Selfridges Metrolink Gateway Scheme

Passengers on the newly completed Metrolink line to the Trafford Centre can gaze at the display of the new water feature outside Selfridges or alight from the tram to stroll through a newly landscaped area and enjoy this water feature which is an 8m diameter granite-clad pool with multiple display elements.

The water feature utilises an outer manifold with inward arching jets, a vertical cascading inner manifold and finally, a central moving jet to create spectacular and dynamic water patterns.

Each of these displays are illuminated with LED spot lights with LED strips lights illuminating the inside and outside of the feature wall.  All lighting is LED colour changing and crystal white, fully programmable to suit the theme desired to compliment the programmable jet displays to depict seasonal/festive themes.

Set in the grounds of Grade II listed Haseley Manor this water feature is the centrepiece of an ornamental garden next to the recently converted manor house and newly built homes.

The small courtyard water feature consists of a 2.3 m x 2.3 m pool with a single water jet, illuminated by a sole white LED.

Surrounded by a network of paths and timber benches the space invites visitors to stop and enjoy the tranquil sound of the moving water.

The feature is situated at the entrance to the new service area building.

The large curved, pool– type feature, approximately 4m wide x 17m long along the central axis, consists of three aerated jets with a maximum jet height of 800mm on a parallel curve to the walls of the feature.

The inner design of the three aerating jets makes excellent use of water flow to transform them into soft, lively, foaming columns of water with a very high wind stability offering a strong contrast to their contemporary environment.

An imposing four tier water feature at Barton Square, Trafford Centre, a major attraction visited regularly by members of the public, which was constructed in 2008 and previously in an external location.

As part of a major transformation in Barton Square which included the erection of a permanent roof over the area, changing the location of the water feature into an internal space, the existing feature was decommissioned and refurbished.

To a large extent the feature remains unchanged with cleaning and repairing of the architectural elements addressed by the main contractor.

However, the aspect of the fountain changed in terms of visibility.  As it can now be looked upon from above from the new first floor walkways it was considered prudent that the water movement should become more animated, with the aid of advancement in water jet components since the fountain was originally installed and varying activity in water behaviour, coupled with differing lighting techniques, stunning musical and light events can now be achieved.

The water feature is a refurbishment of a Grade 2 listed structure which is dedicated to the memory of those in service who gave their lives in the Great War 1914 – 1918.

A large fountain raised in the centre of an ornamental pond, with a number of sculpted figures. The central figure represents sacrifice; the dead youth at her feet and the inverted torch are emblematic of the sacrifice made by humanity in the Great War. At the corners of the fountain are cherubs holding dolphins.

There are raised pools at the foot of the central figure each with one ‘Vulcan’ jet.

The central figure is also illuminated via 4 warm white multi LED fountain lights.

Eight individual water features designed and installed at intu Lakeside’s new public realm space. The new leisure development features landscaped areas and integrated lighting, sound and water-powered technology to engage visitors.

Events Boulevard hosts the UK’s first ever digital water-wall.  This ‘water curtain’ type feature is known as a Flash Wall. Mounted to a clad structure, the Flash Wall sits in the centre of a granite pool and drops and illuminates water from over 500 individually controllable micro-valves and 32 individually controllable RGBA (Red/Green/Blue/Amber) LEDs.   This allows the feature to be digitally programmed to display graphics, designs, characters, etc, which are represented through the use of fast reacting valve technology.

Six ‘water table’ type features, all varying in length and width, installed on The Street and at Events Boulevard are clad and topped with granite. Each feature has a dry mounted display pump providing water to the top of the table before flowing over the sides of the water table. Every other piece of granite cladding is etched to provide a rippling effect. All features are fitted with rising fog and are illuminated by a below ground LED strip.

Activity Square hosts a ‘plaza’ type water feature arranged in a large triangular layout consisting of 25 individually controllable DMX display pumps located in stainless steel pods below the surrounding paved area. Each grate is fitted with an individually controllable RGB (Red/Green/Blue) LED that illuminates the water as part of the display and each jet has a rising fog effect.

The Liberty Building near the banks of the River Thames, a stylish and striking new residential tower in Limeharbour, overlooking the iconic landscape of Canary Wharf.

This plaza water feature, set in a tree-lined, landscaped piazza, creates an eye catching and welcoming atmosphere as you arrive at The Liberty Building

The plaza type feature consists of 19 jets situated at ground level, distributed within a triangular paved area, with 3 sets each reaching a maximum water height. The jets will alter from full and half height intermittently.

Adjacent to each display jet a circular shaped, single colour, LED unit provides an added visual impact.

Crowle has undergone changes to re-establish the Market Place as the principal meeting space for the town thereby creating a focus for civic pride, to provide high quality public realm and create an attractive location for businesses and individuals to invest.

The area has been re paved with quality stone paving across the whole area unifying the space but different textures and sizes were used to differentiate areas.

As part of the scheme there is a simple attractive water feature. This consists of 9 foam effect jets with a maximum height of 1.2 metres and covers an area of 3 metres square. The jets emanate from individual high quality stainless steel grates set into the surrounding stone paving. The jets are illuminated at night with individual LED fittings all producing white light. Water is drawn from an underground GRP holding tank situated adjacent to the water feature jets. Water flows out of the jet nozzles and returns by gravity to the holding tank.

A plantroom building has been constructed to blend in with the existing local architecture and is located some 35 metres away from the water feature and contains all the complex mechanical an electrical equipment required to operate the water feature system. The system generally comprises of pumps, chemical treatment plant including sand filtration, automatic water top up system and a bespoke electrical control panel. The control system incorporates many features essential for public open space water displays including wind speed sensing to lower the jets in high wind conditions and a frost sensor for prolonged periods of cold weather.

Following our inclusion onto the Tameside Works First initiative we were contacted by the manager of the local cemeteries department to see if we could assist in the restoration of an existing fountain located in Droylsden Cemetery.

Following various discussion and proposals we were awarded a contract early in 2010 to refurbish the existing 2.6 metre diameter pool and provide a series of 8 clear stream peripheral jets which fire the water into the centre of the pool attaining a maximum height of 1.5 metres.

The pumping and water treatment equipment is to be located in a purpose built GRP kiosk located local to the pool.

Two new water features have been designed and constructed by Fountains & Features as part of the new Centre of Excellence, Innovation & Enterprise at Liverpool Hope University.

The aim of the centre is to be a relaxed, welcoming, warm and well-lit environment to encourage students to sit, read and work; that is, to create fellowship and communion among students and not just to be utilitarian and functional. As Grimwood & Dix were already undertaking the electrical installation works for the building we were invited by the architects Halsall Lloyd to become involved in the design of the water features.

The water features are located in the landscaped area between Taggart Avenue and the new building and offer a relaxing and welcoming site which complement the ethos of the building.

They are based on traditional mill stone type features utilising granite to complement the surrounding area and are 2.6 and 2.0 metre in diameter.

The central water jets are adjustable in height up to 1.5 metres and give a white foaming effect.

The Main Contractor stipulated that all the necessary works should be done by the water feature contractor and we therefore undertook the civil works, procurement and installation of the granite as well as the mechanical and electrical works.