Origami House, a sculptural garden on a compact Winter Park lot

Signature Landscape Contractors transformed the outdoor environment of the Origami House into a seamless extension of its architecture, blurring the line between structure and landscape.

Located on the private peninsula of Twelve Oaks in Winter Park, the Origami House was designed by OSA Studio and constructed alongside a sister property. Defined by a striking combination of slate and Corten steel, the residence presented a unique opportunity to craft an outdoor environment that complemented its architectural vision while maximizing the potential of an intimate site.

Design vision

The bold geometric design inspired a landscape that feels sculptural yet serene. Working within the compact site, the design sought to create a sense of openness and visual continuity, allowing architecture, landscape and nature to read as a single composition.

A mature specimen oak became the organizing element of the front garden, anchoring the landscape and establishing an immediate connection to the site. Layers of meadow-inspired planting introduce softness, movement and seasonal interest, providing contrast to the home's crisp architectural forms. Throughout the property, carefully framed views, clean lines and composed planting areas reinforce the geometric character, while a restrained palette of materials paired with naturalistic planting creates calm, depth and cohesion.

Scope of work

Installation of a large character specimen oak as the centerpiece, surrounded by a curated selection of ornamental grasses chosen for their texture, movement and ability to thrive in Florida's coastal climate, creating a low-maintenance yet visually captivating environment.

Hardscape elements were placed strategically to enhance both function and appearance, blending with the natural surroundings and complementing the home's slate and Corten steel materials, including pathways and gathering spaces. Thoughtful grading and planting maximize the perception of space on the small lot, so the landscape feels expansive and open while maintaining privacy.

Challenges and solutions

The primary challenge was the lot's small footprint, which required innovative design to achieve the clients' vision of an open, prairie-like aesthetic. Low-profile, free-form grasses create depth and movement without overwhelming the space; the specimen oak anchors the design and draws the eye upward and outward to enhance the sense of scale; and minimalist hardscape features mirror the home's architectural style without cluttering the lot.

Outcome

The completed landscape is a serene, visually striking sanctuary that preserves one of the homeowners' most cherished features of the property, its extraordinary privacy. Carefully tucked away from public view, the residence remains discreet from the street, yet once visitors step through the entrance the landscape unfolds into a lush, welcoming oasis. That transition from privacy to openness creates a genuinely unique sense of arrival.