The Little Gasparilla Residence evolved from a desire for a densely planted retreat as a counterpoint to the homeowners’ northern urban residence. The family comes to the site through the busy streets of one of Florida’s small barrier islands, down a narrow private road, and into an open court enveloped in landscape.

Building on a sensitive and heavily regulated coastal site impelled the Landscape Architect to consider the potential environmental impacts of each design decision. Much of the site is protected and therefore not buildable; the interweaving of the architecture and exterior design in three dimensions affords the flexibility of multi-generational living and semi-private guest suites in a narrow and largely un-developable site.

Through collaboration with the Architect and Interior Designer, the landscape architecture balances lush sub-tropical plantings with openly defined spaces and creates a palpable sense of place.