BESPOKE WATER FEATURE DESIGN, SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION

 

AK Water Features is a London-based specialist in bespoke water feature design, supply and installation for private gardens and residential landscapes across the UK, with design consultancy available internationally.

A feature that appears calm and effortless within a finished garden depends on the careful resolution of its form, water movement, structure, materials, lighting, hydraulics, controls and servicing requirements. We work closely with landscape architects, garden designers, architects and private clients, developing the water feature as an integral part of the wider garden. Joining the project early allows us to resolve the technical details around your design and keep the feature aligned with the wider programme.

HOW WE WORK

Two routes, depending on the project.

Design, supply and installation. The usual UK route. AK Water Features takes the feature from concept through detailed design, fabrication, installation and commissioning as one coordinated package. When appointed for full delivery, we provide one point of responsibility for the completed water feature and its performance.

Design consultancy. For projects where a different contractor is already appointed for the build, or for projects outside the UK. AK Water Features develops the design and produces the technical information required for others to build the feature.

TYPICAL PROJECT BUDGETS

Every project is different, and therefore quoted individually. But for a bespoke design, supply and installation package, the costs typically start around £20,000 + VAT for a single, well-defined feature.

More complex schemes typically involve multiple features, a dedicated plant room and filtration systems, and full home-automation integration.

Design-only appointments are also quoted separately, based on scope and complexity.

TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY STUDY

This stage is typically for more complex or multi-feature schemes. For a single, well-defined feature, we’re usually able to provide a direct fixed-price proposal without a separate feasibility stage.

£1,500–£2,500 + VAT depending on scope. Credited in full when AK Water Features is subsequently appointed for design, supply and installation.

Bringing water into a scheme early gives it the best chance of being properly resolved — and gives you a real figure to work with while the budget is still being shaped.

 

WHAT YOU RECEIVE

One concise illustrated study, typically 8–12 pages depending on the scale and number of features, covering:

  • Design & water behaviour — preliminary layout, dimensions, water levels, edge conditions and the intended movement and sound of the water.
  • Hydraulic & equipment strategy — how the feature will operate, including preliminary circulation, filtration, water treatment and equipment requirements.
  • Plant room & services — likely plant-room location and space requirements, together with preliminary power, water, drainage and control requirements.
  • Construction & coordination — key structural, waterproofing, pipework and landscape interfaces, and the risks and constraints that need resolving before construction.
  • Scope & responsibilities — defining the proposed AKWF works and the requirements to be coordinated with the wider project team.
  • Budget & programme — a fixed-price proposal for the defined works, together with anticipated lead times, before progressing to detailed design.
  • Maintenance & aftercare — a preliminary view of ongoing servicing needs, considered from the outset rather than after construction.

 

The concept study includes one round of comments and is normally issued within 1-2 weeks of receiving the required site information.

Detailed hydraulic calculations, equipment selection, pipework specifications, pipe penetration details, bespoke water-delivery manifolds, fabrication information and final construction details are developed during the subsequent design development stage.

START WITH A FEASIBILITY STUDY

FULL DESIGN, SUPPLY & INSTALLATION

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Following approval of the feasibility study and appointment of AKWF, the preliminary proposal is developed into a fully coordinated design. Dimensions and water levels are confirmed; edge, overflow and material interfaces are resolved; equipment requirements, lighting, controls and maintenance access are agreed; and the feature is coordinated with the structure, waterproofing, electrical services and surrounding landscape. This stage establishes the approved design basis from which the technical, construction and fabrication information is produced.

TECHNICAL DESIGN

The approved design is developed into the coordinated information required for procurement, fabrication and construction. Technical design is developed using the latest version of SolidWorks engineering software, allowing assemblies, interfaces and bespoke components to be coordinated in 3D before manufacture.

This includes detailed general arrangements and sections; setting-out dimensions, water levels and tolerances; plant-room, pipework and cable layouts; equipment and service requirements; structural, waterproofing and builder’s-work interfaces; bespoke water-delivery and fabrication details; and the operating, control and automation requirements for integration with Lutron, DALI or the wider house-management system.

AKWF also produces the detailed fabrication drawing packages and CNC files required by our appointed fabricators and suppliers. These are developed and managed within our specialist supply chain to ensure that bespoke frameworks, custom water-delivery manifolds, stone profiles and other manufactured components are produced accurately from the approved design.

PLANT ROOM & SERVICING DESIGN

Filtration strategy, circulation and turnover rates, pump duty points, plant room footprint and access, power and drainage requirements, automated dosing and water treatment, control panel and integration with the house management system, and maintenance – all resolved from the outset.

FABRICATION, INSTALLATION & COMMISSIONING

Bespoke fabrication, site installation, pressure testing, calibration and commissioning. The completed feature is tested and handed over with operating instructions and a comprehensive operation and maintenance manual.One coordinated contract carries the feature from the approved design through to its finished performance on site.

MAINTENANCE & AFTERCARE

Annual service and aftercare programmes are available to keep completed features performing and looking as intended. Services include visual inspection, cleaning, water-quality management, water treatment, filtration, pump and equipment maintenance. Worn parts are replaced when required (charged separately).

WORKING WITH AK WATER FEATURES

A NOTE FOR ARCHITECTS

Our process is structured to sit comfortably alongside a RIBA-stage design programme. Concept and feasibility work broadly aligns with Stages 1–2, design development with Stage 3, and technical design with Stage 4. This allows the water feature to be coordinated with the rest of the building and landscape design from the outset, rather than resolved late and in isolation.

CONFIDENTIALITY

We are accustomed to working on private residential projects where discretion is essential and are happy to work under NDA where required.

WATER USE & SUSTAINABILITY

The water features we design operate as closed, recirculating systems. Water is filtered, treated and returned to the feature, while the water level is automatically maintained within the feature or balance tank. Where sustainability is a project priority, we also aim for water recovery during maintenance and, where appropriate, integration with rainwater or other non-potable water supplies.

If water is to play an important role in your project, we would be glad to discuss it. You can get in touch by contacting us through the contact page or press the button below.

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