Case Study

Oakland Township Residence

Completed: 2006 Location: Oakland Twp., MI Project Type: Residential Estate

Our client sought to create an inspiring landscape that would include a pond and waterfall at the entrance to the home where he and his wife, their guests, and their grandchildren could stroll, sit, and enjoy the outdoors. The client wished to extend the contemporary architecture of the home into the landscape while maintaining a cohesive relationship with the natural landscape beyond.

At over 12′ high and 120′ long, the large waterfall cascades over American Corinthian granite slabs into the man-made pond below at a rate of 1500 gallons per minute. Underneath this grand feature sits the control room: a 10’x10′ underground vault holding the plumbing, pumps, and mechanics that allow the waterfall to operate in three independent zones – including roaring rapids or gentle cascades that are mellow enough for the grandkids to enjoy.

2010 Detroit Home Design Awards
1st Place – Residential Landscape Water Feature

Highlights Include:
  • Entryway includes 10' tall Stucco privacy wall with 12' tall pillars along the front property line and front entry gates made of steel with inlaid glass
  • Front motor court is inlaid with Valders limestone as a transition to the entry of the home
  • Perimeter of the property was sculpted into a gentle slope and planted with more than fifty 20' tall evergreens for an instantly mature backdrop
  • Contemporary back yard terraces, pool, spa, waterfalls, sun shelf, and walkways were thoughtfully designed to function for both large-scale social affairs as well as everyday living
  • Patios were engineered with an internal drainage system, allowing for perfectly level Valders limestone surfaces