Creators John Hogan (CEO, Superior) and Alexander Lotersztain (director, Derlot Pty Ltd) are passionate about changing the perception of ‘water appeal’. Street appeal, they explain, is a commonly recognised real estate and architectural concept; water appeal is underestimated and misunderstood. Waterscape changes that.
Waterscape provides a beacon from the water to the front door of a resort or home. Now, a property has two front doors – from the street and from the water.
Waterscape has been designed for both the commercial and domestic user, providing the market with a visionary new option in waterfront living. Waterscape is a product for the global market – the patented design and construction features mean that it can be adapted and customised to suit any user from the large scale corporate and commercial to residential.
For over 25 years, Superior has built marinas, pontoons, and other facilities on the water. They have an intricate and specialised knowledge and understanding of the technical nuances of aquatic structures and the engineering challenges of designing waterfront lifestyle options.
In October 2012 John and Alexander began the collaborative journey that has resulted in the creation of Waterscape. This working relationship combines John’s expertise with engineering and marine structures and Alexander’s design excellence and creative perspective.
‘Our goal with Waterscape was to create a product that is aspirational – so beautiful, seamless, and contemporary that it is a compelling purchasing decision for any sort of property with water frontage,’ explain the duo. ‘It’s practical for a range of waterfront locations, simple to install, and its stunning presence will instantly increase the value of a property, whether it be domestic or commercial.’
‘In my experience,’ says John, ‘most waterfront structures haven’t changed their design in 50 years. Waterscape gave us the opportunity to design a creative and innovative product that addressed the concerns of customers. Waterscape is peaceful – we have designed a place, not just a product. Waterscape is the extension of your home onto your own, exclusive waterfront space. It is a place where friends and family can meet. It’s a communal place. It’s a warm place.
‘Globally, the vast majority of residential and commercial waterfront is not being utilised. This is virgin territory that needs to be used. It’s so special.’
Alexander Lotersztain understands the importance of transporting the customer to a place—his designs are innovative, intellectual, philosophical, and pragmatic. ‘We wanted to stand in the customer’s shoes – have the conversation, design the solution, and create something versatile and beautiful. Waterscape has allowed us to create an adaptable floating structure that is functional but, at the same time, aesthetic.
Waterscape is design-led. It’s the first product of its kind that responds to what the customer wants and needs in a waterfront lifestyle product. We have created something so alluring and so desirable that, in a moment, the user is transported to a place of peace. Our customers have told us they wanted it and here it is – Waterscape is something you just have to experience!’
Alexander and John believe that the complex and detailed evolution of the Waterscape concept has produced a design that provides new experiences for waterfront property owners and developers: the adaptable and customisable features of Waterscape are in response to the environmental challenges of waterfront living as well as addressing the needs and desires of the customer.
‘Waterscape is an efficient and flexible adaptable floating structure. We have extensively explored the technology and incorporated cutting-edge materials that have allowed us to protect marine craft when mooring while at the same time providing a stable floating structure. In addition, modularity allows us to create a product that can be shipped anywhere in the world and assembled in an easy and logical way,’ explains Alexander.
‘We are looking forward – this collaboration between engineering and design represents the next generation of ideas’, says John. ‘This is why Waterscape is different to anything else on the market – it is a product that is suitable for any waterfront property – you do not need to be a boat owner to use our product.’
Is the market is ready to embrace a concept such as Waterscape? ‘You bet it is. We want to capture the market for boat owners as well as those that don’t own a boat,’ says John.
‘We want architects on board,’ adds Alexander. ‘Collaboration is the key here – merging design with other industries [such as architecture] is the future. Waterscape is at the edge of this – can we call it the start of a revolution?’
‘We are working with the architectural community,’ emphasises John, ‘to ensure that our customers realise the potential they are unlocking on their waterfront.’