shade arbor is reinforced by two special features. The first of these is a disappearing fountain that flows from the top of a large vertical stone embedded like a monolith in the other edges of the river rock. The drains and pumps to this fountain are carefully concealed underneath the covering of smooth stones, and the sound of the water is only barely perceptible, as if it is trying to force you to let go of your thoughts to hear it.
A large piece of core-10 steel, which is deliberately intended to rust quickly, rises up like an arced wall from behind the fountain stone. The dark color of the metal helps the casual viewer catch just a glimpse of light reflecting off the slow trickle of water that runs down the side of the stone into the river rock bed.
To complete the quiet moment that the shade arbor is intended to invoke, a thick wall of cypress trees rises up on all sides of the yard, completely shutting out the disturbances of the world with a comforting wall of living greenery that comforts the thoughts and emotions.
Stoecker and Northway Architects, Inc.Inspiration for a medium sized contemporary back patio in San Francisco with a water feature and no cover.
M & J Star Construction, Inc.Covered Patio California Room - Front View
Photo of a medium sized contemporary back patio in Orange County with a water feature, concrete slabs and a roof extension.
Photo of a medium sized contemporary back patio in Orange County with a water feature, concrete slabs and a roof extension.
Eric Spurlock Custom Home Design LLCInspiration for a large contemporary courtyard patio in Albuquerque with a water feature, stamped concrete and a roof extension.
Архитектурное бюро Карцева и ВишнепольскойАрхитекторы Андрей Карцев, Юлия Вишнепольская, Александр Полковников
Inspiration for a contemporary patio in Moscow with a water feature.
Inspiration for a contemporary patio in Moscow with a water feature.
Cultivart Landscape DesignJohn Barnett, Janine Mendel
Small contemporary courtyard patio in Perth with a water feature and decking.
Small contemporary courtyard patio in Perth with a water feature and decking.
Erskine Associates LLCPhotography: Barry A. Hyman
Inspiration for a large contemporary back patio in New York with a water feature, no cover and tiled flooring.
Inspiration for a large contemporary back patio in New York with a water feature, no cover and tiled flooring.
Great American LandscapesThe clients of this northwest Washington D.C property desired a modern backyard to go with their already modern home. Going into this project the challenges we faced included the small size of the existing backyard as well as elevation changes.
To maintain the quaint feel of their existing backyard we created multiple patio spaces, and incorporated walls, steps, lights, and a modern pond-less water feature.
They are now left with a unique space that will not only impress their guests but make them feel at home.
Design FocusThis outdoor living area is perfect for entertaining year round. The adjacent stone and Oceanside glass tile fountain provides ambient sound. The fully motorized screening keeps things cozy in the evening to relax and watch TV outdoors.
Clemens & Associates Inc.Photo Credit: Lee Ann White
Contemporary back patio in Albuquerque with a water feature.
Contemporary back patio in Albuquerque with a water feature.
UserPaul Dyer
This is an example of a contemporary courtyard patio in San Francisco with a water feature.
This is an example of a contemporary courtyard patio in San Francisco with a water feature.
M & J Star Construction, Inc.Covered Patio California Room - Pool View
Design ideas for a medium sized contemporary back patio in Orange County with a water feature, concrete slabs and a roof extension.
Design ideas for a medium sized contemporary back patio in Orange County with a water feature, concrete slabs and a roof extension.
Oliver BurnsFrom the master bedroom and en-suite lies an inviting outdoor space framed by a spectacular water feature. Here the acoustics of running water and verdant foliage provide a soothing respite in the heart of one of London’s most prestigious enclaves.
Equestrian Life Luxury Desert HomesDavid Blank Photo
This is an example of a contemporary back patio in Los Angeles with a water feature, tiled flooring and a roof extension.
This is an example of a contemporary back patio in Los Angeles with a water feature, tiled flooring and a roof extension.
TimberTownOnce you're in this backyard, there's really no reason to leave. Texas Custom Construction did a great job creating an outdoor oasis.
This is an example of a large contemporary back patio in Austin with a water feature, natural stone paving and a roof extension.
This is an example of a large contemporary back patio in Austin with a water feature, natural stone paving and a roof extension.
Bloom Concrete & Landscape DesignFront Patio Entry
Photo of a small contemporary front patio in Denver with a water feature and concrete slabs.
Photo of a small contemporary front patio in Denver with a water feature and concrete slabs.
BEVOLO GAS & ELECTRIC LIGHTSInspiration for a large contemporary back patio in New Orleans with a water feature and concrete slabs.
Whitacre Greer CompanyKGK Gardening & Design Corporation is creating this beautiful entrance space. Thanks! We appreciate you thinking of us. Blend of 50 series pavers in 4x8 and 8x8 bevel with spacing lugs.
Contemporary Patio with a Water Feature Ideas and Designs
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