The concept for this family retreat was to recreate the coastal hammock that would have thrived here a century ago. We removed invasive material and assisted the architects in siting the house to preserve the healthiest existing live oaks on the property, which we enhanced through vigorous replanting of gumbo limbos, additional oaks, and appropriate understory.
Much of the coastal hammock was still intact on this 1.2 acre site. After removing the large-growth invasives, we identified the the healthiest oaks, and through root pruning, site planning, and vigorous tree management, were able to champion those trees around the house. This approach not only makes the property feel like it has been there for generations, but it is also resilient to storm damage. We offset the driveway from the central axis of the home, to force the user to come through and beneath canopy to find the front door. As we get closer to the architecture, the plant palette changes from explicitly coastal hammock to some Florida friendly and indigenous plants that give tropical flair and organization.
Grade was a challenge on the site, to achieve both flood elevation and preservation; this was accomplished through terracing and the addition of hundreds of feet of natural Florida limestone boulders to retain grade. These boulders evolve into beautiful coral stone terraces at the front and back of the architecture, ccarved from native Florida oolite coral. The pool was designed to be an extension of these terraces off of the back of house, beckoning owners and guests outside to engage with the Bay. The entry and arrival sequence through the property is paramount, as well as multiple pathways and destinations, for creating a feeling of both welcome and retreat.
