Drake Design Studio

The landscape design at this private residence is focused on native plants and sustainable systems. A new gravel driveway provides porous paving to minimize runoff. Colorful and low-maintenance perennials perform all summer long and require little or no spraying. Organic gardening and lawn care regimens are in place, and four rain barrels capture rainwater and channel it to planting beds help with irrigation.

This private residence is surrounded on two sides by Narragansett Bay and its dramatic native rock formations. The owners wished to use a restrained material palette of wood and stone to echo the clean, contemporary lines of the house. DDS was responsible for the overall site plan: wood and cable railings to enclose blue stone terraces; natural stone steps to navigate grade changes; a driveway and entry sequence that frames views of the site and bay beyond; a new spa built into existing rock outcroppings; and a courtyard for eating and relaxing.

The owners of this property hired DDS in 2006 to develop a landscape design that would work in concert with their house, which was undergoing a major renovation at the time. DDS worked with the architect and contractor, adding specimen trees, perennial borders, an arbor, trellises and a reconfigured entrance. The owners wished to allow neighbors and passers-by to enjoy their gardens, so the surrounding hedges are maintained to 3.5-foot height.

This project involved design for a vacation home in a remote, quiet enclave of Providenciales. The site is a small peninsula, and DDS designed and sited the house to take advantage of prevailing winds and sun angles for heating and cooling. The house connects seamlessly to the outdoors: the second-floor living room and kitchen are surrounded on three sides by French doors and decks, while downstairs bedrooms open onto terraces. Generous roof overhangs provide shade without limiting views. The master suite is in a separate structure, and the two structures frame a courtyard and pool.