Project Spotlight: Infinity Edge Formal Koi Pond
Oct 29th 2026
Where Architectural Design Meets the Art of Koi Keeping
Location: Warren, New Jersey | Fitz's Fish Ponds
Some water features are designed to complement a landscape. Others become the defining feature of the entire property.
For this residential project in Warren, New Jersey, Fitz's Fish Ponds was tasked with creating an extraordinary formal koi pond that would combine contemporary architectural design with the specialized requirements of housing a substantial collection of Japanese koi.
The result is a breathtaking, multi-level waterscape featuring a 35,000-gallon upper koi pond, a dramatic infinity edge, an 11-foot elevation change, a custom glass viewing window, and a cascading water wall. Behind the striking design lies an equally impressive system of structural engineering, insulated concrete construction, and dedicated filtration infrastructure.
Every element was carefully considered to create a water feature that is as functional as it is visually captivating.
An Infinity Edge That Connects Two Worlds
The defining feature of this project is its dramatic infinity edge, which creates a seamless visual transition between the upper and lower ponds.
The expansive upper pond serves as the primary koi habitat, with approximately 35,000 gallons of water providing ample space for the fish to swim and develop. Along its elevated edge, water spills into the receiving basin below, creating the illusion that the upper pond extends beyond its boundaries.
With an 11-foot difference between the upper and lower pond water levels, the design takes full advantage of the property's changing elevation. Rather than treating the grade change as an obstacle, the team transformed it into one of the project's most striking architectural features.
An additional 8-foot dripping water wall introduces another dimension of movement and sound, complementing the infinity edge while reinforcing the geometric lines of the surrounding architecture.
Together, these elements create a layered waterscape that can be appreciated from multiple vantage points throughout the property.
A Window Into the World of Koi
One of the project's most distinctive features is a custom tempered glass viewing window that lets visitors observe the koi from an entirely different perspective.
Rather than viewing the fish exclusively from above, the window offers a glimpse beneath the water's surface, showcasing their movement, coloration, and size.
Sourced from Jersey Tempered Glass Inc., the viewing panel was incorporated into the pond's formal structure, creating a striking architectural detail while offering a more immersive connection to the koi.
The window adds another layer of complexity, requiring careful integration with the surrounding concrete structure and waterproofing system.
Building With ICF: Strength Meets Temperature Stability
Constructing a water feature of this scale required more than conventional pond-building techniques.
Fitz's Fish Ponds utilized BuildBlock insulated concrete forms (ICFs) to construct the pond's substantial structural walls. Commonly used in residential and commercial construction, ICFs combine reinforced concrete with continuous insulation, providing both structural durability and thermal performance.
For a large koi pond, these benefits are particularly valuable.
The elevated upper pond must withstand considerable hydrostatic pressure, making structural strength a critical consideration. ICF construction provided the framework necessary to accommodate the substantial wall heights, multiple corners, and complex geometry of the infinity-edge design.
The system's insulating performance was equally important.
Japanese koi benefit from a stable aquatic environment, and significant fluctuations in water temperature can create stress for the fish. The continuous insulation provided by ICF construction helps reduce heat transfer through the pond walls, moderating the influence of seasonal temperature changes.
For a pond designed to house valuable koi, this is an important long-term consideration.
The project incorporates approximately 2,027 square feet of ICF wall construction, with ICFs making up approximately 97% of the exterior wall area. The only major exception is the custom glass viewing window.
Following construction, the pond was fiberglassed using materials sourced from North American Composites, creating a protective interior finish for the water-containing structure.
The result is a durable, insulated framework that supports both the architectural design and the koi's environmental requirements.
Engineering a Pond for a Substantial Koi Collection
A koi pond of this magnitude requires filtration infrastructure that can support a significant biological load while maintaining excellent water quality.
Rather than treating filtration as an afterthought, Fitz's Fish Ponds incorporated the equipment requirements from the start.
The upper and lower ponds operate on separate filtration systems, allowing each water feature to be managed according to its specific circulation and filtration requirements.
