Water mirror fountains, or ‘water mirrors’ as they are also known, are striking ornamental solutions, which can achieve different effects in the space where they are installed, such as gardens, squares and parks as well as in shopping centres, hotels and resorts.
In this post we show you what mirror fountains are, where their installation is recommended and which design recommendations we give as experts.
Each water mirror fountain can serve different objectives. Usually they are built at ground level where the water resembles a motionless sheet of water, like a minimalist glass floor. But they can also be vertical, with the water falling slowly through a mirror. In this case, they are called water wall or mur d’eau.
The beauty of this kind of fountain lies in the harmony and ornamentation it brings to its surroundings and also how it perfectly combines with other aquatic elements in gardens and indoor spaces. This elegance allows an environment to be created where time seems to stop.
The fountains and water mirrors evoke ideas of classic gardens, magical ponds and an environment that invites relaxation, rest and even disconnection.
Water mirror fountains can be found in many indoor water fountains in hotels, ornamental fountains in shopping centres, as well as in various sizes in all kinds of gardens, squares and public parks.
In all these places, especially in interior areas, water mirror fountains provide a feeling of spaciousness and bring an atmosphere of freshness. They can even help to generate branding, with a style that fits the aesthetic lines of the company.
They are also very useful in public spaces. In addition to being aesthetically spectacular, they share the benefits of water fountains in urban settings. Such benefits include making the space where they are located more beautiful, offering a refreshing sensation, creating social meeting points and promoting tourism. As a result, they boost surrounding businesses. In fact, these types of fountains help to reduce the higher temperatures generated by the heat island effect typical of large cities.
On the other hand, water mirror fountains have the advantage of not requiring high levels of maintenance. Basically, they are the same as any other ornamental fountain.
Most mirror fountain designs are installed on paved surfaces which are completely smooth and horizontal, since the water should be distributed evenly.
The floor is one of the key factors in achieving the desired effects of the fountain. We have countless options, all achieving that visual harmony we are looking for. Stones add some naturalness to the final result and mosaics can be used to extend as far as required. Smooth options with straight lines and neutral colours can generate spaces with a more modern and minimalist character.
The lighting in fountains is also important, especially if we seek continuity in its harmonious presence when there is less visibility.
In every project, the functionality of the water mirror must be very well distinguished. Most of them are non-walkable and have aesthetic purposes, in addition to that refreshing effect that fountains always bring.
However, there are some walkable fountains that combine various elements to promote a more interactive and fun experience, especially for little ones. This is the case with dry-deck fountains where vertical jets of water can be activated. These are becoming increasingly more regular solutions for cooling off in summer in some public squares.
At Fluidra we design projects for water mirror fountains both for private companies and civil works around the world, and we always personalise the work based on your planned objectives.