Designing for Landscape Architecture
Designing for Water in the Landscape
Designing water features, both functional and decorative, has been a component of landscape design since the earliest civilizations. Early Asian and Roman settlements provide examples of decorative and functional water features that enhanced both the aesthetics and the ecology of developments. The SITES v2 Rating System provides a number of criteria that address water conservation as a critical consideration in landscape architectural and site planning projects.
In the SITES v2 Rating System, Section 1: Site Context provides criteria for protection of flood plain functions (P 1.2) and conservation of aquatic ecosystems (P 1.3). Section 3: Site Design – Water, has six criteria addressing water management. These criteria include:
- Water P3.1: Manage precipitation on-site
- Water P3.2: Reduce water use for irrigation
- Water C3.3: Manage precipitation beyond baseline
- Water C3.4: Reduce outdoor water use
- Water C3.5: Design functional stormwater features as amenities
- Water C3.6: Restore aquatic ecosystems
Outdoor water features can provide a means for managing precipitation, providing functional stormwater features, providing areas for the restoration of aquatic ecosystems, and providing storage for rainwater collection that can be used for on-site irrigation. Construction of outdoor water features requires an impervious layer to hold the water. This impervious layer can be a rubber liner or an EPDM geomembrane.
By definition, EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer [M-class] rubber) is a type of synthetic rubber that is also an elastomer characterized by a wide range of applications. The M refers to its classification in ASTM standard D-1418; the M class includes rubbers having a saturated chain of the polymethylene type.
Geomembranes can be used for a variety of conditions and to address a number of different design challenges. They have been used in the following applications.
- Agricultural pits and ponds
- Aquaculture applications
- Canals
- Constructed wetlands
- Decorative water features
- Evaporation ponds
- Exposed covers and caps
- Landscaping features
- Mining applications
- Retention ponds
- Water reservoirs
When designing the landscape of a home, landscape architects, architects, and engineers may consider a pond or water feature to increase the aesthetic appeal and value of the property, and enhance the ecology of the site through the creation of ponds for mitigating stormwater runoff and for the collection of rainwater.
Rubber liners or EPDM geomembranes are the ideal tool for creating a unique water feature in a landscape design, such as a decorative pond, a fountain, a koi pond, a small stream, or a waterfall. Rubber liners are available in a variety of sizes and lengths, contributing to design flexibility and allowing the liner to fit snugly over the ground under any water feature without cracking or tearing. EPDM geomembranes are available in various panel sizes so that designers can choose a minimal number of panels to reduce the amount of field seaming required.
Photo courtesy of Firestone Building Products
Pond liners can be used to create water features at residential and commercial sites.
EPDM geomembranes are a durable, dependable solution for many water gardening projects in both residential and commercial applications, but especially for larger projects that require water containment applications, such as agriculture, aquaculture, and mining. EPDM is specifically formulated to be safe for fish and aquatic life.
The specially compounded material in the EPDM geomembrane prevents cracking, thus making it durable against UV and ozone exposure as well as extreme temperatures.
CASE STUDY: DEXTER NATIONAL FISH HATCHERY
The Dexter National Fish Hatchery in Dexter, New Mexico, has EPDM geomembranes as liners in 25 new ponds. There was a challenge when the ponds were initially installed, as the 25 new ponds were left unlined. In the past, the facility had tried several membranes, such as HDPE, hypalan, and polypropylene in other ponds, but these membranes left wrinkles that resulted in the loss of fry or fingerling fish who got caught up in them. After leaving the new ponds unlined for two years, the facility was losing up to 3,000 gallons of water per day so it sought a new solution.
Solution: After doing some research and visiting other fish hatcheries were using, the Dexter NFH&TC selected a 45-mil, scrim-reinforced EPDM geomembrane. The membrane was selected for its lay-flat characteristics, performance in exposed applications, and seaming method that utilizes tape versus heat-welded seams.
“Watching the EPDM being laid into place, I knew we had selected the right product for our fish,” says Manuel Ulibarri, center director of Dexter National Fish Hatchery. “Once all the seams were taped and the edges were secured into the trenches around the perimeter of the ponds, there was not a wrinkle to be found. This is so important to our operation. We are extremely pleased with the EPDM geomembrane.”
“Outstanding resistance to UV exposure and protection from microbial attacks make the rubber liner the ideal lining solution for any landscape design project,” says Allen Sopko, director of innovative products and services for Firestone Building Products. “Building professionals and homeowners value EPDM geomembranes not only for their practical benefits, but for the beauty they bring to outdoor living spaces.”
Photo courtesy of Firestone Building Products
Installation of EPDM geomembrane for the Dexter Fish Hatchery.
CASE STUDY: CRYSTAL SPRINGS RHODODENDRON GARDEN, PORTLAND
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden located in Portland has long been a favorite area attraction. In 1989, to enhance the gardens natural beauty, Portland Parks and Recreation contracted Eamonn Hughes, owner of Hughes Water Gardens, to build a waterfall that would blend effortlessly into the surroundings. The project was so successful that two additional waterfalls were constructed in 1992 and 1993. Since their addition, the waterfalls have become a major attraction and popular setting for weddings and portrait photography.
The terrain and desire to have the waterfalls blend with the natural environment were significant challenges to the project. Hughes selected an EPDM geomembrane for its durability and proven performance. The tallest of the 3 falls is 40 feet tall by 20 feet wide. In spite of the steep incline, the membrane was lightweight, making it easy to position. Additionally, 40 boulders ranging from 500 to 8,000 pounds were installed. Most were able to be placed directly on the geomembrane without risk of damaging the liner. A geotextile mat was placed between the liner and the largest boulders for an extra layer of protection.
According to the Portland Parks and Recreation Department, after nearly 20 years of running 24/7, the liners are in great shape and they show no signs of deterioration.
Photo courtesy of Firestone Building Products
The new waterfalls and garden at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden utilize EPDM geomembranes.
EPDM geomembranes can meet the following SITES v2 Rating System criteria.
Site Design – Water
- Water P3.1: Manage precipitation on-site
- Water C3.3: Manage precipitation beyond baseline
- Water C3.4: Design functional stormwater features as amenities
- Water C3.6: Restore aquatic ecosystems
Site Design – Soils And Vegetation
- Soil + Vegetation C4.4: Conserve healthy soils and appropriate vegetation
- Soil + Vegetation C4.7: Conserve and restore native plant communities in and around ponds
- Soil + Vegetation C4.8: Optimize biomass
- Soil + Vegetation C4.9: Reduce urban heat island effects
Site Design – Materials Selection
- Materials C5.5: Use recycled content materials
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