The entry to Quail West Golf and Country Club in Naples, Florida presents a central bubbler fountain (jets and underwater lights by Roman Fountains) bordered by uplit (Alliance Outdoor Lighting) Christmas palms, interspersed with silver bromeliads. The fountain draws the eye to the stately entry gate columns with their wall-mounted light fixtures (Troy Lighting), marbled precast trims, borders, quoins, caps, bases and the QW (Quail West) escutcheons. In view are the custom aluminum entry/exit gates. Photo: Stock Development

Once understated and aged, the rebirth of the Quail West Golf and Country Club main entrance aimed to reposition this community in a post-recession market. Completed in 2013, an extensive renovation to this Naples, Florida community entrance blended a design of Southeastern Asian influences mixed with heavy neoclassical inspirations. The community's new "crown jewel' has been transformed by the introduction of nearly 300 linear feet of scupper wall fountains, a classically styled center basin aligned on axis with the gate house and culminates with a programmable dancing fountain. The element of water has taken on a new role in the space by becoming the arrival sequence. By enclosing the space, engaging the senses and embracing visitors within a cohesive design, water invites residents and guests to experience the new Quail West.

The fountain beyond the entry gates, closest to the golf course and overlooking the lake, features at each end a ring of 10 foam nozzles operating at a five foot spray height. Surrounding and connecting the two foam jet rings are 33 "Patriot' nozzles with .5" orifice smoothbore jets. The Patriot nozzles have a six-foot average spray height and are each individually capable of quickly turning on and off. The fountain is programmed for the jets to operate in chasing, alternating and other sequenced patterns. The color-changing LEDs operate via a RGB DMX controller. A below grade equipment vault contains a 10-hp display pump for the Patriot nozzles, a 7.5-hp display pump for the foam nozzles, and a 2-hp filter pump with two 50 gpm sand filters. The pump vault also includes a 1-1/2" fill manifold, two internal sump pumps, a vault light, a ventilation system, a wind compensation system, a lighting control panel, and a fountain control panel. The waterline tile is by US Pool Tile Co. The landscape is New Guinea impatiens (pink flowers), lantana (yellow), Ilex vomitoria "Nana' (green, hedge) and dwarf Fakahatchee grass (behind fountain).

The previous entry at the Quail West Golf and Country Club in Naples, Florida, was bordered by thick massings of large shrubs. Water is now the clear focus of the arrival court, with water features radiating out from the median in all directions and more formalized landscaping.

Design
The design for the entry was heavily influenced by the functionality of the space, as well as the client's desire for a "timeless aesthetic," i.e., elements that looked as if they'd been there for quite awhile, but that would have a contemporary look for decades to come. Strong geometries of the existing road alignments and the development of the gracefully curving fountain walls radiate from the circular arrival courtyard. This "neoclassical backbone" creates a space where water becomes the main focus. Southeastern Asian influences are expressed in exotic textures and colors. Surrounding the intricately patterned clay paver arrival court are fountain walls nearly seven feet tall, accentuated by repeating cast bronze scuppers, marbled precast detailing and a custom glass mosaic tile. These elements were meticulously selected to complement the tropical landscape palette. The fountain walls, combined with the lush landscaping, enclose the space and clearly define the arrival court, providing white noise, a sense of rhythm and a playfulness to the otherwise formal entry. Water "embraces" visitors from the moment they pass through the scupper walls and enter into the arrival court, and as they drive through the custom gates and enter the community.

Surrounding the intricately patterned clay paver arrival court are fountain walls nearly seven feet tall, accentuated by repeating cast bronze scuppers, marbled precast detailing and a custom glass mosaic tile. These elements were meticulously selected to complement the tropical landscape palette. The fountain walls, combined with the lush landscaping, enclose the space and clearly define the arrival court, providing white noise, a sense of rhythm and a playfulness to the otherwise formal entry. Water "embraces" visitors from the moment they pass through the scupper walls and enter into the arrival court, and as they drive through the custom gates and enter the community.

The low, classically styled central bubbler fountain emphasizes the stately gatehouse façade and defines the variation in axis from the oak lined entry drive to the alignment of the gatehouse and adjacent fountain walls. The comforting rhythm of the fountain bubblers is strengthened by the repetition of flanking Christmas palms and silver bromeliads marching along the fountain walls in harmony with the placement of the bubbler jets.

As visitors pass through the custom entry gates a programmable sequencing fountain of over 50 rhythmically dancing jets welcomes them. It is a beautiful showcased focal point amidst the expansive lake and golf course views. The fountain welcomes residents home, and is awe-inspiring for first time visitors. Custom programmed scenes and color changing LEDs allow the fountain to adapt to different seasonal plantings, holidays, community events and even adverse weather. The ability to reprogram and customize the scenes keeps the fountain's appearance fresh and evolving from season to season.

Lighting plays a pivotal part of the overall design, from the use of iridescent tile to reflect the South Florida sunlight, to the strategic placement of the submersible light fixtures, as well as the artful positioning of the LEDs in the landscape, all coming together to create an impressive space day or night.

Challenges
Although challenges exist within every project, the demanding schedule for this particular project presented a difficult test from the very inception of the design. The Waldrop team was tasked with designing, permitting and constructing a detail-oriented design package within three months. The

Parade of Homes, the first in over five years since the economic downturn, was coming to Quail West whether the entry was ready or not. Early coordination with the engineers, the local fountain contractor and fountain equipment manufacturers and suppliers was critical in keeping the project on schedule. Waldrop Engineering was also able to coordinate with the landscape contractor early enough to secure the specimen quality plant material needed for a project of this scale and status.

The team was able to have all the fountains programmed and fine-tuned to the exact specifications only days before the Parade of Homes, leaving minor adjustments left. As the last coats of paint were drying on the gatehouse, over 500 cars full of visitors started rolling into the entry for their first experience with the rejuvenated entry.

Experience
The rebirth of the main entrance of Quail West Golf and Country Club united the functionality of the arrival space with an aesthetic befitting the community and the residents. The water features here have set the standard for community entries throughout southwest Florida, and continue to receive rave reviews