Landscaping for a personal space

We started working on this project in 2020. We had to develop a concept and build a pond with a waterfall from scratch on an undeveloped slope with difficult terrain. As the project progressed, the customer wanted to expand the scope of work, and new ideas appeared. As a result, we participated in the improvement of 20 hectares. The concept of the entire territory was created in the same style: a pond with two waterfalls, retaining walls, stairs, a pergola, and a grotto, all created from architectural concrete.

Tasks: to develop a project for landscaping a slope in an organic style, to implement a decorative pond on it where fish and two large waterfalls can winter, including all engineering systems, to decorate the site with rocks, boulders, and art concrete MAFs.

Result: over three seasons, we gradually implemented a large-scale project with avariety of objects. A pond and a whole network of riverbeds with two large rockycascades appeared on the territory; next to the bathhouse, there was an artificial grottowith a plunge pool, and the entire territory was decorated with intricate stones andretaining walls.

Slideshow

Waterfalls with a decorative pond

At the first stage of the project, a decorative pond and a left channel with a large, wide cascade were implemented. The geoplasticity of the landscape made it possible to lay riverbeds along the slope with large and small cascades, the maximum height difference being 18 meters.

The water flows down from almost the highest point of the site and passes down the slope through small and large cascades and enters the receiving pond. The work was complicated not only by the slope but also by the large number of green spaces, which we tried to preserve as much as possible and lay the channels so that they looked beautiful and the trees were not damaged.

Karelian shungite, a rock distinguished by its noble dark gray color, was chosen as the prototype of the stone meant as the basis for the design.

In nature, large layers of this stone are difficult to find, so here we decided to follow the original: to prevent the waterfalls from looking too monotonous, our artists added beige- brown patches to some rocks; there are free-standing boulders of this color.

The pebbles and natural stone in the riverbed are chosen in the same palette of shades; they smooth out the gray color of the shungite and add warm tones to the landscape composition.

You can cross the lower stream via an observation bridge, which offers a stunning view of the raging streams of water. The architectural design of the bridge is reminiscent of Japanese gardens. The columns seem to be made of separately assembled stones, and the railings are made of bamboo tied with jute rope. All materials are environmentally friendly and complement the surrounding landscape.

The second waterfall is different from its “big brother”. It is fed by two upper channels, the sources of which are also located at the top of the slope. Larger and more pronouncedly textured rocks can be found here. The sculptors of the VII MIRACULA Studio tried to convey their natural diversity: some are more angular, with breaks and cracks; others were washed away by water over time.

At the point where the two channels connect, the water rapidly falls from the rocky ledges down from a height of three meters, forming a smooth, mirror-like stream. The main cascade is formed in the form of large layers of rocks, giving it a majestic character.

When constructing a large cascade, we designed a passage inside the rocks. There is access to the cave on both sides, from where you can watch the flow of the water from the inside.

There is a stone bench carved from the rock, and there is also a built-in light that illuminates the cave arches and creates a magical atmosphere.

Decorative pond

The stony borders of the oval-shaped pond reach a maximum depth of 2.5 meters. There is a frost-free bottom depression for wintering fish. The diameter of the reservoir is about 10 m. The project was not only one of the largest, but also the most complex from an engineering point of view. This location can hold more than 250 cubic meters of water.

Preliminary engineering calculations indicate that for this closed hydraulic system to operate without issue, a single pump circuit proved insufficient due to the disparity in heights and the line’s length. Thus, the engineers at Studio created a system that has a separate filtering circuit, two water supply circuits (upper and lower), and a number of extra parts and components. The first, bottom group of pumps, pumps water into the intermediate reservoirs above the primary falls,in the slope’s midpoint, and subsequently, using more pumps, it is partially delivered to the very top, to the sources.

Water quality and purity are preserved by installing circuits from the main reservoir to disinfection and water filtration units, which are pumped by an additional strong pumping group. The system makes use of two industrial filters and twelve pumps with a combined output of roughly 20 kW, having a 1500 m3/h throughput capability. For organic filtering and the development of an eco- surroundings, aquatic plants have been planted, and the reservoir has a bioplate.

Certain pond stones have engineering infill installed in them, which includes skimmers, essential for clearing the water’s surface. Everything is skillfully covered up with lids. To make room for the filtering system required to clean such a big volume of water, we constructed a unique chamber on the beach and covered it up with a concealed entrance. We created “monk steps” to traverse the pond, which are stone islets situated at a sufficient separation for you to be able to walk on them.

Stairs

To facilitate travel through regions with intricate topography and water bodies, an ideal staircase route network, and viewing platforms were created. Reaching up via the left channel, the staircase rises to the original source. There is a platform at the main cascade level, featuring a bench that allows you to view the pond and the whole aerial view of a landscaped area.

There are steps all around the second waterfall. Furthermore to the passage via the cave, another route was set up on the top channel so that descending is not necessary. Paths run between the stairs. As an illustration, you may reach the second waterfall without going down after reaching the first one via climbing.

