Blog Posts

Project Spotlight: Grey Haven

4/22/2019

3D Concept Rendering

Progress So Far

At Wolf Park in Indiana, we are currently building a metal hoop house style structure to serve as the Grey Fox exhibit! The large metal hoop house framework will be covered with a netted grid wire and will feature a wooden vestibule (see the concept rendering above left). The pergola-style entry will have a double door system which will allow visitors to safely enter the enclosure without letting the foxes out.

The featured space, aptly named Grey Haven, will give visitors the opportunity to get up close with the fox ambassadors of the Wolf Park. Wolf Park is an education and research facility located in Battle Ground, Indiana that specializes in the study of wild canid (dog) family species such as wolves, foxes, and coyotes.

The Total Habitat team onsite will, after taking a safety course, get to meet a wolf ambassador (the most socialized & trained of the wolves) up close and will hopefully get a “face greet” -- meaning a wolf will lick your face if they like you!

Check out the Wolf Park website to learn more about their research here

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Happy Earth Day!

4/22/2019

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Get Involved

To do your part for the planet this Earth Day check out your local government and parks and recreation department for volunteer clean-up opportunities, or check out the earth day website to find out more what Earth Day means and how you can help with even small efforts. If you are local to the Kansas City area like us, check out Friends of the Kaw or Bridging the Gap for volunteer or donation opportunities!

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Bring Your Camp to Life with Nature Play

2/25/2019

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One of our primary missions at Total Habitat is to inspire the next generation of nature lovers by creating authentically natural experiences that educate and challenge. We provide design, construction and consultation services to camps and retreats nationwide. We will work tirelessly to create that memorable, challenging and authentically natural experience for your campers; inspiring continued patronage and countless social media shares!

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Total Habitat: Who We Are

2/25/2019

Inspired By Nature

As a Total Habitat designer, I get asked all the time, "what exactly do you do?" It seems like a simple question, but sometimes it can be surprisingly difficult to answer. I have thought about this a lot and have realized that though every new project we take on is completely unique and full of its own special challenges and opportunities, the one constant connecting everything we do, is nature.

Photo Credit: Rick High

Every space and experience we create, whether its a Natural Swimming Pool/Pond, an animal habitat, a public water feature, a climbing wall or artificial boulder, is in some way inspired by nature: In our projects, we often use natural materials (like wood, stone and plants), we mimic nature's own processes (especially when it comes to water cleaning and filtration), or we create things that just look natural (like waterfalls or our artificial boulders and climbing walls). No matter what new and exciting project we take on next, we will continue to take our cues from nature, and create memorable, authentically natural spaces and experiences.

We're so excited to find out what's next: Contact us today to get started with your project!

Custom Jumping Boulder With Waterslide!

2/13/2019

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If you are looking to create an experience like none other for your retreat, camp or home, look no further than Total Habitat for chemical-free Natural Swimming Pool/Ponds and custom artificial rockwork! This epic jumping boulder features a stairway and waterslide, carved directly into the artificial rock: The play (and photo) opportunities are endless!

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Nautilus Inspired Natural swimming Pool

9/18/2018

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Reminiscent of a nautilus shell, this pool design features an underwater pebble pathway which spirals down into the circular swimming area. This pebble beach path (shown on the left below) is bordered by a mossy sandstone rock bubbler and a trio of "floating" stepping boulders.

This circular, 25,000 gallon Natural Swimming Pool is approximately 30ft overall with a 25ft x 20ft swimming area. Constructed of dry-stacked sandstone, this pool features a built-in biological filtration system, which keeps the water clean and clear without chemicals. This nautilus inspired pool can be built in 3-4 weeks for $70-75,000!

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Hand Sculpted Gecko Enclosures

9/12/2018

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Ever stroll around a zoo and wonder who makes all this stuff?: The answer is we do! The goal of zoo exhibit design is to immerse visitors in the animal's natural habitat while still catering to the needs of the animal and its keeper. Each animal has special requirements, which can include major exhibit features like caves, streams or pools, dens, hollow logs, jungle gyms, etc., as well as things like special lighting or temperature regulators. For example, these small reptile enclosures, which we created for geckos at the Micke Grove Zoo, include integrated lighting and hidden keeper access doors. These museum-quality, hand-sculpted enclosures were themed (masterfully carved and painted by Allan) to look just like the geckos' natural habitat! Below is a glimpse into our process from concept drawing to finished product:

Top Left: Initial enclosure concept rendering Bottom Left: During construction Right: Finished gecko enclosure

Left: Enclosure in progress Right: Finished gecko enclosure

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Destination Swimming Pond In Manhattan, KS

6/6/2018

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Total Habitat is proud to share this spectacular backyard transformation! We designed and built this space for a very special client who grew up swimming in a Total Habitat Natural Swimming Pool/Pond and is now ready for one of her own! This custom backyard oasis features three terraces, 200 linear feet of stacked stone retaining walls, steps made from local limestone slabs, an upper origin pool with waterfall and 80-foot long stream! The centerpiece of the space is a 95,000 gallon chemical-free swimming pond, featuring our signature crystal-clear clean water and built-in biological filtration system.

Check out the full video HERE

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New: Tennessee Swimming Hole!

7/27/2017

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Designed and built by Total Habitat, this 12 foot deep, spring-fed Natural Swimming Pool/Pond is nestled in the heart of the rolling Tennessee hills. Completed this summer (2017), this swimming hole offers unlimited fun with an 18 foot waterslide, gentle-entry pebble beach, and waterfall with hidden grotto!

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Swimming Pond at Elohee Center, a Meditation & Healing Retreat

2/3/2017

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2012-2013 Total Habitat Natural Swimming Pond at meditation & healing retreat in Georgia! The Elohee Center, in the mountains of North Georgia, provides a beautiful retreat space in Nature to allow for self-exploration, individual growth, and mind/body healing. Like the retreat's Fire Ring, lush forest, and spectacular mountaintop views, the Swimming Pond has become an integral part of the natural healing experience. Click here for more information about the Elohee Center as well as upcoming programs and retreats.