Gulf Coast Beach House
QRP was commissioned to design the landscape for this beachfront house on 1.65 acres on the Gulf of Mexico as a calming retreat from the client’s hectic life. After clearing the invasive Casuarina and Pepper Trees that choked the property, we were faced with a site that was nearly a blank canvas. The resulting elegant lushness of this landscape is notable for: achieving a near jungle-like character surrounding the house for seclusion and privacy; the utilization of primarily native species to create a luxe setting of ecologically appropriate plant material for the exposed location with salt spray and high winds; and creating a symbiotic relationship between the landscape and the architecture born of a close collaboration between QRP, the owner, architects, and contractors.
The pool area is recessed and bounded by an informal native hedge for privacy while views of the ocean horizon are attained from the plinth level. Artfully pruned Sea Grape allow filtered interaction between the interiors and pool. Narrow sand paths meander off providing unexpected hidden accents of bromeliad and orchids.
On the Leeward side, two mature 30-foot-tall Amstel King Ficus trees were brought in to provide privacy and scale, and a sense of timelessness. Jewel-toned bromeliads and pale orchids were selectively placed into pockets of the aerial roots and crotches of the trees providing intimate scaled details for discovery and enjoyment. Variegated Shell Ginger, Philodendron, and Monstera vines climbing up the palms add to the rich diversity of textures and colors. Fragrance from selected plantings of Jasmine and Gardenia accompany the path to the house.
Location
Osprey, FL
Client
Private
Role
Landscape Architect
Team
Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects
Groves + Co. Interiors
Photography credit: Matthew Carbone