The system incorporates five bottom drains, which help move settled waste and debris toward the filtration equipment before it can accumulate on the pond floor.
ProfiDrum filtration equipment provides mechanical filtration, removing suspended solids and waste from the circulating water. Evolution Aqua filtration components support water treatment, while UV equipment helps manage free-floating algae and maintain water clarity.
The project also incorporates Flocell filtration media and a 36-inch Evolution Aqua filter as part of the overall equipment configuration.
Designing for a substantial koi population means considering more than water volume alone. Effective waste removal, biological filtration, water circulation, and accessible equipment all support the pond's long-term health and stability.
These systems work together to support the koi's needs while preserving the clear, polished appearance expected of a formal architectural water feature.
A Dedicated Filtration House Hidden in Plain Sight
One of the most important components of the project is also one of the least visible.
A dedicated filtration house was constructed behind the pond to accommodate the extensive equipment required to operate and maintain the system.
Rather than crowding the surrounding landscape with exposed plumbing, filters and mechanical equipment, the filtration house keeps the infrastructure organized and largely concealed from view.
The space was designed with service access and equipment capacity in mind, allowing the Fitz's Fish Ponds team to perform routine maintenance and address the system's long-term operational needs.
This approach ensures that the architectural beauty of the finished pond is not compromised by the machinery necessary to support it.
Precision Construction Across Multiple Elevations
The project's complex geometry and significant elevation changes presented considerable construction challenges.
Extensive excavation, reinforced concrete foundations, and carefully positioned steel reinforcement established the structural base for the elevated water features.
The BuildBlock ICF walls required precise alignment, particularly along the infinity edge, where even subtle elevation variations can affect the appearance of flowing water.
Temporary bracing supported the forms during construction, while concrete pumping equipment allowed material to be placed along the elevated wall sections.
Multiple wall intersections, structural transitions, and integrated plumbing penetrations required careful coordination throughout the installation.
What appears effortless in the finished design results from detailed planning and precision workmanship at every stage of construction.
Lighting That Transforms the Waterscape After Dark
The pond was designed to be appreciated well beyond daylight hours.
Integrated pond lighting illuminates the water, highlighting the movement of the koi and adding depth to the upper and lower ponds. Surrounding landscape lighting complements the water features, accentuating the architectural lines, stonework, and nearby plantings.
As daylight fades, the infinity edge and cascading water wall take on an entirely different appearance, creating an illuminated focal point within the outdoor living space.
The combination of underwater and landscape lighting ensures that the pond remains a defining feature of the property both day and night.
A New Standard for Formal Koi Pond Design
The completed Infinity Edge Formal Koi Pond represents an ambitious combination of architectural design, advanced construction techniques, and specialized aquatic engineering.
Its 35,000-gallon upper pond, dramatic infinity edge, custom glass viewing window and multi-level waterfalls create an unforgettable visual experience. Behind the scenes, insulated concrete construction, dedicated filtration systems, and thoughtfully designed service infrastructure support the koi's long-term needs.
For the homeowner, the finished installation exceeded expectations, transforming the property into a sophisticated outdoor environment centered around the beauty of Japanese koi.
For Fitz's Fish Ponds, the project demonstrates what becomes possible when innovative construction technology meets a deep understanding of aquatic environments.
More than a pond, this is a living architectural masterpiece — designed to showcase the beauty of koi while providing the environment they need to thrive.
Transform Your Backyard With a Custom Koi Pond From Fitz's Fish Ponds
Your outdoor space deserves more than an ordinary water feature. Whether you envision a breathtaking infinity edge koi pond, a contemporary formal pond, or a custom waterscape designed around your property, Fitz's Fish Ponds has the experience, craftsmanship, and engineering expertise to bring your vision to life.
From initial design and excavation to advanced filtration, structural construction, and finishing details, our team creates extraordinary aquatic environments that are as functional as they are beautiful.
Ready to turn your dream koi pond into reality? Contact Fitz's Fish Ponds today at (908) 420-9908 to discuss your project and discover what's possible when innovative design meets expert koi pond construction.
