JePierreLLC – Je'PierreLLC

Water Diversion for Rainwater Runoff and Water Control.

Rains in the desert southwest are often short and intense causing rapid water runoff on slopes and flash flooding in usually dry washes. To manage where water flows this JePierreLLC project has more than meets the eye. In addition to being an intimate waterfall this water feature also functions to divert rainwater from running down the mountainside onto the homeowner’s property or into the pool.

This rock wall was constructed at a steeper angle than its surroundings, secured in the mountainside with anchors and then backfilled slightly to create the diversion. It’s undetectable from all viewing angles and blends in naturally with its surroundings.

In our next blog post we will show how soil erosion prevention and water diversion is accomplished with a perimeter wall designed and built by JePierreLLC

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Natural Rock and an Artesian Spring

Je’PierreLLC is widely recognized as a master sculptor with man-made natural looking water features created in residential and commercial settings. But wait, there’s more!

Je’PierreLLC also utilizes natural rocks to create features that mother nature may have overlooked. The stream shown below was created using indigenous rocks from a nearby location, placing each one individually for a natural appearance and very soothing sound.

Originating above the surrounding aquifer as an artesian spring, the stream passes under a bridge before feeding two man made ponds as shown in the second image. This project was designed to recirculate water from the lower pond back to the artesian springs. Since this phase of the project was completed in the late 90’s, the property has been fully built out and matured as shown in the aerial view.

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Soil Nailing: Creating Natural Looking Rock Walls.

Along Arizona State Route-87 (Beeline Hiway) you will pass 120,000 sq ft of soil-nailed retaining walls carved by Je’Pierre Liles, master sculptor of Je’PierreLLC. The project was part of a massive $55.6 million project in the late 1990’s to widen the final 6.8 miles of hiway between Phoenix and Payson, AZ

The dozen walls were designed by Gernot Ueblacker of Ground Enhancement Corp., Denver CO., after exploring the ground conditions and determining the loads each wall would face. Once the process of soil nailing is complete, steel and mesh are secured, and the first layer of shotcrete has been applied, a second layer is applied with Je’Pierre and his crew following right behind. As a master sculptor Je’Pierre takes his cues from surrounding rock formations and carves natural looking details into the shotcrete so the final appearance resembles a natural rock outcropping.

On this project wall heights were as high as 50ft with lengths from 60ft to 600ft. About one week after the shotcrete has cured, the walls receive their final look by shading and staining cracks, columns and shelves with up to five different colors.

Je’Pierre Liles has specialized in sculpting shotcrete, creating unique GFRC molds and boulders, and staining for over 40 years. His project experience spans aquariums, zoos, resorts, theme parks and multimillion dollar homes. Je’Pierre considers his ability a true gift and has taught a lot of people to do what he does. He also takes great pride in hiring local labor to assist in his creations that exist from coast to coast in the United States and select destination around the world. Visit our about page to review a notable list of commercial and residential projects.

How to Construct Artificial Rock Waterfalls

If you’ve ever been to a zoo, world-class hotel pool, or commercial facility, chances are you’ve seen an artificial rock waterfall, man-made pond or other water feature. Artificial rocks, sometimes known as fake rock or faux rock waterfalls are being constructed around the world using lightweight, durable and environmentally harmonious products.

The materials used to create artificial rock waterfalls can vary depending on the installation. Glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) is an ideal choice for both commercial and residential installations. GFRC consists of high-strength glass fiber embedded in a cement matrix that offers superior flexibility and lightness to simplify structural framing needs. GFRC artificial rock panels provide unlimited diversity in size, form and color. They are also economical in comparison to handling natural rock and easy to install.

Construction of an artificial rock waterfall can present very unique ideas, expressed in rock. The number of designs, styles and colors are only as limited as the imagination. Whether your artificial rock waterfall is part of a larger pool at a world-class hotel or simply a remodel for a backyard pool, your rock waterfall water feature has the timeless potential of being uniquely yours.

Creating the world’s most realistic artificial rock waterfalls, ponds, and grottos using GFRC requires a true artistic touch. Artificial rocks are designed to resemble natural stone or rock, but without the high transit cost, maintenance and depletion of natural resources. GFRC is also impervious to rain, hail and even freezing weather.

So, how do rock waterfall construction companies create such a realistic look and feel in an artificial waterfall? A key design component is the use of 3-dimensional cracks that add depth to intricate shapes, making them closely resemble natural rock waterfall characteristics.

There are do-it-yourself kits to construct residential artificial rock waterfalls, but for a completely professional installation, or large commercial rock waterfalls, it’s best to leave the construction up to professionals. Not only will a professional have years of experience constructing artificial waterfalls, they also have mechanical experience setting up pumps for even water dispersion to assure that a natural look and sound is created. By taking safety and efficiency concerns into consideration, your investment is assured to withstand the test of time.

Whether your artificial rock waterfall project is for a private residence or a large commercial location, artificial rock waterfalls are a focal point providing an ambiance that only rocks and water together can convey.

Constructing a Natural Rock Landscape with Artificial Rocks

While many resorts, golf courses, theme parks and zoos use natural rock landscapes, a more cost effective and eco-friendly option is to use artificial rocks. Constructing natural-looking rock formations with glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC), landscape options are endless. Whether you want to incorporate a man-made pond or dramatic artificial rock waterfall into the landscape design or simply weave artificial rock formations that very closely resemble Mother Nature inspired boulders between plants and flowers, the options are limitless.

