Osterman Project, Fall City – Cistern Project
Custom-built water collection and holding tank system
Custom-built pump house and electric hose reel house
Our client asked EcoWorks to design and build a 15-thousand-gallon rainwater holding tank and pump system capable enough to for them to water their extensive yard and gardens no matter the distance from the pump house/holding tanks. Our proposal was to build a trellis under the roof eaves that would support a system of water pipes to intercept all the down spouts in its path. The captured water would then enter a sediment filter and be directed into the tank at the corner of the house. From there the water would be evenly distributed to all 5 tanks until the tanks were full. From the tanks, the rainwater would enter a custom-built pump house and pump system where it would be pressurized for distribution. This system would use a 3-horsepower variable pump and pressure-sensing computer system to control the water pressure no matter how far from the pump house/holding tanks the water needed to be used. The water would then travel to several custom-built electric hose reel houses for immediate use whenever they needed during the growing season. With this build, the water could have been pumped into a custom irrigation system, but our client enjoyed hand-watering with hoses and wanted to preserve that ability.
Osterman Project, Fall City – Seasonal Creek
Hidden catchment system with mini waterfall that flows into a natural stone birdbath and then on into the creek
The creek that flows along the driveway ending in a distribution field with banks planted in native vegetation
The Creek project was EcoWorks response to our client’s severe problem of ground water flooding their driveway throughout the winter months. The ground water came from multiple sources but most of it came from a crown in the hill just above the driveway. The solution was either an interception trench or a natural looking creek that could carry the water away from the hill and into a distribution field. Our client opted for the natural creek and that is where our project began. The challenges ahead gave us many opportunities to create something totally unique where nature could flourish, and a driveway could be saved. The project started with the excavation of multiple yards of clay soil in order to create the basic shape of a creek. During excavation we discovered where most of the water originated. We capitalized on this discovery by building a hidden catchment system covered with granite boulders and native vegetation that would direct the water to an in-ground tank that would then pour into a basalt bird bath and then flow into the creek and off the property. Creek water runs constantly starting in the fall and stops running in late spring.
Rispoli Project, Fall City - Garden Courtyard Project
Custom raised beds and proprietary soil blend, custom fence and trellis and stone slab steps.
This Food Garden project started when our clients approached us with their ideas and a basic layout. Together we discussed design features such as the entry gate and cabling fence system to keep wildlife out of the garden. The entire project is made of Western Red Cedar and features three main beds: the perimeter bed, the middle bed, and the center bed. Each bed has inground irrigation that can easily be altered depending on what is planted for that season. Although cedar is naturally rot-resistant, we take it one step further by applying an all-natural rot proofing agent that is registered with the FDA as foot grade. This further guarantees many years of life for our clients, ensuring that the cedar does not degrade faster than it should. Each bed has a drain line installed deep in the sub soil to stop over- saturation leading to anaerobic conditions. The beds have been filled with a soil mix that is specially designed for maximum organic potential, is well draining and is excellent at harboring soil-beneficial microbes and fungi. Organic soil amendments are added to immediately boost the process called the soil food web. The Japanese Tory style gate has been hand-chiseled so the pieces can intersect each other without the use of major hardware. Outside the perimeter is a washout sink and hose bib to clean vegetables or hands.
Searcy Project, North Bend – Back Yard Creek
Various views of the creek bed and lush native plantings.
The view of the landscape at night.
The Searcy Creek Project started when our clients reached out to us after seeing some of our work and asked if we could design and build a natural dry creek in their backyard. We met with them to talk about various design feature options such as boulders and their size, the use of logs and snags and the style of vegetation. The goal was to have it appear as though a creek once flowed freely through the property hundreds of years ago, leaving behind a lush creek bed. They had a spot picked out that would allow them to enjoy the view from their living room, kitchen, and deck. The result is a landscape where you can peer into nature and allow yourself to get lost in it even if for just a moment. Like all our projects, special consideration is taken to achieve optimal results, and this project is no exception. After the site was prepared, we brought in over a foot of our special blend topsoil combined with organic fertilizers and soil amendments to provide a perfect environment for soil, and thus, plant life to thrive. All of the plants used are native to the Pacific Northwest so are well suited to this climate. Our clients wanted to be able to enjoy the beauty of their creek day and night, so we designed and installed a custom night-lighting feature to gently illuminate the area after dark.
