Paolo Benedetti is the principal and founder of the Internationally acclaimed design and build firm, Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa. The firm specializes in the design, construction, planning and consulting of swimming pool, spa, fountains and water features for Architects, Landscape Architects, property owners, developers, contractors, hotels and resorts.
What we do
Paolo Benedetti is the lead designer of the firm. He consults with prospective clients wherein he performs an extensive interview to ascertain their goals, changing lifestyle, how they entertain, how the facility will be utilized, and the construction budgets.
As part of a larger project design team, Paolo functions as a sounding board for other design professionals. He can advise and recommend efficient methods of overcoming problematic operational or design issues, while maintaining the intent and character of the design. Rough ideas and sketches can be transformed into complete construction drawings and construction budgets.
After defining the projects parameters, he creates sketches of proposed elements of the project and of potential configurations of their arrangement. A follow-up meeting with the client allows him to explain how all of these elements function together in the various layouts.
The client is again consulted with and agrees to the various elements to be incorporated into the project and their spatial relationship to each other. Paolo will then create the project plan view and begin to develop individual details of the key elements.
Parallel to the development of the primary elements, the designs of the support systems are developed, engineered and the line schematics created.
Support Systems
The support system designs include many crucial mechanical & electrical systems. Critical systems are designed and calculated to perform at optimum levels of efficiency, minimize installation costs, maximize ROI, reduce operating costs and lower reoccurring maintenance expenses. Their proper design will also ensure that future site needs can be met without extensive demolition or expense.
Electrical
Both low and high voltage distribution circuits are configured and designed to minimize trenching and to provide maximum system flexibility. Complete electrical schematics detail where each conduit and circuit initiates and terminates, and it's purpose.
Low voltage systems are laid out to provide for the integration and control of all of the low voltage needs of the entire outdoor environment: irrigation, lighting, data systems, automation and control systems, outdoor sound, remote controls, security and access controls.
High voltage schematics detail the various circuits required, their purpose and wiring requirements. These circuits control the water feature circulation, heating, lighting, spa jets, filtration, outdoor kitchens, yard circuits, automatic pool covers, high voltage lighting, gate openers, and other apparatus as required by the project.
Hydraulics & Plumbing
The proper design & specification of the plumbing systems is critical to the proper operation of any vessel that moves water. The dynamics of fluid mechanics (hydraulics) can create havoc on an improperly designed system. The flow rates (measured in gallons per minute) and the line velocities (measured in feet per second) are critical in ensuring that the system is energy efficient and safe for bathers. Complete engineering of the system hydraulics also ensures that the system flow rates and velocities are below the maximums allowed by the codes and standards.
Therefore, the entire hydraulic system is laid out and the hydraulics of the system are engineered to determine the total dynamic head (restriction of the entire system to the movement of the water) based upon the required flow and turnover rates. Only after determining the specifications of the hydraulic system are the pumps selected.
Support Equipment
After determining the plumbing requirements of the facility, the support equipment is carefully chosen. The client's goals (as determined at the initial interview meeting) are the determining factors in selecting the equipment. If the client has expressed that need to maximize the ROI and reduce reoccurring maintenance expenses, then higher quality commercial grade equipment will be recommended. If the client was looking to minimize their initial capital outlay (e.g. they planned on immediately selling the property upon completion), then residential (but completely adequate & functional) grade equipment may be recommended. In either case, the client will be given their options, and the trade-offs discussed.
Oftentimes, the area available for the support equipment had been grossly underestimated. Equipment selection and configuration can partially address this situation. However, inventive solutions are often the only means to fit the required equipment into the allotted space. Underground vaults, stacked equipment or elevated filters & heaters allow for the optimum utilization of space.
All of the support equipment is laid out in scale drawings. If stacking or racking is required, then sectional views are also created to illustrate the layout. This assists the installer in visualizing the configuration in it's final form.
Finish Materials
Oftentimes clients have chosen finish materials well in advance of the completion of the design. Sometimes these materials have been chosen by other design professionals, as part of an overall project synergy. Our purpose in this situation is to merely ensure that the materials are suitable for the desired purpose and lifespan. This is only because we will be held liable if we do not advise the client that a material is not suitable for their project (e.g. not frost proof, will dissolve when exposed to pool water, not stain resistant, slippery, prone to decay, etc.). Once the client has been advised of the risks, then they can "move forward" and assume the related liability.
Conversely, some clients rely on Paolo's vast knowledge of materials and installation practices. Paolo sources unique materials from around the globe, one's he's seen in his international travels, site visits to quarries, attendance at materials trade shows, or past experiences.
Complete installation methodologies and practices can be specified for a project if the client so desires. Tile, stone, masonry and concrete installation specifications can all be defined. Paolo's constant and continuing pursuit of construction related education, will ensure the client that their project will be designed in compliance with the latest industry trade practices, published standards, and building codes. The client will not have to worry of their subcontractors are in compliance with the latest methodologies, technology, standards or code.
Structural Engineering
Complete structural engineering is then completed for the project. The engineer will review the various details of the project and will define the support structures to allow construction.
The structural engineer will require a complete geological report (soils report) in order to define the strength of the structures and elements. The soils report also advises the structural engineer of any unusual site conditions that may affect the long-term performance of the structure. Issues such as ground movement, ascending or descending slopes, unstable, expansive or rocky soils, ground water, or unusual surcharges will be outlined in the geological survey.
From concept to completion, or anywhere in between, Paolo Benedetti can assist you in turning your dreams into reality.
Paolo Benedetti - Aquatic Artist"Creating water as art."™Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa©www.aquatictechnology.com
Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa, "Creating Water as Art."™
Pools as an art form - the way it should be!
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