Bay Hill Lakefront Design
Orlando, Florida
The overall goal of this modern design was to complement the architecture of this enormous home, to create an oasis in the backyard area, and to create curb appeal. For the front yard we proposed keeping the existing oak trees is the best approach. A decorative retaining wall will be installed to protect the root system of the front oak. The turn-around driveway is proposed as a shell stone paver in an ashlar pattern. This is a modern paver look that is also suited for the curved part of the driveway. The entry to the motor court is flanked with wood wrapped columns along with a low decorative concrete wall. This helps create enclosure and the illusion of a gate system (NO GATES ALLOWED - HOA). The motor court is proposed as 12x24 concrete pavers with a decorative edge treatment. The rectilinear nature of the motor court complements the modern architecture of the home. A large decorative pot with an accent palm is proposed near the stairwell tower on the front of the house to accent the lava rock tile. This creates a focal point and draws attention to the tower without blocking views to it. A golf cart path is shown connecting to the rear cart door.
The client’s love their dogs so we proposed a fenced in dog run on the eastern side yard connecting to their dog wash room. This area is independently fenced off from the rest of the yard with gates on either end for access. A fence panel is proposed around the A/C units for protection from canine wear and tear. A simple edge is proposed along the building facade to protect the foundation of the home.
To combat the grade change a series of poured in place board-form concrete retaining walls will be used between the pool deck and sea wall. This creates a terraced experience resulting in a series of luxurious spaces. Board-form concrete incorporates a wood grain texture that helps provide some warmth to the modern aesthetic.
A fire pit area is located in the lowest terrace and is accessed either by the connected lawn and a set of steps along the western side of the pool. The firepit area is proposed as wood decking and is nested into the retaining wall terraces. A built-in wood bench for seating along with movable modern Adirondack chairs are proposed. The deck is sized as such to accommodate a large 30”x60” gas firepit with ample room for guests. An accent Bismark Palm located here shall have flowering orchids tucked into the frond boots. Buffer plants are located to screen views to the neighboring boat house.
A new horizontal wood slat fence is proposed along both property lines. A combination of Areca Palms and Giant White Bird of Paradises along the fence edges will add privacy and height.
This design features a tropical plant palette and is organized in such a way to emphasize the architecture of the home. Plants such as Foxtail Fern, Coontie, and Bird of Paradise were used along the facade and throughout the yard to achieve a Tropical Modern aesthetic.
This design will require yearly maintenance but no more than that of similar residences in the area. The plant palette features all Florida Native or Florida Friendly plants that are suitable for our local climate. Irrigation is recommended for the first three growing seasons but the plant palette is considered drought tolerant.
