GARDEN DESIGN
URBAN EARTH ’ S FIRST
COLLABORATION
WITH CLEAR WATER REVIVAL ( CWR )
The initial stage of the project consisted of erecting Tree Protection Fencing , as per the planning approved Tree Protection Plan , to ensure that the existing trees were not damaged by the excavation or landscaping works .
The initial excavation consisted of digging in layers , which was closely supervised by an archaeologist who closely analysed each layer of excavated soil to ensure nothing of archaeological value was unearthed ; however , the biggest find was an old flower bed built of stonework .
Approximately 300 tonnes of soil was excavated and removed . We were limited by access consequently the soil had to be carefully grabbed over the 15-foot historic rubble stone boundary wall , surrounded by protected trees .
The swimming pool site area is within a Grade II listed house and garden within the village of Lympstone , Devon , with lovely views towards the Exe Estuary .
This was Urban Earth ’ s first collaboration with Clear Water Revival ( CWR ) who were responsible for the swimming pool installation . With any project it is always essential that from the outset clear lines of communication are achieved with the client and Project Team .
The project had planning and many technical challenges , including : -
• Excavation for the pool , building up / retaining the existing sloping ground to the new pool level and landscaping , with a raised oak sleeper planting bed along the whole length of the pool and grass steps , to reduce the visual impact of the pool within the historic landscape setting .
• Ensuring that the pool cover track , cover pit decking and bonded overlip porcelain coping details were installed correctly .
Given the scale and complexity of the project , planning and reviewing progress and establishing next stages with the client and project team happened regularly , with any minor design and construction changes being agreed with the client and the Project Team .
Due to supply chain and associated COVID-related issues , some delays arose which necessitated flexibility and creativity to work to the very tight deadline , consequently we adapted our normal installation process to ensure that the project would be completed in time for the clients to host their Grand Summer Party ( after the COVID restrictions were lifted ).
The backfilling and concreting of the pool base went smoothly with many hands making light work . Once the pool was formed , we backfilled the pool walls with over one hundred tonnes of clean stone . CWR then began their build , covering the pool with a water-tight marquee .
After the completion of work by CWR , we returned to undertake the landscaping works , including a stepped oak sleeper planting bed ; grass steps ; composite Millboard areas and natural slate steppingstones over shingle to link the decking areas ; Mediterranean themed planting with lavender hedging to wrap around the north and east sides of the pool , specimen Amelanchier lamarkii shrubs , a dwarf mountain pine tree , contrasting areas of pebbles and slate rock groups . A waterfall feature was also constructed with varied slate stone , pebbles , marginal planting , ferns , grasses , and herbaceous perennials .
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