Five Design Varieties for a Unique Water Feature

Adding a bit of beauty and nature to our urban landscape, architectural water features are becoming increasingly desirable elements in residential and corporate complexes and public spaces. With this growth comes the challenge of creating a unique design, and the opportunity to push our creative boundaries.

As we discussed in a previous article, there is plenty of inspiration to be found within essential or basic water feature types, such as spouts and jets. However, developers and designers aiming for a truly unique project might wish to go beyond these simple templates. Here are some of the additions that can make an installation come to life in truly distinctive ways:

Water Walls

A modern take on the traditional waterfall, water walls use a level and consistent overflow edge to create linear patterns. As with the majority of cascading water features, the overall aesthetic is heavily influenced by the structure’s texture and materials. These projects are often best accentuated by including uplighting in their basin. When designed on a large scale, water walls can bring a feeling of luxury and grandeur to a space or property.

70-foot wide water wall at Aviara in Burnaby

Fog Systems

Few things contribute to engaging spaces quite like a fog-producing water installation. These effects are produced by specialized nozzles, and can be incorporated with timed sequencing devices to truly entrance spectators. Fog systems can be used to highlight sections of the features that they are attached to, such as our Vancouver Roundhouse structure, or can be standalone constructs, as exemplified by the Shaw Tower installation. These are exceptionally well suited to areas with soaring temperatures during the summer, and have an interactive component that the public is sure to enjoy.

Water Play (Interactive Feature)

While all water features are intended to engage with the public -- whether through offering a splash a grandeur or a piece of serenity -- water play features take this to the next level. Often featuring jets and fountains, these interactive features are particularly effective in public spaces such as parks or community hubs, adding an element of fun that also combats the summer heat. Water play can take on very different forms, as between our projects at the Foot of Lonsdale and The Shipyards in North Vancouver.

Water play feature at The Shipyards Splash Park in North Vancouver. Photo: Cliff Ma Photography

Koi Ponds

Blending nature with architecture is one of Vincent Helton’s core design values. Koi ponds are a perfect example of where these contradicting styles collide. Live koi and lotus flowers carry positive significance in Feng Shui and provide exciting visual stimuli for people of all ages. Relaxing by the edge of a koi pond is a guaranteed stress reliever that helps bring cityscapes back down to their natural roots.

Programmed Fountains

Innovations in pumping systems allow us to craft spectacular programmed displays. This variety of architectural water feature incorporates jet nozzles to generate lively arrays. Lighting is used to further these effects, which can be especially mesmerizing at night. One of our crowning achievements, the fountains in Queen Elizabeth Park, uses all of the above.

Programmed fountains at Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver

Innovative water features contribute towards what makes shared spaces unique, and our specialists at Vincent Helton are always seeking to push the envelope in creative new ways. With over 35 years of water feature design under our belt and over 1000 projects completed, we’re excited to see where the water takes us next.