Project Cost?

$152,500

James and Courtney were building their dream home, a place to raise their three kids and create lasting memories. They envisioned a landscape that would blend seamlessly with nature, and a pond was at the heart of that vision. But it wasn’t just for their enjoyment—it was also a tribute to James’ father. Having grown up in Korea, James’ father was deeply inspired by the serene beauty of ponds. As a landscape architect in the U.S., he saw this as an opportunity to design a legacy feature for his son’s home, overseeing every detail of the landscape surrounding their new house as a heartfelt gift to the family.

The project came to Modern Design Aquascaping through an unexpected but fortunate series of connections. James was introduced to the Adams family by Stacy, one of his patients, during a conversation at his office. Later, this recommendation was reinforced when the couple’s chosen landscaper also suggested Modern Design as the ideal team to bring their dream pond to life. With confidence in their expertise, the family moved forward, and under the leadership of Tristan, the Modern Design team crafted a masterpiece that could be enjoyed both from inside the home and throughout the outdoor space.

Diving Into The Details

This breathtaking water feature consists of a 20′ x 30′ pond, 3′ deep, with two stunning streams flowing into it, cascading through a 10′ long x 10′ wide series of waterfalls. The design incorporates driftwood accents, a jet systemto enhance circulation, and a bog area with large carnivorous plants nestled near one of the waterfalls. The build features massive Tennessee mountain boulders, some weighing up to 4 tons, carefully placed to create a naturalistic aesthetic.

Overcoming Challenges

This project was not without its obstacles. The build site was naturally filled with limestone boulders—an actual rock outcropping. While structurally interesting, the stone itself lacked the visual appeal necessary to create a stunning pond. Even more challenging, some of these boulders were so large that they couldn’t be moved without extensive effort and heavy machinery.

The Modern Design team faced these challenges head-on. Additional equipment was brought in, and some of the limestone had to be jackhammered for removal, while other boulders were carefully lifted and relocated. Against all odds, the team conquered the difficult digging conditions and made way for the pond’s installation. To further ensure stability and proper drainage, they brought in 81 cubic yards of topsoil (the equivalent of five tri-axle dump truck loads) to reshape the landscape, making it both safe for installation and visually harmonious with the surrounding environment.

An under-the-pond drainage system was also installed to mitigate groundwater issues that arose during excavation. Ultimately, the team masterfully blended the mossy Tennessee mountain boulders with selectively placed native limestone, creating dramatic outcroppings that extended seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

A Legacy Completed

With the pond fully installed, the finishing touches brought the space to life. Vibrant lilies and aquatic plants filled the water, while hand-picked Japanese koi, carefully chosen by the team on a trip to Japan, swam gracefully within their new home. The entire outdoor space was enhanced by James’ father’s expertly designed landscape, featuring winding walkways and carefully curated plantings that tied everything together. The result? A breathtaking retreat where the family can relax, enjoy, and connect for generations to come—a true realization of their dream pond.

Project Cost?

$152,500

James and Courtney were building their dream home, a place to raise their three kids and create lasting memories. They envisioned a landscape that would blend seamlessly with nature, and a pond was at the heart of that vision. But it wasn’t just for their enjoyment—it was also a tribute to James’ father. Having grown up in Korea, James’ father was deeply inspired by the serene beauty of ponds. As a landscape architect in the U.S., he saw this as an opportunity to design a legacy feature for his son’s home, overseeing every detail of the landscape surrounding their new house as a heartfelt gift to the family.

The project came to Modern Design Aquascaping through an unexpected but fortunate series of connections. James was introduced to the Adams family by Stacy, one of his patients, during a conversation at his office. Later, this recommendation was reinforced when the couple’s chosen landscaper also suggested Modern Design as the ideal team to bring their dream pond to life. With confidence in their expertise, the family moved forward, and under the leadership of Tristan, the Modern Design team crafted a masterpiece that could be enjoyed both from inside the home and throughout the outdoor space.