Few homes have the power to take your breath away, but Beyoncé and Jay-Z's estate does exactly that.
In the hills of Malibu, overlooking the Pacific, the revered Japanese architect Tadao Ando designed a home fit only for the Carters. Known for his 'haiku' approach to architecture, Ando’s design for their estate centers on the interplay of raw concrete, light, and a massive reflection pool.
For Ando, water is a mirror for the sky. Instead of serving as a conventional pool, it sits as a sculptural piece of art. It feels somewhat boundary-less, as the edge of the home dissolves into the ocean horizon.
The water feature is a celebration of Ando’s philosophy: using water to bridge the gap between the man-made and the natural world. Three years have passed since we first saw his work, but it feels just as powerful in 2026 – and more inspirational than ever.
Tadao Ando's artistry is entirely unique, and replicating such a body of work, especially in a smaller garden, is somewhat impossible. However, we can still take cues from the Carters. Incorporating a water feature into your own garden offers profound sensory benefits, starting with its soothing tones.
I've listed my favorite pieces to bring their benefits into the most compact of outdoor spaces, starting with this concrete fountain from Wayfair. I love its concrete exterior, which is a quiet nod to Tadao Ando’s work.
This concrete water fountain is my favorite way to follow Beyoncé's lead. Each piece is handcrafted and hand-finished by skilled artisans, designed to replicate the look of naturally aged materials. Every fountain absorbs patina in its own way, resulting in subtle variations in texture.
This is the best of the basic solar water fountains, a simple solar panel that floats just under the water and circulates water in your water feature, whether it is a pond or a bird bath.
If you are looking for a more elegant alternative to a classic water feature, this rain chain is a beautiful option. Made with antique-style metal lotus cups, it transforms rainfall into a gentle cascading flow that is both calming to watch and soothing in effect.
For a sleek, contemporary water feature, this spherical fountain is a great option. Its elegant silhouette and slate grey finish work well in modern landscape designs, especially when paired with structural planting for a clean, balanced look.
A stylish update on the classic downspout, this Double Link Rain Chain adds a touch of elegance to any garden. Its linked copper rings guide water gracefully from roof to ground, and over time, the metal develops a beautiful natural patina.
Create a sleek focal point with this water fountain, featuring a clean rectangular silhouette and a smooth waterfall spout. Water flows continuously as a sheet into the lower basin, creating a calming waterfall effect that Beyoncé would surely love.
According to Nick Woodhouse, a garden designer at Woodhouse & Law, successfully integrating water into your landscape begins with three pillars of design: firstly, strategic placement.
'We’ll often try to place a water feature so it can be enjoyed just as much from inside as from outside," he notes. By lining it up with sight lines from the house and adding lighting, you extend the enjoyment into the winter months and late evenings.'
Beyond aesthetics, water is vital for local ecosystems. Even a simple water bowl can host dragonflies and provide a sanctuary for birds.
'With the welcome and growing trend towards rewilding, providing water in our gardens is more important now than ever,' Woodhouse explains. It provides a source of food, drink, and shelter for a diverse collection of fauna.
Lastly, it's important to plan your budget and practicalities in advance.
'Budgets permitting, constructing your own water feature can allow you that bit more freedom and fun. A rill, for example, with its simple, clean lines, can draw the eye down the garden and add intrigue and interest in a simple, unassuming manner. However, when budgets are more restrained, there is a wealth of self-contained and freestanding water features available, in every size, finish, and style imaginable,' Woodhouse explains.
'Often, they require just a supply of electricity to power the pump, offering immediate impact and ease of maintenance. Or sometimes these might be shallow bowls on simple pedestals requiring no electricity, in finishes such as zinc or copper, picking up materials from elsewhere in the house or garden.'
Whether you are aiming for the stillness of a Tadao Ando masterpiece or opting for a simple rain chain, water remains the most transformative element you can add to a garden.
And, if you enjoy our celebrity news and interior design advice, why not sign up for our newsletter so you never miss the latest features?
