German Village, Columbus, Ohio
Deshler Ave
An Evening in the Garden: Where Water, Light & Architecture Converge
Some outdoor spaces are designed for quiet afternoons. Others come alive after the sun goes down.
In the historic neighborhood of German Village in Columbus, Ohio, Landfare Ltd. created an extraordinary outdoor setting where architecture, water and illumination work together to transform the experience of entertaining.
Designed around a custom dark-finished pool, sculptural water features and formal garden elements, the property reflects a more theatrical approach to outdoor living. Water moves in carefully choreographed sequences. Light travels across the surface of the pool. Mature hornbeams and precisely arranged boxwoods frame the garden, creating depth, symmetry and a sense of discovery.
It is a landscape designed not simply to be seen, but to be experienced.
Water as Theater
The centerpiece of the garden is a custom pool finished in black, creating a reflective surface that captures the surrounding architecture and the changing colors of the evening.
Rather than confining the water features to the pool itself, Landfare extended the experience into the surrounding landscape.
A series of illuminated laminar water jets creates precise, arching streams that travel through the garden before returning to the pool. Individually controlled, the jets can be activated in sequence, creating a graceful progression of moving water and light.
The effect is particularly striking in a setting like German Village, where the relationship between historic architecture, intimate garden spaces and carefully considered details makes every element more meaningful.
“As evening arrives, adjustable lighting introduces another dimension. The water can take on different colors, transforming the atmosphere for private gatherings and special occasions.” — John Spayde, Principal & Designer,
Landfare Ltd.
Designed Around the Architecture
The property presented a familiar challenge in German Village: a long, relatively narrow lot with limited width and an alley running parallel to the rear of the home.
Rather than allowing the proportions to dictate a conventional layout, Landfare approached the space as a series of connected architectural moments.
A reflection pool, mature hornbeams, symmetrical plantings and carefully positioned focal points create the impression of a much larger garden.
The design draws the eye toward the home, where architectural columns surrounding the entrance establish the principal focal point. A pair of Grecian urns provides symmetry, while the surrounding greenery softens the geometry.
Every sightline was considered, from the view across the water to the transition between the garden and the home's architecture.
The Art of the Details
The character of a successful outdoor environment often comes down to the details that are easiest to overlook.
Around the pool, custom-cut limestone creates a precise geometric pattern. Each piece was fabricated using laser-guided measurements to maintain exact symmetry on both sides of the installation. Small triangular elements form a pattern reminiscent of individually laid limestone mosaic.
A generous 42-inch bullnose coping gives the pool a more substantial architectural presence, while an automated pool cover provides practical protection when the pool is not in use.
The surrounding terraces combine limestone and bluestone, with carefully considered transitions between elevations. The upper patio continues the material palette established by the home's front walk, creating continuity between the front and rear of the property.
These are not incidental selections. They are the decisions that make an outdoor space feel connected to the home rather than added onto it.
A Garden with Structure and Movement
Mature hornbeams provide height, structure and a sense of enclosure. Their strong architectural form contrasts with the softer, rounded shapes of the boxwoods arranged throughout the garden.
The boxwoods were placed with particular attention to proportion and spacing, creating a composition that feels formal without becoming rigid.
Lighting introduces another layer of complexity. Rather than simply illuminating plants from below, the placement of fixtures considers how light travels across foliage, stone and brick.
Carefully positioned lighting can make its source almost impossible to identify. Light is reflected, refracted and softened by the surrounding plant material, creating subtle changes in depth and perspective.
Even the narrow side walkways were considered. Discreet illumination makes these passages usable after dark while highlighting the surrounding brickwork and architectural character.
Behind the finished landscape is equally careful planning. Custom drip irrigation was sized and adjusted to accommodate the different water requirements of mature trees, shrubs and garden plantings, supporting a more sustainable and manageable landscape over time.
What makes a custom pool design different from a standard pool installation?
A custom pool is designed around the architecture, proportions and intended use of the property. Details such as pool shape, coping, stone selection, lighting and water features are considered together to create a cohesive outdoor environment.
Can water features be installed separately from a swimming pool?
Yes. Architectural water features can be positioned throughout a landscape, including at a distance from the pool. Carefully engineered water jets, fountains and illuminated features can create movement and visual interest across larger outdoor spaces.
What are laminar water jets?
Laminar water jets produce smooth, controlled streams of water that travel through the air in a defined arc. When paired with adjustable lighting, they can create dramatic nighttime displays for outdoor entertaining.
Does Landfare design pools and outdoor living spaces in historic Columbus neighborhoods?
Landfare Ltd. designs and builds custom pools, stonework, water features, landscape lighting and outdoor living spaces throughout Central Ohio, including Columbus, German Village, Upper Arlington, Grandview Heights, Dublin and Powell.
An Outdoor Room for Entertaining
The rear patio was conceived as an extension of the home's entertaining spaces.
Plexiglass columns, a restrained monochromatic color palette and sheer fabric panels create an architectural setting that feels both open and intimate. The warm gray trim complements the home's exterior, while the height and scale of the structure give the patio the feeling of a grand outdoor loggia.
By extending the proportions of the covered space, the design creates a more generous setting for gathering, dining and enjoying the garden.
And when evening arrives, the illuminated water features take center stage.
A cocktail beside the pool, the movement of water through the garden and the changing reflections across the stone create an atmosphere that is difficult to replicate indoors.
Design That Endures
At Landfare Ltd., we believe exceptional outdoor living begins with understanding the architecture, the property and the way people want to enjoy their homes.
Whether designing a custom swimming pool, an architectural water feature, a formal garden or an expansive outdoor entertaining space, our approach considers the entire environment.
From German Village and historic Columbus neighborhoods to Upper Arlington, Grandview Heights, Dublin and Powell, our work is guided by the same principle: thoughtful design should feel as though it belongs.
Landfare Ltd.
Where Architecture Meets Water.
For custom pool design, landscape architecture, stonework and outdoor living in Central Ohio, we invite you to begin a conversation with our team.
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