Falling Water

A 14-foot-tall waterfall provides a serene backdrop for a quiet alcove in this custom home in Paradise Valley, Ariz. Vernon D. Swaback, FAIA, of Scottsdale-based Swaback Partners wanted the feature to always feel special, so he placed it in an out-of-the-way spot not necessarily seen by the owners every day. The water flows down a 1/8-inch-thick sheet of stainless steel into a trough covered by black pebbles. A recirculating pump located outside returns the water to the top of the wall where another piece of steel creates the effect of a mysterious water source that flows endlessly. Furthering the illusion, the edges of the steel panel slip behind the supporting columns, covered with black 1-inch-square tiles the owners bought when they lived in Bangkok. Supervising architect Michael Wetzel speced a slight angle to the stainless panel that creates a sheeting effect as the water falls. Wetzel explains that the angle enhances the water’s sparkle and generates interesting patterns.