In fact, designs for a combination of both natural rock landscapes and faux rock are common as well. Using natural rock and fake rocks in the construction of rock landscapes allows for complete customization while taking safety, maintenance and other obstacles into account.

Safety and Natural Rock Landscapes

During the planning stage of a natural rock landscape, the future safety of your guests and yourself is taken seriously. If it is not intended that guest be able to access the rock formation or walk into a specific area, the plan design will limit access. However, if it is intended for guests to be able to walk through or climb over the landscape, there are several considerations to take into account. For example, the flatness of each of the surface levels and their textures to limit accidents such as trips, slips and falls, and injury.

Should You Use Natural or Artificial Rock Formations?

A rock formation expert can give advice on whether to use natural rock or artificial rock in the construction of the rock landscape by assessing the construction requirements for both installation methods and use of suitable materials. He will then be able to ascertain the need for proper structure support as well as clearance needed to access the construction site with heavy equipment.

Natural Rock Landscape and Your Pool

There’s one quick point to make about using natural rock around a water feature – the maintenance issue. You may think, what types of issues do rocks have? They’re…well… rocks! While most natural rock landscapes are durable to an extent, natural rocks slowly disintegrate over time, especially if there is running water passing over them. When natural rocks are used in the construction of a man-made stream, waterfall, pool cave or grotto, small piles of sand may accumulate on the pool floor below the boulders.

Whether you are a residential homeowner, landscape company, general contractor or asset manager looking to add unique dimension to your property, be sure to consult a professional rock design and construction company to insure the highest quality in the industry.

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Add a Unique Dimension with a Pool Cave or Grotto

Are you thinking of installing a pool cave or grotto? A grotto is a natural or artificial cave often near water and often flooded or liable to flood at high tide. When talking about a pool grotto; however, while there’s no need to worry about high tide, a pool grotto is usually at least partially submerged in water at all times. Depending on the design, a rock waterfall may cascade over the top of the pool cave and spill into the main part of the pool.

Selection of the location and size of a pool cave is up to the owner and designer. The choices are almost endless. For example, a grotto can be near the shallow end of the pool with water cascading over it, providing shelter from the sun and the cooling effect of the water as it splashes down. Other pool caves have been built to create dramatic backdrops in large hotel pools acting as a focal point for the entire resort. Upon completion of pool caves, guests can swim out to the grotto, hop up on a bench built under the water and enjoy being partially submerged while tucked away from the world. Larger pool caves can include lighting features so that evening swimming is more enjoyable. As you can see, the options are only as limited as your imagination!

Artificial rockwork is often used when building a large pool cave or grotto in areas where there is limited access to the backyard or commercial installation site. Should natural rock be used instead of, or in addition to artificial rock, heavy equipment such as cranes and skid loaders will require access and clearance to move boulders around the installation site.

When designing a grotto or pool cave, care should be taken to consult with the homeowner or property manager to determine the exact components of the water feature. Some individuals will want a big rock grotto so that swimmers can jump into the pool below. Others, for safety, insurance or other reasons will want to prevent guest access to the top of the grotto. Numerous hotel bars have been built into a pool cave where patrons can swim up, have a seat and order a drink. Having a clear view and a detailed pool design plan will facilitate the construction of your pool cave or grotto. Should you need assistance, your pool contractor can surely guide you in the right direction.

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Constructing Aquariums and Zoos Using Artificial Rock Formations

In a commercial aquarium or zoo, artificial rock formations help to bring the animals and nature a little bit closer.

Anyone that has been to a large aquarium or zoo has more than likely seen the one-of-a-kind artificial rock formations created by master rock formation designers.

Artificial rock formations are everywhere. Sometimes these artificial rocks are under water in an aquarium. Sometimes they are used to create walls or enclosures to separate people and animals. Other times they may be part of a water feature.

In a commercial rock installation, these fake, or sometimes called faux rocks, have been created using the latest design tools, engineering techniques and technologically advanced equipment to create the perfect environment for not only people but also animals and fish. These commercial faux rock installations have many benefits. Not only are they visually appealing for the visiting public, they can be used to form safety barriers between the species and many experts will agree that the animals benefit from the comfort of the natural surroundings as well.

The goal of any artificial rock formation is to be the most natural and aesthetically pleasing as possible. Strategic placement of the fake rocks and the actual construction of the artificial rocks are what give them a realistic look and feel. Care is also taken when incorporating artificial rocks into any natural rock design to ensure the safety of the animals, fish and humans. Materials used in the construction of artificial rock formations are safety rated to protect the environment and its inhabitants.

If the faux rock is part of a water feature, extra care is taken in the placement of the rock and its design to assure a constant, natural-looking flow. Additionally, if the rock formation will come in contact with water, it will need to be properly sealed to prevent water leakage in waterfalls, man-made ponds, streams, etc.

If you haven’t seen an artificial rock formation up close, some examples of commercial applications can be found at the following aquariums:

Baltimore Aquarium – Baltimore, MD

John Shed Aquarium – Chicago, IL

Tennessee Aquarium – Chattanooga, TN

Tampa Aquarium – Tampa, FL

Commerson’s Dolphin Exhibit – Akron, OH

Sea World – Orlando, FL

Sea World – San Diego, CA

Sea World – San Antonio, TX

Do you want to create a new aquarium or zoo enclosure for your commercial facility? Contact a master rock formation designer and get started creating a one-of-a-kind natural fish or animal habitat to be enjoyed by everyone!