Hot Tubs
Pools
Aquariums
Hotels
Airports
Residences
artificial hot springs
artificial hot springs
whistler hot tub
whistler hot tub
other hot tubs
other hot tubs
pool A
pool B
pool C
pool D
pool E
pool A
pool B
pool C
pool D
pool E
beluga pool
pacific canada
killer whale pool
coral reef tank
beluga pool
pacific canada
killer whale pool
coral reef tank
The Pacific Inn
The Pacific Inn
Airport Rockwork Details
Airport Rockwork Details
Vancouver International Airport
Vancouver International Airport
Other A
Other B
Models
Other A
Other B
Models
Artifical rockwork by artist/designer Peter Heiss. View breathtaking natural rock and waterscapes that enhance pools, exhibits, aquariums, hot tubs and commercial projects.
 
   
home
artificial rock?
what we do
about the artist
FAQ's
our services
contact us
visit the work
the rockwork
process
resources
home
artificial rock?
what we do
about the artist
FAQ's
our services
contact us
visit the work
the rockwork
process
resources

THE water features, rockscapes, waterscapes and poolscapes photo gallery
water feature photo gallery
about artifical rock
constructing water features
water features artist
water feature FAQs
water feature & artifical rockwork construction services
contact us
visit the water features
water feature and poolscape construction process
water feature and poolscape construction process
artificial rockwork & waterscapes resources
artificial rockwork & waterscapes resources
This site is best viewed at a screen resolution of
800 x 600
or greater.
Coral Reef Tank
 
     
project details Artificial Hot Spring more pictures
project details Whistler Hot Tub more pictures
project details Other Hot Tubs more pictures
project details Pool A more pictures
project details Pool B more pictures
project details Pool C more pictures
project details Pool D more pictures
project details Pool E more pictures
project details Beluga Pool more pictures
project details Pacific Canada more pictures
project details Killer Whale Pool more pictures
project details Coral Reef Tank more pictures
project details VIA Rockwork Details more pictures
project details VIA Main Terminal more pictures
project details The Pacific Inn more pictures
project details Other A more pictures
project details Other B more pictures
project details Models more pictures
project details Rockwork Process more pictures
Visit the Work    

Maps and Routes - Vancouver Aquarium
Vancouver Aquarium Exhibit Location Map (and Website)

Maps and Routes - Pacific Inn
Pacific Inn Website

Maps and Routes - Vancouver International Airport
Vancouver International Airport Website
Frequently Asked Questions
 
Why hasn't this technique seen more use?
There is a certain element of risk in the use of this technique. If the rockwork doesn't turn out well, you have a very expensive mess of concrete that is hard to repair, and in the worst case, actually detracts from the setting.
What can be done to reduce the risk?
Make sure you hire a proven designer and carver. Ask the proprietor of the rockwork company who will actually be designing and carving the work. View some of their work. Ask others about what they think of the work. Insist that you are provided with an accurate scale model of the proposed rockwork before you commit to the project. If you designer/carver can't produce an attractive scale model, what are the chances that they will be able to complete on a full scale project?
What if I don't like what I see?
Aesthetics is very hard to argue about. Once the job is done it will be very difficult to get the contractor to accept making changes. Hire a professional designer and carver who's work you like. If you like the contractor you have in mind, he stays on budget and is fast and reliable, find someone who will work with him. Peter Heiss and the Art of Rockwork have worked with many different contractors and know how to provide the right amount of guidance to get the job done.
    more >>
Frequently Asked Questions
 
What about large commercial projects?
The Art of Rockwork has the experience to work productively with both the design team (architects, landscape architects, engineers and the client) as well as the production team (contractors, mechanical trades and landscapers) to ensure that the rockwork you commission will successful in every way.
 
Dedicated 2.0
<< back    
Contact Us     
send us an e-mail at: info@artofrockwork.com
snail mail to: Art of Rockwork
887 Pacific Dr.
Delta, BC
V4M 2K2
call us at: (604) 263-2143
give us feedback about our site: -> click here
Our Services    

  • Design
  • Modeling
  • Consulting
  • Construction
  • Carving
  • Painting
     Although the focus of our artificial rockwork installations is primarily in the United States and Canada, we will accept international commissions under certain circumstances.

     We can handle the entire project, or just a specific aspect depending on your requirements. The Art of Rockwork has the experience to work productively with both the design team (architects, landscape architects, engineers and the client) as well as the production team (contractors, mechanical trades and landscapers) to ensure that the rockwork you commission will successful in every way.

 

 

 




 go back 
     Starting with an idea, often based on nature, we design a detailed model that incorporates the geological type of rock you envision (or perhaps we can turn you on to an experience that allows you bond with that rock), the type of feature that your interested in and the functionality that you would like to have (I.E. hot tub, lap pool, swimming pool, fire pit, barbecue, feature wall, stairway, cave, aquarium, stream, waterfall {for sound} etc.), and the architectural space that it is to inhabit. On the basis of the approved model we provide the guidance and expertise to prepare the site, liaise with the architect and do any necessary excavation and provide any required foundation for our structure.
     Once the site is prepared and stabilized the design is roughed in with reinforcing bar and steel mesh. As this will support the final concrete finish it is imperative that this follows the model. The next part is the most critical in realizing an realistic project. The concrete is applied to the mesh and before it sets, is carved and sculpted to perfection, each crack and crevice following the unwritten rules nature uses that express the characteristics of that geological type.
  click on any picture to see a larger image more >>
     It is the intuitive apprehension of these unwritten rules of nature that Peter has spent a lifetime learning; and it is this that makes natural rock so difficult to imitate. The eye has a natural ability to discern these rules and is offended when they are violated. The mind immediately responds with "Wow, does that ever look fake!". Shape is not the only characteristic of geological formations. The composition of the substrate determines its coloration and texture.
     Although texture can be achieved during the carving process it is not necessarily desired in the case of a pool. Often it is preferable to imitate texture with the application of pigments. Of course, this also requires an artistic touch.
 
<< back click on any picture to see a larger image