Searcy Project, North Bend – Front Yard Driveway
The head of the driveway and the portion of the driveway edged by the dry creek and front lawn.
The end of the driveway bordering the front lawn and the view of the driveway at night.
EcoWorks received a phone call from our clients that a delivery person had driven onto their lawn in an effort to turn around in their long driveway, sinking into the grass, and requiring a tow truck to pull them out. This damaging practice was unfortunately a common occurrence for them, especially at night. Our solution was to place boulders and logs here and there along the driveway along with clusters of native plantings to create a beautiful natural buffer. A dry creek was also added alongside the driveway to solve the additional problem of flooding during heavy rains. As opposed to harshly lighting up the whole driveway, we added soft custom night-lighting to each side of the driveway to illuminate the way in the dark. This also added a unique touch, giving the property a sense of nighttime wonder and delight. The combined final product creates a powerful sense of driving through the beautiful forests of the Pacific Northwest.
Rice Project, Snoqualmie – Pond and Landscape Remodel
Entirely new landscape with custom waterfall and pond, new patio with access via a bridge over the pond and properly functioning planting beds and lawn.
Our client contacted us after seeing one of our hillside-erosion projects in Snoqualmie. They had previously hired a pond company and another landscape company to build a pond with a stream and waterfall capable of harboring Koi fish. The problem was that the pond did not function properly and could not sustain life, it was difficult to clean, and parts of the pond mechanics that should have been concealed were clearly visible. In addition, the landscape company had failed to correct the constantly boggy lawn, the irrigation system did not provide adequate coverage, and the general growth of the planted areas was stunted due to bad landscape practices. A flagstone patio sat to the side of the pond in the shade and access from the lawn was not possible. Together our client and EcoWorks redesigned the entire yard. The primary focus was the pond and patio relationship. Serious steps had to be taken to completely remove the existing landscape as well as all of the soils used in the planting bed and lawn areas, as poor, compacted soils abound in new developments because of modern construction practices. We built a custom waterfall and pond system that ensured a perfect environment for Koi to thrive. We placed a new patio and connected it to the lawn area with a bridge that crosses the waterfall. We established a custom irrigation system to ensure coverage where needed and brought in our special blend topsoil combined with organic fertilizers and soil amendments to provide a perfect, well-draining environment for lawn and plant life alike to thrive.
Cronk Project, Snoqualmie – Tiny Backyard Make-Over
Custom cedar raised planting bed and trellis with custom night lighting and beautiful new lawn.
Our client reached out to us because their existing landscape did not drain well so it was impossible for them to maintain a thriving lawn and planting area. Our client wanted a clean, easy-to-manage backyard with a cedar raised planting bed, a lush well-draining lawn and night lighting. To make this goal a reality, the design required a central interception drain line to be installed. The existing soil conditions were far from ideal and with drainage being a key issue, we suggested raising the grade about 8 inches from the original. This guaranteed our drainage plans would be successful, our client’s toy dog would be able to clear the concrete step off the patio and the topsoil could be as deep as possible to allow the lawn to thrive. To accomplish this, the entire yard was framed with ground-contact grade wood then topped with tight knot cedar. Once the cedar was in place, we applied an all-natural wood preserver that is non-toxic and enables our wood projects to last longer. We then filled the lawn area and raised bed with a custom topsoil blend that is well suited for this environment, well-draining and full of organic matter. The soil was topped with a mix of specialty organic fertilizers to facilitate rapid lawn and plant growth. We sourced night lighting that would enhance the mid-century feel of the custom woodwork and installed four intentionally rusted Frank Lloyd Wright style bollards that cast beautiful shapes and shadows on the walls and landscape at night.
