Oak View...

I have acted as consultant and supervising architect on a number of luxury home developments such as the one pictured here.  The projects I have been privileged to create were located in both the United States and Spanish speaking countries. 

With this commission came an opportunity to create something different and at the same time to establish a theme for architecture in a new development.   The site had 52 acres which was untouched and situated in an ancient native hammock of trees and plants indigenous to the area.  Only one home was located on the property.    A large residence had been built years ago for the original owner of this large tract of land.  He had made this property and house his final home.

The first consideration in developing a site such as this should be the effect roads will have on land which has been protected from urban sprawl since the beginning of time.  Aerial photos were made in order to plot the exact position of the major features of the property.  The trees were carefully located and areas, such as a small lake and a winding stream which run through the property, were considered in order to find the best course for roadways.  Using this method, I was assured that there would be as small an impact on the environment as possible.   In order to better maintain the forested look the 52 acres were divided up into only 18 parcels for building.  Areas were also set aside for wetlands and bird sanctuaries.  A lot size of two acres was platted for each home.  With lots this large, it was hoped that development could be  accomplished with a minimum disturbance of the trees.   Any tree which has to be moved for construction must be be relocated within the walled in community. 

Having the opportunity to develop the first lot on the property, I chose the location shown above. The large oak was a primary attraction for me in picking this site.  There were many oaks and Banyan trees to be considered when I began laying out this plan.  Removal of large trees is unthinkable so I cut back the roof overhangs in certain areas in order to allow the tree branches to pass through the eaves.  A giant oak in front of the house is visible from inside the great room and appears as a large bonsai painting when viewed through the glass windows.   This oak is more than 300 years old and is covered with resurrection fern.  A plumbing system is built into the tree branches to keep the ferns open.  A resurrection fern appears closed and dead without rain but comes back to life when watered.