A truly remarkable residence transcends its physical walls when the surrounding landscape is not merely an accessory but an integral extension of the living space itself. In a stunning Pelican Bay property, this principle is elevated to an art form through an “inside-out” design philosophy conceived by landscape architect Max Gooding of The Max Gooding Company. This meticulous approach orchestrates the exterior environment to correspond directly with the home’s interior sightlines and daily circulation patterns, ensuring every view becomes a deliberately composed masterpiece. The project stands as a testament to holistic collaboration, with BECK Architectural Group handling the architecture, Parker Hudson Homes serving as the general contractor, and Freestyle Interiors curating the interior design. Together, this team worked in concert to dissolve the boundaries between the built and natural worlds, creating a unified sanctuary where the lines between indoors and outdoors are beautifully and intentionally blurred.
A Symphony of Water and Light
The most profound expression of this integrated strategy is found at the rear of the residence, where the pool area establishes itself as the property’s undeniable focal point. More than just a recreational feature, it is the central axis around which the home’s visual narrative revolves. A significant water feature, combining a fountain and a spa, is strategically positioned to align perfectly with the home’s main entry and living room, immediately drawing the eye and serving as a powerful visual anchor. The fountain’s structure, composed of three rectangular cut-outs lined in elegant Bisazza mosaic tile, is a study in dynamic aesthetics. During the day, its white stucco finish appears brilliantly bright against the backdrop of stone. However, as dusk falls, a sophisticated integrated lighting system reverses this perception, causing the feature to glow warmly from within its edges, casting an ethereal light across the water and creating a captivating spectacle that transforms the evening atmosphere.
This day-to-night transformation is a core element of the design, which Max Gooding describes as creating a “Zen sumi-e painting effect”—an ever-changing tableau of light, shadow, and form. The design’s brilliance, however, extends beyond its visual appeal into its functional layout. The expansive pool is ingeniously zoned into distinct “rooms” through the use of stepped outcroppings and the strategic placement of towering Alexander palms. This clever division creates designated areas suited for various activities, offering intimate nooks for quiet conversation, dedicated spots for sunbathing, and open stretches for active swimming. By thoughtfully organizing the space, the design maximizes its utility, transforming a single large area into a multifaceted environment that can accommodate both serene relaxation and lively social gatherings simultaneously, ensuring the landscape is as practical as it is beautiful.
Unity in Geometry and Materiality
A consistent design language, built upon the foundation of geometric forms and a meticulously curated material palette, weaves a cohesive narrative that flows seamlessly from the home’s architecture into the surrounding landscape. A recurring motif of rectangular shapes and clean, straight edges provides a sense of order and visual rhythm throughout the property. This geometric precision is evident from the moment one arrives, visible in the layout of the entry driveway, the intricate paving patterns, and the crisp geometry of the pool and its features. This structured approach provides a subtle but powerful framework that complements the home’s relaxed coastal contemporary style, grounding the design with a feeling of intentionality and flow. The principle is even applied to smaller, curated vignettes, such as the views from the entryway and primary bath, which look out onto vine-covered walls and echoing pavement patterns, reinforcing the unified design at every turn.
The selection of materials was an equally deliberate process, aimed at achieving a harmonious and sophisticated aesthetic. While common choices for pool decking in the region include travertine and coral stone, the design team opted for a less conventional but more fitting material: Natural Stone Resources’ Ocean Reef limestone. This sandy-hued stone was chosen specifically for its more uniform appearance, which creates a softer, more consistent visual field that complements the home’s facade without competing with it. This choice moves away from the heavy veining or pitting found in other stones, fostering a tranquil and seamless transition from the lanai to the pool’s edge. Despite its uniform look, the Ocean Reef limestone retains the rich, tactile quality and inherent beauty of natural stone, offering a luxurious underfoot experience. This thoughtful material selection underscores the project’s commitment to a holistic vision, where every detail contributes to a unified and elegant whole.
Crafting the Ultimate Transitional Space
The lanai serves as a critical transitional zone, masterfully designed to function as a true open-air extension of the main living room rather than a separate patio. Interior designer Stephanie Fraleigh of Freestyle Interiors played a pivotal role in achieving this seamless flow, utilizing a palette of organic colors and rich textures that mirror the interior decor. This approach effectively erases the threshold between inside and out. The outdoor kitchen is a prime example of this philosophy, featuring a refined combination of weather-resistant NatureKast cabinetry and durable Dekton countertops. This pairing achieves a sophisticated, residential feel that elevates the space far beyond a typical barbecue area, making it a fully functional and stylish culinary hub. Woven furnishings from Brown Jordan were selected for their soft, low-profile silhouettes, which enhance comfort while conscientiously avoiding any obstruction of the meticulously framed views of the landscape beyond.
Architectural modifications further reinforced this powerful indoor-outdoor connection, lending the lanai a sense of permanence and substance. The team at BECK Architectural Group, led by Kyle Vayda, reworked the rooflines to include prominent gable ends, a classic nod to coastal architecture that adds character and structural integrity. The lanai’s vaulted ceiling was then clad in beautifully stained cypress paneling, a decision that serves multiple purposes. Visually, the warm wood adds texture and height, drawing the eye upward and making the space feel both grand and inviting. Practically, cypress is a high-quality, durable material exceptionally well-suited to Florida’s humid climate, ensuring longevity and timeless appeal. These architectural enhancements, combined with the sophisticated interior design choices, solidify the lanai’s role as an essential and integral part of the home’s living area.
A Dynamic and Living Tapestry
The project’s planting strategy, skillfully executed by Rise Architectural Design Group, was a crucial component in realizing the overarching vision. A testament to the team’s commitment to preserving natural character was the laborious relocation of mature, 50-year-old spindle palms. These majestic trees were deemed irreplaceable assets that could not be sourced from a nursery, and their careful preservation provides an immediate sense of history and establishment to the new landscape. The new planting scheme is built upon a largely monochromatic palette, a sophisticated choice that shifts the focus from color to the interplay of textures to create visual interest, depth, and scale. Gooding employed a technique of layering, contrasting fine-textured plants with large-leafed varieties to build a rich, multi-dimensional garden. Darker plantings were strategically placed towards the rear of the property, a clever tactic that enhances the garden’s perceived expanse and creates an alluring sense of mystery.
This meticulously planned garden was designed to be a dynamic, ever-changing environment, ensuring year-round appeal through a thoughtful selection of Florida-friendly plants. The design prioritizes not only resilience but also a continuous cycle of seasonal change, offering a constantly evolving spectacle. Fragrant jasmine and gardenias come into bloom in the later season, filling the air with their sweet perfume. In the spring and fall, native muhly grass produces a delicate, cloud-like flower spray that catches the light beautifully. The arrival of summer brings the crisp white blooms of gingers and liriope, adding fresh highlights to the verdant backdrop. This carefully orchestrated succession ensures the garden is always alive and in flux. After dark, the landscape underwent another transformation. Thoughtful uplighting was used to animate palms and architectural features, turning foliage into dramatic silhouettes and casting layered shadows across pathways and walls, creating an entirely new set of visual experiences that made the property as captivating by night as it was by day.
