Recreation lake
Lake Gkula
A recreation lake with rock walls, planted margins and water lilies.
Featured on ABC Gardening Australia
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Sheet 01 / 09
From sketch to stream.
Australia’s leading natural water feature designers.
Build-ready designs and consultation for natural ponds, lakes, streams and waterfalls. Over 25 years of experience, working with landscapers, councils, civil companies and architects across Australia and worldwide.
(Fig. 01) Drawn: concept plan, Ferntree Gully
(Fig. 02) Built: Ferntree Gully
Who we draw for
(A)
Landscapers
Drawings your crew can quote from and build from, without the guesswork.
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Councils
Documentation that supports approvals, public use and long-term maintenance.
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Civil companies
Levels, hydraulics and quantities resolved before machinery arrives on site.
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Architects
Water designed as part of the wider site, coordinated with your drawing set.
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Why drawings matter
Most designs look great, until someone tries to build them.
Waterscape Design bridges the gap between ideas and reality with technical, build-ready plans that make quoting and construction effortless.
01
Accurate quoting
02
Fewer variations or delays
03
Easier council approvals
04
A finished feature that performs beautifully
(Fig. 03) Section A: swimming zone, stream + waterfalls, wetland filter
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Drawn by hand
(Fig. 04) Calming Waters concept sketch, pen and marker, MIFGS 2016
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Services
Detailed designs. No guesswork. Build with confidence.
(3.1)
Concept design
A rendered plan, sections and a clear picture of how the water will look, flow and be used, before anything is dug.
Rendered concept plan
Sections + lifestyle design
Planting + ecology
(3.2)
Technical documentation
Construction-ready drawings in Vectorworks, with the schedules and calculations a contractor needs to quote accurately.
Construction + plumbing plans
Standard details
Product schedules + hydraulic notes
Flow rate + plumbing calculations
(3.3)
Consultation
Site-specific guidance from people who build these systems every day, for new projects and for lakes and ponds that need help.
Site + feasibility advice
Design reviews
Water quality + maintenance
(Fig. 05) Construction plan, scale 1:50
A typical drawing set
Every sheet answers a question your contractor would otherwise have to guess. Sets are scaled to the project, from a backyard stream to a public lake.
No.
Drawing title
L001
Construction plan
L002
Plumbing plan
D001
Wetland filter
D002
Intake bay and pumps
D003
Drainage and top-up
D004
Jets
D005
Rock walls
D006
Waterfall and stream
D007
Beach
D008
Liner
D009
Planting
M001
Material schedules
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Process
From concept to completion.
01
Brief + site
We start with your site, levels, water source and how the feature will be used.
02
Concept
A rendered concept plan and sections to agree the design intent with everyone involved.
03
Technical drawings
Construction, plumbing and detail drawings, with schedules and calculations.
04
Quote + build
Your contractor prices from the set. We stay on hand through construction.
(D61) Waterfall structure, front view
(D65) Stepping stones
(D63) Stream excavation, longitudinal
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Selected projects
Drawn, then built.
Recreation pond
Ferntree Gully
A backyard recreation pond with a sand beach, rock edges and clear water for swimming.
Designed by Ben Harris
Show garden
Harmony Garden
A show garden built around a stream, waterfalls and a curved timber bridge.
MIFGS 2018. Designed by Meg Geary + Ben Harris
Show garden
Calming Waters
A show garden where a shallow stream runs past a timber pergola.
MIFGS 2016. Designed by Ben Harris
Residential garden
44 Clive Street
A residential garden with a bamboo spout, stone bowl and rock-edged water.
As seen on ABC Gardening Australia
Growing a Festival
Costa Georgiadis explores Woodfordia with Patrick Handley, including Lake Gkula, the natural swimming lake designed for the festival.
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About
Every project begins with the landscape itself.
We respond to the natural setting, working with its forms, textures and rhythms to create water features that feel as though they have always belonged.
Our ecosystem approach ensures ponds, streams and wetlands are not only beautiful but also self-sustaining, supporting balance and biodiversity.
(Fig. 06) Walking the edge, Lake Gkula
Principal Designer
Patrick Handley
Patrick is a horticulturist, permaculturist and environmentalist with over twenty-five years of international experience. An industry innovator, he introduced Aquascape technology to Australia and has delivered award-winning natural water features nationwide.
Designer + Master Certified Aquascape Contractor
Ben Harris
Ben is a Master Certified Aquascape Contractor and award-winning landscape designer. With formal training in horticulture and extensive experience in both formal and naturalistic gardens, he is recognised for his artistic eye and ability to create water features that blend seamlessly with their surroundings.
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From the drawing board to the water.
@waterscapedesign
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Start a project
Let’s talk.
Have a question about your project? Feel free to reach out to us. As the demand for natural water features grows, Waterscape Design offers expert design and consultation, working alongside landscapers, councils, civil companies and architects worldwide.
info@waterscapedesign.com.au
Find us
Based in Australia. Designing worldwide.
Team
Patrick Handley and Ben Harris