Feature: Water Works
July 1, 2005
MARK HOLDEN, HOLDENWATER
Southern California landscape architect and contractor Mark Holden has become
renowned in the last few years for his work on several major estates. Among the
standouts is Cima del Mundo, a spectacular Montecito ranch on 50 acres. Holden
was charged with the task of creating the entire outdoor environment. The pool
alone cost $750,000, with an additional $2.25 million going to the construction
of numerous water features that are virtually indistinguishable from the older
elements on the property. Holden also lectures on his craft at Genesis 3.; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
An Italian limestone fountain on the north lawn. (Click image to enlarge)
What is the key to your success?
I have merged landscape architecture
and construction with water architecture and design knowledge. I teach landscape
architects about building and teach builders about landscape architecture–and am
trying to merge those two industries together. Successful water architecture is
a combination of design and construction skills.; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Cantera stone used for a courtyard fountain was artificially aged by
artisans. (Click image to enlarge)
What distinguishes your work?
I have done a lot of historical restoration. I
created a niche for myself by coming into homes that were built in the teens and
the 1920s and recreating a landscape that is historically accurate. The project
in Montecito is now for sale for $40 million. Over a three-year period and with
$3 million, we did everything from bringing in fountains by helicopter and by
crane to building a pool on a 75-foot concrete structure. It was like building a
freeway on-ramp and putting a pool on top of that.; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
A quaint precast concrete model. (Click image to enlarge)
What are some of the challenges in creating water features?
Clients should
consider how far they are willing go with their concept. I am more a
psychologist than a designer in the preliminary phase. Water is one of the most
affecting elements in the environment: We have a deep instinctual connection
with water. On a practical level, you should understand geology and be willing
to support something in really poor soil underground.
What have your clients been asking for as of late?
A lot more artificial rock
is being requested. Vanishing-edge pools. A return to some of the master
concepts; pool construction didn’t start 45 years ago, it started 4,500 years
ago. I’m seeing a resurgence of classic Greco-Roman water-feature elements and
re-creations of the Italian High Renaissance—style water features.
HoldenWater
714.626.0333
www.waterarchitecture.com
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