In the Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida, this residential project was designed by local landscape architecture firm, PLA Design Studio, with the goal of fusing the home's landscape to the client's vision. Dubbed "Coconut Palm" by PLA Design Studio, this residence was carefully crafted to seamlessly establish a resort-like lifestyle with clean aesthetics.

The firm was tasked with the landscape design of this 1/3-acre property, that was formerly a Spanish Mediterranean-style residence, with the client seeking the allure of a secluded vacation without venturing far from home. The new home would involve no pre-existing elements or plant material retained due to grade elevation from waterfront and sea-level rise. The client's vision was clear, they sought a resort-style landscape design that had a "wow-factor" while balancing simplicity with the inclusion of clean lines. PLA Design Studio embraced the challenge of translating these desires into a tangible design.

The journey began with the landscape architecture firm creating color renderings during the conceptual phase. These renderings, exhibiting spatial relationships between elements, were enhanced by inspiration images and 3-D renderings. The firm's comprehensive scope of work included new designs for the hardscape elements, pool, landscape, and landscape lighting.

 
Front Entrance Design
Starting in the front yard, the driveway became a canvas of stained concrete, chosen not just for its durability but also to ensure a pristine appearance free from tire tracks or leaf stains. The fencing, a combination of aluminum around the perimeter and glass around the pool, adds a modern touch while maintaining an open aesthetic. The connection between the indoors and outdoors was a major project goal that was achieved through close collaboration with an interior designer, ensuring a seamless flow from the driveway through the home's interior into the backyard.

Strategically placed fire bowls at the entry serve as a visual spectacle that contributes to creating the wow-factor, as they establish a warm and inviting ambiance visible from the home office and foyer. The inclusion of these features was inspired by the client's love of the atmosphere created from the connection of fire and water.

Backyard, Pool, and Dock
The backyard features a 50-foot-long, zero-edge pool as the focal point of the space. The spa, located adjacent to the primary suite, was designed to add a touch of luxury. Two fire bowls at the back of the pool are identical to the fire features that frame the front door.

Open, clean lines and ample seating further establish the resort setting, inviting residents and guests to the outdoor environment and the calming water views. The dock, meticulously designed to expand the water views and accessibility, posed challenges as the team was tasked with creating a transition between the house and pool deck level to the dock. Two sets of steps form a balanced approach and allow for the center of this space to be open.

Movement in Lighting
The goal of the lighting design focused on contributing to the client's overall vision of a resort-like atmosphere with a strong indoor and outdoor connection. Uplights with various wattages and beam spreads were strategically placed to ensure every feature was well lit as the homeowners instructed. With the goal of establishing a hierarchy of lighting that more prominently accentuated the largest features, the team employed a technique in which they illuminated the tallest trees and palms with two or four fixtures to create a sense of dimension. The front yard fire bowls, along with lights in the water beneath them, add a sense of movement to the lit environment.

Moving to the backyard, color-changing LED lights in the pool create a dynamic visual display. Fountains by the back doorway, including cascade jets and a water wall, are subtly illuminated, casting a gentle wash of light on the surrounding stone. The client's preference for blue lighting, changing in color, adds a mesmerizing play of colors. Three strategically placed fire features draw attention, visible from every room of the house, contributing to the overall ambiance. The east-facing rear yard ensured the harsh afternoon sun wasn't a concern, with moveable umbrellas and architect-designed covered spaces offering shade as needed. Artificial turf in the rear yard was a strategic choice, aligning with the client's preference for low maintenance.

Challenges and Outcome
The team emphasized their meticulous attention to detail, within the four-month project timeline, as one of their keys to success. PLA Design Studio navigated a challenge during this project. The homeowner introduced some last-minute revisions for a glass fence around the pool, a request that surfaced after the initial design was already complete. Despite the unexpected nature of the changes, PLA Design Studio approached this challenge with flexibility and dedication, ensuring that the final result exceeded expectations.