College Park Urban Courtyard

Orlando, Florida

The overall goal for this Orlando landscape design was to maximize usable space to create an urban courtyard in your backyard. To create a firepit area we have proposed an extension of the existing covered porch consisting of 24” square concrete pavers with 4” gaps between. The gaps are to be filled with grey Mexican Beach Pebble. For the actual firepit we have proposed a square hammered copper firepit see in the images below. This will bring in a nice accent without being either too modern or too traditional. Fun seating with a pop of color is proposed around it. In 4 areas, the pavers have been left out to accommodate the planting of 4 Foxtail Palms. This will help give the firepit “room” a ceiling and further enhance the courtyard feel.

For the outdoor kitchen and dining area we have proposed a composite wood decking between the house and garage. The deck should be approximately 8” above grade. An outdoor kitchen is proposed along the garage wall with an outdoor sink before it turns into an L with the grill at the far end. This will help keep smoke and residue off the garage wall and enclose the space. Screen panels are proposed at the far end of the deck to block views and sound to the utility areas beyond. A built in wood bench with a dining table and additional chairs rounds out the rest of the deck. Pockets of planting area are designed into the courtyard to break up some of the larger swaths of hardscaping. This area should not need any permanent overhead structures. The courtyard will be shaded most of the day and especially in the evening when it will likely be used. Café festoon lights or umbrellas can be used to create visual interest and effect if desired.

For the driveway and parking we have recommended the client receive a quote to fix the pavers that are out of place due to the turning radius into the motor court. The 3 pavers on the corner at the firepit area should be mud set to help prevent future shifting. Additionally, we proposed a gravel area at the end of the motor court for a parking area, this solves the issue of the dying grass in that area. The gravel area continues to the base of the stairs where a screen panel is located for the new location of the trash and recycling bins. The screen panel will block the view to the bins while enjoying the new outdoor spaces. A planting bed of Chinese Fan Palms and White Birds of Paradise is proposed along the rear fence to buffer views to the neighboring houses. Perennial Peanut is proposed between the ribbon driveway for a low maintenance but beautiful solution to the grass problem.

For drainage a new swale should be dug (6-12” deep) along the northern fence line and connect to the expanded swale behind the garage.

This design features a simple plant palette that will create texture and contrast without being too busy in urban-feel of the courtyard. Pops of color can be brought in using planter pots, annuals, and furniture.

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.