Hurth Waterscapes, Certified Aquascape Contractor in Saukville Wisconsin, has been awarded the contract to construct three exciting and artistically creative water features at The House on the Rock in Spring Green Wisconsin.
The House on the Rock was originally designed and built by Alex Jordan in the 40’s. It is now in the midst of its first renovation in over 50 years. The renovations will include three water features, all of which Hurth Waterscapes will be constructing. “We are thrilled to be a part of the renovation of such an important world-class attraction right here in Wisconsin” said Doug Hurth, president and owner of Hurth Waterscapes.
Doug will be working closely with Tom Kupsh, the creative consultant for The House on the Rock, who has worked with Alex Jordan in the 70’s and is credited with creating the renovation concept plan and architectural models for the project. “This is going to be a fabulous project” stated Doug. “The House on the Rock isn’t interested in building your average backyard pond. They want to create attractions that will draw people from around the world. The creativity and attention to detail required by this project is perfect for Hurth Waterscapes. Creativity and quality are what we are all about! It is a pleasure to work with Tom. He is a very detail oriented and artistic person who is working hard to make these renovations world-class in both quality and creativity” said Doug Hurth, president of Hurth Waterscapes.
The first project, started in July “07, was the construction of the waterfall for the Japanese Garden Pond. The Japanese Garden waterfall is an enormous structure standing fifteen feet tall and over fifty feet wide. Water will cascade down from the top of giant boulders into four distinct waterfalls emptying into an undulating 50’ x 50’ pond complete with an island, bridges, stepping-stones, and a carp stone.
Hurth Waterscapes is building the Japanese Garden waterfall using boulders that were harvested on the property, which range in size from 800 to 8000 lbs. Doug and Tom worked closely together during the initial waterfall build to very carefully choose and place the giant boulders that make up the waterfalls. “We have really enjoyed working on this new waterfall, having the opportunity to work with people, who like ourselves, are both very creative and truly passionate about their work” said Doug Hurth.
The new water feature is already attracting a lot of attention, as guests of The House on the Rock crowd the construction fencing and gather up on the elevated walkway to see the work in progress. “We felt like we were our own separate attraction”, stated Doug Hurth’” we even had people cheering for us and applauding as the mammoth boulders were lifted and set into place. This is sure to be an awe-inspiring water feature which will bring guests, new and old, from around the globe.”
The second project, scheduled to be completed in September ’07, will be the renovation of the mill pond. Those of you who have visited the attraction in the past will likely remember the mill pond. While the location of the mill pond will not change; it will still be a small quiet oasis in the middle of multi-level walkways and structures, the look of the pond will definitely change. The pond is being entirely re-done with a wetland filtration system, vanishing edge waterfall and a new mill wheel.
The third project will be the construction of the Japanese garden pond to accompany the newly constructed waterfall. This pond is scheduled for completion in October ’07 and will be a 50’ x 50’ undulating water garden masterpiece.
The final project is scheduled to be completed in August of 2008 and will be an Asian water garden and waterfall which will be constructed behind their new welcome center. The welcome center and Asian garden are still in the planning stages. Future releases will be posted as details are disclosed.
“This is a fabulous project to be involved in. We get the opportunity to work with creative and artistic people to build a masterpiece that will be viewed by people from around the world.” stated Doug Hurth. “This is a very exciting time for Hurth Waterscapes as well as for The House on the Rock.”
“Anyone who has been to the House on the Rock knows that it is already a very creative and artistic attraction. Add to that the fun and fantasy of an all new Japanese water garden with its towering waterfall, and every guest will know that they have truly experienced the “WOW” factor. I think you owe it to yourself to take a drive out to Spring Green Wisconsin and see all of the new The House on the Rock attractions first hand, but you may want to wait until 2008 to get the full effect.” said Doug Hurth.