Landscape architect Michael A. Gilkey, Jr.’s inspiration for this residential outdoor space was the owners’ grandchildren, and that inspiration is stylishly apparent in the details. To accommodate multiple generations of users, Gilkey included active areas for children to play both in the pool and on a deck along with more passive areas for adults to serenely enjoy. The pathway to ensuring these elements was an open, resort-style aesthetic.
The owners wanted the home’s Mediterranean/Italianate feel to not only extend outside, but also be designed so that it could be appreciated from all areas of the house, particularly from the upper-level veranda. Gilkey was obliged to maintain regulations established by the golf-centered development The Concession in Lakewood Ranch, a luxury gated community named the ninth Best Residential Course in the GolfWeek in 2009. “The property is congruent with the community, yet distinctive,” he says. The design relies on a combination of symmetry and balance with classic relationships present throughout, giving the landscape an elegant simplicity. Distinctive plants incorporated include birch trees, standard ligustrums, D.D. Blanchard magnolias and a series of Phoenix sylvester palms. The owner also incorporated a magnificent rose garden, and it’s all accented by dramatic landscape lighting and bordered by a black wrought iron fence.
More than just a place to take a dip, the pool is surrounded by gardens, a shaded pergola, fountains and a spa that seats 10. Travertine decking surrounds the pool, while furnishings by Robb and Stucky invite visitors to unwind. Airy covered dining and sitting areas include columns and vaulted ceilings with overhead fans. The space is outfitted with a complete outdoor kitchen with commercial icemaker, gas fireplace and waterproof TV.
The property is positioned to take full advantage of its lush natural surroundings, evening sunsets and the property’s panoramic long view of the golf course and lake.
“We are proud of creating a space that allows for evolution of material yet requires little maintenance and is sustainable within our climate,” says Gilkey.
Open-air Mod
Lead design consultant David Young, principal landscape architect for DWY Landscape Architects, says the design directive was to develop vibrant, usable spaces that would draw the homeowners out into the landscape with areas for entertaining as well. Teamed with landscape contractor Coast Outdoor, Young and the crew set forth in modifying existing exteriors spaces that were undefined and nonfunctional into a striking modern design. Before a thorough renovation, the original house was a small cottage filled with rather dark, awkward spaces. After a robust renovation, the interiors become more livable with good natural light and more visibility to the exterior. In turn, the owners found that they seldom were outside due to the nice new interiors and dysfunctional exterior, and they were left missing their affection of outdoor living. “To define space, we used vertical walls, hardscape areas and plantings. Prior to our work, the area was void of these elements,” says Young. “Think of a large open warehouse. If you add walls within the warehouse you are creating space.” Vertical elements, such as walls and plants, along with grounded hardscape and overhead plane, such as a canopy from a Tucci umbrella or palm tree, create spaces in the landscape. “Now the exterior space is modern, comfortable and vibrant,” says Young. “It was important for them to be able to relax outside. A grill and seating area was requested along with a water element for the sound of moving water.” With the water wall, water cascades down the face and recirculates from a basin—creating the perfect sound. Think of a hose that is left running or water spilling into another body of water. “The sound of water should be more like a stream or brook with water trickling over rocks,” says Young. “The water needs to sound pleasing and in the built environment, especially in a modern setting, water walls work well to accomplish this.” –A. Farlow