Pergola

On the incline, between the waterfalls, is a pergola where you may unwind. The arrangement is constructed to resemble a shungite rock, and it has higher ceilings and a column-like appearance. It has a bench attached to it. The column is composed of bigger stones, much like a bridge, only larger in size. This shaded area is a great location to think, daydream, or just unwind with a book. Jute rope-covered handrails are installed for comfort and security in front of the pergola.

Gazebo

The customer constructed a wooden gazebo next to the pond, but it appeared a little odd, so we proposed embellishing it with some stone elements. We accentuated the space between the floor and the earth with a stone from our environment, and constructed stairways to the gazebo. The building now harmoniously blends together with the scenery.

Grotto

The customer’s bathhouse is located on the premises. He wanted to do terracing and create an outdoor area with a swimming pool. Due to the fact that the place is located in close proximity to neighbors, we proposed to make it private and close it from prying eyes by building an artificial grotto.

The resulting structure organically fits into the location with a difference in heights and is designed in the same manner as other objects on the site. At the same time, all communal equipment is hidden in the rock cavity.

The stones used to pave the entire site are created on the basis of heated floors. This prevents them from icing in cold temperatures and provides comfort while moving barefoot.

Retaining walls

Because practically the entire area is sloping, retaining walls were a common terracing material. However, in our instance, these are handmade artistic goods, and, like other objects, sculptors manually embellished the sculptures to resemble rocks.

They complement the image of the landscape, create an organic addition to stairs and terraces, and at the same time have a practical function: they hold the soil and prevent the destruction of the slope.

As a result, during multiple stages of execution, we produced various huge and numerous other items on difficult terrain which together build a single concept. Additionally, a big level of artistic finishing, where every feature was cut out and painted by hand by our team, completed a significant amount of preliminary work on terracing and structural building, and developed innovative technical and engineering solutions to assure the functioning of Moscow’s largest man-made waterfalls.

Making a reservoir out of art concrete that features waterfalls

Before beginning work on the construction site, we conducted extensive preliminary preparation and analysis of the site. We conducted a geodetic survey and drew out a location plan and performed preliminary estimates on reservoir parameters. The artists created the concept based on the customer’s wishes and too into account the site’s qualities.

Excavating began before the reservoir was built. To prevent soil collapse, to fortify the canal on the hill, reinforced concrete supports were created, andfoundation was erected at the location of the spout and big waterfall. Then we built formwork, filled it with concrete, and dismantled it once hardened.

Following that, welding of structural parts for future rocks commenced. The frame is built from reinforcement. Welders build a long-lasting structure under the direction of the chief artist. It is then coated with metal mesh. At this point, you may observe how the basic stone outlines are made.

A concrete mixture is applied to the framework. Here, we used shotcrete technology – the solution is applied under compressed air pressure, resulting in a close interaction with the surface of the building. Because this is a water body, we used waterproofing with all surfaces in contact with water. Then the work of the sculptors began, followed by an artistic layer of building concrete on which the relief is carved and a stone texture is created.

The stones then acquire color. Hand painting is done in layers and phases. This allows you to create lifelike relief, as well as give volume and depth to your colors. We utilize resilient acrylic colors that do not fade or wash off, ensuring that objects remain intact for many years.

The second waterfall was built with the same technology, but on a greater size. Its design differs from the first: a 6 meters high cubic concrete base, a different structure and a passage were constructed for a grotto beneath the waterfall.

Due to the great altitude, the artists worked on scaffolding, yet this did not deter them from establishing all the edges, fixing cracks and chips in the most inaccessible spots, and then doing the painting.

The lower bed of the waterfall was bordered with natural stone in beige and gray tones. They integrate the structure with the first waterfall and pond, where they are used in coastal areas. A modest bridge in the shape of a stone slab was constructed across a stream.

The first waterfall launch is the most exhilarating! Before this, we diligently prepared, pumps and equipment were tested to ensure proper operation. Technical launches are always carried out to identify engineering flaws, verify waterproofing, the position of stones, the layout of the riverbed, because it is impossible to determine exactly whether the water will flow properly, and the waterfall will be smooth and lovely.

To our delight, everything went smoothly, and no severe faults were discovered. Following meticulous checks, all cascades and the water system are working well. How not to take a photo to remember such an event?

Natural stone staircase

We erected around 600 stairs and pathways on the slope blanks! Each step was put on a constructed platform, and at the installation site, artists performed sculptural cutting and painting, so each stage is unique.

Creation of an artificial grotto

Terracing and foundation were originally completed during the grotto’s construction. Loading and installing the large hot tub required a lot of work. Since the machinery couldn’t be used on a slope, therefore the typeface was carried in by hand and installed before all of the creative work was done. In this area it was necessary to create a secluded place, closed from prying eyes, so the solution in the form of a grotto suited the customer and fit very organically into the landscape. The idea was implemented, with minor changes made during the work.

After months of work on-site, the last touch is to landscape the area. For this, plants and bushes appropriate for our climate were chosen. Coniferous plants and spreading ferns frame the rock piles, together with stones and a pond. In perfect harmony, man-made nature will soon blend with living nature. Moss will ultimately appear on the stone ledges, and the developed landscape will become a fruitful environment for future residents.