Our Process

Embrace

You also want quality, durability and functionality, as well as beauty, to make sure your investment is one you won’t regret.

Guide

That’s when you want to call on the Raincity team. Our projects have the best durability, craftsmanship and artistry in the Lower Mainland.

Nurture

We are highly-skilled artisans, but we are also very down-to-earth. Our philosophy is simple: Be on time, on budget, client-friendly and facilitate an experience that is as stress-free as possible. If challenges arise, or you need a sudden change, you can openly communicate your needs to our team, and have the assurance that they will support you and work with you to make your dream space come true.

First Glances

First of all, we like to learn more about your space, your vision and your priorities in terms of cost, timelines and any special requirements. We will meet with you, take a look at the dimensions of your property, take measurements and get a good feel for your space. It’s like a blank canvas. You have to get a feel for what will work within the space and all the exciting possibilities that your property can reveal.

Scale Modelling

Our inspiration may come from your landscape, your home, an idea or concept, often based on nature. It may be entirely based on your vision. But we often translate that idea into a beautifully detailed model or 3D computer rendering that incorporates the geological type of rock you envision, the type of feature that you’re interested in, its functionality and the architectural space that it will inhabit. This will give us the chance to review your likes and dislikes and find ways to refine the design so that it matches your vision.

The Proposal

Once the model is completed and approved, we will draw up a formal proposal that includes all the project specifications, including design details, materials to be used, a timeline, budget, payment terms and all necessary building permits in order to begin construction. Once we acquire those permits (usually a few weeks), we can begin the preliminary work, such as excavation, shoring and any required retaining or reinforcing walls, as well as irrigation, plumbing and electrical if there is an active water feature, spa or pool.

Building the Frame

After the site has been prepared, a foundation layer may be poured. This is often the case when a pool is being added. Malleable reinforcing rods may be placed within the foundation, or a reinforcing frame can be added, to provide strength and durability. To define the shapes of the sculptural rockwork, bars are twisted, bent or wired together to broadly define the outline. A thick wire mesh is usually stretched over the rebar and is wired to it, for structural integrity.

Adding the Base Coat

We then spray a base layer of specially formulated concrete (called shotcrete) onto the rods and mesh. Our concrete is reinforced with fibers to add strength, and to control cracking under extreme weather conditions. After this first layer dries, a second one is added, usually in a dyed colour, to form the “base coat” of the finished rockwork. This layer is then sculpted using a variety of hand tools, and this is when we start building in the textures and all the artistic effects that transform concrete into recreations of rock.

Adding Texture and Fine Detail

This next part is the most fun and where the true artistry of a Master Carver is required. This is also the stage that sets Raincity apart from the rest.

To create the most realistic project, the still-wet concrete must be carved and sculpted before it sets. To recreate Mother Nature’s most beautiful imperfections, a sculptor must understand the deep complexity of natural formations, the unwritten rules of nature, which our artists have spent a lifetime learning. Rocks that look fake are often uniform and too “perfect”. To truly replicate nature’s design, each crack and crevice must express the organic characteristics of the geology we’re trying to emulate.

However, in the case of a pool, you might not want to walk on uneven surfaces or textures, so we often prefer to use pigments and hand-painted details to imitate the natural colouring and textures of rock.

Finishes and Colouring

The last step is to finish the piece with concrete stains and sealers using a variety of application methods. This is where years of experience pay off. Our Raincity artisans have studied and perfected a variety of finishes and hand-muraled effects, to add that final touch of realism, depth and richness to our man-made rock formations. After the stains have dried, a penetrating sealant is added, to “set it in stone” forever and to ensure the finishes stand the test of time.  

Of course, before we leave you with your awe-inspiring, unique installation, we want you to have the knowledge you require to properly maintain it. We will fully train you on how to use your water features, how to clean and maintain it over time, and any special instructions on how to keep your pool, spa, waterfall or pond in top condition so you can enjoy it for years to come.

As you can see, our process is meticulously detailed and perfectly executed to ensure a quality product. And we make the process as transparent as possible, so that you can rest easy knowing that your landscaping project is in good hands.