Custom Water Feature Design & Construction in Richmond, RI
Bring the tranquility of the wild and scenic Beaver River to your own backyard!
Richmond is unique. With its rolling hills, glacial rocks, and dense pine-oak forests, it offers a landscape you just don’t find in the rest of Rhode Island. At Natural Elements by Design, we don't force generic landscaping into this setting. We build custom water features that embrace Richmond’s rural character.
Whether you have a sprawling estate near The Preserve, a wooded lot in Wyoming, or a historic property in Shannock or Kenyon, we design water features that look like they were carved by nature itself. We specialize in working with Richmond’s challenging elevations and "bony" granite soil to create low-maintenance backyards that feel like a private sanctuary.
Water Feature Options
Pondless Waterfalls
(Perfect for Richmond's Rocky Terrain)
If you live in Richmond, you know that digging deep can be a challenge due to our famous New England ledge and glacial till. That is why Pondless Waterfalls are our most popular request in town.
A pondless waterfall gives you the sights and sounds of a crashing stream without the need for a deep, open pond. The water disappears into a hidden underground reservoir lined with river rock and gravel, making it:
Safe for Families: No standing water means no drowning risk for pets or children.
Mosquito-Free: Since the water is constantly recirculating or stored underground, mosquitoes cannot breed—a huge plus for wooded lots near Arcadia.
Native Design: We use mossy boulders and weathered granite that match the stone walls found throughout Usquepaug and Alton, ensuring your waterfall looks native, not artificial.
Koi Ponds & Ecosystem Ponds
(A Living Ecosystem for Your Backyard)
For those looking to fully immerse themselves in nature, we build complete ecosystem ponds. These aren't just holes with plastic liners; they are balanced biological environments that support koi, frogs, and dragonflies.
Our design philosophy mimics the natural waterways of the Wood–Pawcatuck River watershed:
Natural Filtration: We use wetland bogs and intake bays to keep water crystal clear without harsh chemicals.
Wildlife Havens: We design shallow "beach" edges where local birds can bathe and deep pockets where koi can safely overwinter, even during Richmond's freezing January temps.
The "Kenyon" Aesthetic: We often use larger driftwoods and river slicks to mimic the look of the historic mill ponds found in Southern RI.
Natural Swim Ponds (Recreational Ponds)
(The Chemical-Free Alternative to Pools)
Thinking about installing a swimming pool in Richmond? You might want to reconsider.
In a heavily wooded town like ours, a bright blue concrete rectangle can look out of place. Plus, permitting for traditional pools near wetlands or high water tables can be a nightmare in Washington County.
A Natural Swim Pond is different. It provides the same recreation as a pool—you can swim, float, and dive—but the water is clarified by plants and beneficial bacteria, not chlorine.
No "Blue Blob": Your swim pond will look like a pristine swimming hole in the mountains.
Year-Round Beauty: In the winter, you don’t stare at a safety cover. You stare at a beautiful frozen pond that fits perfectly with the snow-covered pines of Wyoming.
Zoning Friendly: Because they are often classified as "water features" rather than "structures," swim ponds can sometimes offer more flexibility with setbacks and permitting than gunite pools. *This depends on individual town zoning and permitting.
Custom Fountains & Bubbling Boulders
(Instant Curb Appeal for Any Size Lot)
You don’t need a sprawling estate in The Preserve to enjoy the sound of water. For smaller properties in historic villages like Shannock or Wyoming, we design compact "Fountainscapes" that pack a visual punch.
We specialize in Bubbling Boulders—taking a piece of native RI granite, drilling it, and setting it to bubble water gently over the mossy stone. It’s a favorite for Richmond homeowners because:
The "Natural" Look: It doesn't look like a store-bought kit. It looks like a natural spring bubbling up from your garden.
Pollinator Friendly: These features are magnets for hummingbirds and butterflies, making them the perfect centerpiece for a native wildflower garden.
Low Maintenance: Just like our pondless waterfalls, the reservoir is hidden underground. You simply top it off with a hose and enjoy the view.