Bringing ‘Up North’ into the backyard
The owners of this residence in New Berlin’s Weatherstone Estates wanted to bring “Up North” into their backyard as they transitioned into retirement. The yard sloped toward the house, making it ideal for viewing waterfalls, but the existing waterfall was poorly built and the stream had major problems.
Wales-based Aquatica was approached to help renovate the area. The owners were open to new ideas for their backyard wood line, but were concerned about maintenance, safety and aesthetics while wanting to achieve maximum viewing enjoyment from all possible angles.
After a few different designs were considered, the project was approved in the summer of 2013 and took about three weeks to complete. The goal was to create a unique design that included a world class pond that could overwinter prized Japanese Koi and multiple waterfalls starting in different areas to create more sound, movement and character, while giving the impression that two features were actually one.
The finished product makes the backyard space more usable while also creating a home for songbirds, frogs and dragonflies. Aquatica addressed the homeowners’ maintenance concerns with a pondless waterfall that avoids collecting leaves and an oversized skimmer filtration system for the pond.
Aquatica recommends homeowners interested in installing water features in their yards budget between $7,000 and $30,000. The company was founded in 2000 by Dean Pipito and has been recognized both locally and nationally.
Entertaining in urban paradise
David J. Frank Landscaping completed this project on Lincoln Avenue in West Allis. The homeowner is a local business owner who likes to entertain friends and neighbors. The work took place over multiple years and eventually included a bar, kitchen, lounge area and backdrop, in addition to the pool that was already in place.
“The number one thing was various types of entertainment space and they do like to cook,” said Zach Lieven, an associate landscape architect at Germantown-based David J. Frank.
The yard sits at a lower grade than the home. Despite being in a city location, Lieven said the space is very private and the use of tropical plantings adds to the feel.
“You feel like you’re going into a small paradise in the city,” he said.
The outdoor kitchen was created with a grill, side burner, warming station, cooler, beer cooler and ice maker. The appliances and countertops are high-end.
“That’s 100 percent made for entertaining guests, almost like an outdoor restaurant,” Lieven said.
Mindful of the homeowner’s desire to limit the need for maintenance, the pergola’s exterior is made from a synthetic decking material wrapped around a Brazilian hardwood. The bar area includes an awning that can be left up year-round without fading and can sustain winds of up to 75 mph. The homeowner did much of the work on the bar. A waterfall behind the bar increases the ambiance and fire pit bowls allow for the space to be used into the fall. Both the bar and kitchen include lighting to allow for nighttime use of the entire space. The total cost for the project, which was done over multiple years, was at least $100,000. Lieven said it was nice to see the project come together over time.
“We had planned it out ahead of time, which a lot of people don’t do,” he said.
