Ponds for Commercial Settings

Can You Build Ponds for Non-Residential Customers?

Yes! We are asked rather often if the pond team at Focal Point only builds ponds for residential properties. The answer is no, we can build a pond nearly anywhere where there is room. While most residential ponds are found outdoors, usually in a backyard, the tranquil vibe that is created by having a mini stream or small waterfall running indoors is a true luxury. Commercial spaces tend to have far more square footage to work with than residential properties and this opens a wonderful realm of possibilities for designs and water features within all kinds of public and commercial spaces. We'll get into some of those ideal settings below.

We also want to point out that the ponds we specialize in (whether for a commercial property or residential) are those for recreational enjoyment. Some commercial ponds are built and maintained to raise large quantities of fish which are sold for consumption. We do not handle these types of ponds, but rather garden ponds for visual and auditory enjoyment. If you're in need of a water garden as part of your commercial landscaping needs, we'd love to hear from you.

Most Common Places You'll Find a Commercial Pond

This list is in no particular order, and is by no means a complete list. If you feel your dentist office needs a water feature in the greeting area to help put your patients at ease, we'll work with you to make that happen. There are no hard rules about where a pond can go, as long as it is safe. Below we've listed some of the common places you'll find beautiful examples of ponds indoors and outdoors where patrons can enjoy their benefits while passing by, or taking a seat and soaking in the environment while having a break from their daily activity. These small ponds serve various purposes, including aesthetic enhancement, relaxation, and contributing to a harmonious atmosphere in all these different commercial settings.

• Townhomes, Condos, HOAs: Developers and home owners associations can use a pond to increase the value, look, and appeal of a set of properties by designating a portion of the common space to a small or medium sized water garden. Keep in mind that we can install ponds into soil as well as areas that are currently covered in pavers. So if the back patio space for a community is paved right now, don't let that deter you from having us draw up a plan to show you how a pond or water feature could fit into a multi-home environment. Gurgling water or a few fish can uplift the mood of homeowners and provide a beautiful amenity when showcasing new construction to prove that the builders have pulled out all the stops and gone out of their way to consider the comfort and joy of future residents.

• Corporate Office Landscapes: All types of corporate offices and business campuses have integrated small ponds, many with varieties of fish, into their landscaping to create a serene and visually appealing environment which employees and visitors are free to enjoy. What better way to take a bland, concrete or stone structure and turn it into a lush environment that exudes a rainforest-like feel.

• Shopping Malls and Retail Centers: We don't mean to sound dated with this option. It's true that traditional malls are no longer being erected, however there are still over 1000 massive commercial shopping complexes in the United States. Some of these feature small ponds as part of their overall landscaping. These ponds have the ability to add a calming element to a bustling ambiance and provide a more peaceful atmosphere for shoppers. More commonly, outdoor shopping plazas are created by shutting down a city street or making a section of a parking lot into a pedestrian-friendly shopping area. These new urban stretches are constantly frequented by walkers and shoppers so they make a perfect place for an aquascape.

• Hotels and Resorts: Many luxury hotels and resorts include small ponds in their grounds to enhance the overall guest experience. Some locations spend millions designing their lobbies to create a breathtaking experience for customers as soon as they walk in the door. Their ponds may be adorned with water features, sculptures, or aquatic plants which easily turn an indoor setting into one that feels like an outdoor oasis. This boosts the effect for travelers that desire to get away or visit to a tropical destination.

• Restaurants and Cafés: Some restaurants and cafes incorporate small ponds into their outdoor seating areas. These ponds can add a touch of nature, making the dining experience more pleasant. Or if you expect to have parties waiting during peak dining hours, a pond with large, colorful koi can give your guests a way to more easily pass the time while watching the fish swim gracefully among your rocks and pond foliage.

• Business Parks: Areas with business parks or industrial complexes might integrate small ponds into the outdoor spaces to improve the aesthetic appeal of the surroundings. If the majority of the people walking through your doors are there from 9-5 (and may not be that excited to show up every day) a pond can ease the tension and stress the workers might feel. This office plaza pond also creates a naturally enjoyable place to have your lunch or share a quick break with friends that breaks up the monotony of being amongst cubicle walls.

• Entranceways and Lobbies: While mentioned in some specific instances above, nearly any business with a lobby has the potential to benefit from a small pond a water fountain that is built into a wall. If you are the owner of a high-end commercial building, consider adding a small pond in your entranceways or lobbies. These ponds contribute to a welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere.

• Medical Facilities: Certain medical facilities, especially those with extensive grounds, may include small ponds as part of healing gardens or outdoor spaces designed for relaxation. When people are in need of recovery of some sort, being near running water can boost the spirits of people and benefit their senses in other ways too.

• Educational Institutions: Some universities, colleges, or schools incorporate small ponds into their campuses, providing students and staff with a peaceful outdoor space. The landscaping bills of some large institutions can rival the budgets of small municipalities. And there are only so many flower beds you can incorporate into green spaces. Benches, plazas and ponds create natural spaces for rest and to hang out between classes for the student body.

• Public Spaces and Parks: City parks and other public spaces may feature small man-made ponds, providing a place for recreation and relaxation within an urban environment. Because of the natural "dangers" that come in to play in city environments or unattended locales, these types of ponds rarely have any fish living in them, however given their location, natural wildlife more frequently visit these habitats encouraging the whole ecosystem for many types of plants and animals in the area.

• Event Venues: Certain event venues, especially those hosting weddings or outdoor gatherings, may include small ponds as picturesque elements to enhance the overall ambiance.  When one is trying to create a larger-than-life experience that needs to take place within a few hours or half a day, a water feature adds an element of luxury, it can create a great Instagram background or serve as a pristine place for your event-goers to relax and socialize around.