The coastal city of Miami is characterized by extensive waterways, with roads and homes set amidst this aquatic expanse. In the thick of Coconut palms and moored boats lies Coronado Residence, reflecting a calm and grounded lifestyle in the Keystone Islands. With a landscape crafted by Rituparna Simlai, PLA from local landscape architecture firm Studio Arth and a structure designed by Jaya Kader of KZ Architecture, the property has become a haven for the homeowners who were looking to embrace a slower, more intentional pace of life.

A Relaxing Retreat
The entirety of the estate, encompassing both the residence and its environs, is infused with a Zen-inspired ambience, thoughtfully designed to cater to the residents who are ardent advocates of yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices. As a nod to this theme, the landscape is designed to invite residents and guests to pause, experience the present moment, connect with nature, and bask in the serene atmosphere. This approach is exemplified in the planting palette, where prominent native trees are surrounded by large leaf tropicals that foster intimacy and close interaction with the environment.

Setting the Tone
At the entrance, majestic Leopard Trees (Libidibia ferrea), with their dappled, peeling branches, create veiled, artful glimpses of the architecture. Tropical, native ferns bordering the frontage beckon visitors onto the property, with a trio of trees standing as sentinels. Two of them are Gumbo-Limbo (Bursera simaruba) trees that provide dappled shade. The third is a Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) that holds a place of honor on the newly renovated property, cherished for its 20-year, sentimental connection to the original house. The driveway is laden with concrete pavers, interspersed with the softness of gravel and Mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus).

 

The entry steps feature a combination of steppingstones, stepped planters, and Corten Steel-held gravel, emphasizing an au-naturel path. A Buddha statue is aptly located within the lusciousness of these plantings, which includes Wart fern (Microsorum scolopendria), Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa), and Spineless Agave (Agave attenuata). The Jade Vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys), with its enchanting bluish-purple colors, is used for the main entrance trellis, adding a layer of exoticism to the mix of natives and adapted species.

A similar contrast is seen between the structured elements of the residence and the landscape that is carefully infused into an organic form. In a bid to attain the utmost privacy, slender palms are employed on both sides facing the abutting homes and judicially placed to frame views of the neighboring plots.

Tranquil Spaces
The threshold of the main entrance serves as a precursor to a Zen-inspired garden waiting to unfold its quiet artistry. Often referred to as the "dry garden," it encompasses a taut balance between the five senses. Arabian Jasmine (Jasminum sambac) plantings appeal to the sense of smell, while other plants like Spiral Ginger (Costus spiralis) provide a velvety texture to engage the sense of touch. Carefully laden with loose gravel, the garden invites the use of a rake to create beautiful patterns reminiscent of water ripples. These soothing design gestures - together with a row of vibrant, flowering Singapore Plumeria (Plumeria obtusa) trees - cater to the sense of sight. In keeping with Zen principles, a bench is thoughtfully placed, inviting a moment of contemplation. The gentle sound of flowing water, though distant, engages the sense of hearing. Practical considerations also come into play, with mosquito-repelling plants like Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) grounding some of the functional landscape choices.

Zen gardens were originally conceived as serene havens for peaceful meditation. The dry garden serves as a fitting prelude to the adjacent meditation and yoga space, with the two areas separated solely by a clear glass partition. An illusion of depth is conjured with the strategic location of the pool beside the yoga room, transforming it into a seemingly infinite expanse of water between the pool and the waterfront. Unfettered vistas of the water beyond can be witnessed from the turf-laden outdoor balcony that is accessible via a spiral staircase leading from the yoga pavilion to the upper level.

Overlooking the waterfront, the pool area functions as a transient space, facilitating a connection between the intimate yoga room, the lush green surroundings, and the conjoining social space used to host large gatherings. Corten Steel is used to anchor a pocket of green by the pool steps, leading the way to an expanse covered with ferns, bromeliads, and a carpet of Cashmere Zoysia Grass intentionally selected to create a relaxed, unstructured atmosphere.

Shaded Paths
Designed to curate an exceptionally verdant experience, a shaded, meandering path along the property's edge leads to the outdoor shower and pool that faces the waterfront. These peripheral pathways comprise dense clusters of Philodendron Burle Marx (Philodendeon burle-marxii), Macho fern (Nephrolepis biserrate), and Shell Ginger (Alpinia zerumbet) plants that seamlessly complement the gravel path. Steppingstones engraved with leaf patterns add a distinctive and enduring touch, like a permanent imprint of the Zen essence.

A Space to Linger
The Coronado Residence is a true retreat where the tropical Zen landscape design connects to the core, allowing visitors to take a pause from the hustle and bustle of urban life. It allows one to pause and dwell on the journey within, curating a mindful space with an ambience that relaxes the senses. With the home as the picture and the landscape design its meticulously curated frame, the Zen ambience has been methodically woven into every corner of the property.

As seen in LASN magazine, April 2025.