Casa Miguel
This project showcases the transformation of a barren desert landscape into a modern oasis. By incorporating colorful pots, architectural plants, and different elevations, we improved the visual appeal while maintaining and enhancing the mid-century architecture of the home, designed by prolific desert architect Cary Bigman. Nestled in the Twin Palms neighborhood of Palm Springs, the design reflects the area's rich architectural history and effortlessly blends the iconic desert modernism with the natural beauty of its surroundings.
Location
Palm Springs, California
Nursery contractor
GDNC Nursery
Lighting
Landscape Illuminators
Lighting products
Lumineering Industries, Inc
Location: Twin Palms, South Palm Springs, CA
Completed: 2024
Average cost: $25,000 - $35,000
Area: 7,700 sq. ft.
Duration of the project: About 1 month for the Design & 7 days for the installation
Landscape Designer: Logan Guinard
Landscape Contractor & Nursery: GDNC Nursery
Lighting design and installation: Landscape illuminators
Lighting products: Lumineering Industries, Inc
Before & After
Before the construction
As you can recognize, this project features an early 1960’s mid-century ranch house inspired by famed architect William Cody. Our task was to harmonize our landscape design with the existing architecture and aesthetic of the house, paying homage to its distinctive style.
In the before picture, you can notice some appealing elements such as the fireplace, entry door, and stone wall that we aimed to highlight. Conversely, there were features like the front orange raised wall that did not align with the desired aesthetic, prompting us to remove them.
Additionally, there were existing focal points in the vegetation that we chose not to disturb and emphasize with our new design- such as the Palm Trees, mature Yucca, existing Mexican fence post cactus, and the stunning Palo Verde tree. We also made efforts to repurpose and relocate existing plants like Agaves, Mediterranean palms and Yuccas.
This approach embraces sustainability by minimizing plant disposal and seamlessly integrating these into our new design. We believe in giving every plant a chance to thrive in its new home!
Artistic Renderings of the project
Through our renderings, you'll notice how we've seamlessly integrated new plants into our desert landscape theme, complementing the existing features.
While the elements depicted in the renderings are temporary placeholders, they serve a crucial purpose by enabling both our team and the client to visualize, experiment with, and adjust plant placements until we find the perfect arrangement.
In our design process we identified areas in the front yard that lacked visual interest. By strategically placing three vibrant orange pots, we injected personality into the space while maintaining cohesion with the house's design and color scheme.
The renderings also offer a glimpse of the nighttime ambiance, allowing for further refinement and enhancement of the outdoor showcase.
Anticipating future desires, such as adding a spa or firepit, we incorporated these potential features into the renderings. This forward-thinking approach empowers the client to envision the full potential of their backyard without committing to extensive construction immediately.
Progress of the construction
In the first pictures, you'll witness our collaboration with the customer at GDNC Nursery, where we carefully selected the plants, aided by Calvin's expertise and the skillful crew. A week later, the GNDC dedicated landscape team arrived to execute the installation of all plants and irrigation systems, under our supervision in order to ensure precise adherence to the pre-established plan.
Subsequently, Jay and his proficient team took charge of installing the exterior lighting, showcasing their mastery with magnificent lighting fixtures.
Finally, as the project neared completion, we meticulously cleaned up the site and enhanced the landscape by layering new gravel over existing. Additional boulders and rubble were strategically placed with an artistic touch to add depth and character to the space.
The final result
Below, you'll find the image showcasing the completed project. From the delivery of plants to the finishing touches, the entire process spanned approximately 7 days. Our team worked diligently within a tight deadline, set to coincide with the upcoming Modernism Week, a deadline that our contractors admirably upheld. Throughout the project, we remained mindful of the client's budget, opting for a creative approach by utilizing plants of various sizes, colors, textures, and species to craft a unique design that is both original and distinctive. Jay's input played a crucial role, especially in the enchanting evening atmosphere where the house and landscape come alive in perfect harmony, creating a truly magical scene. We extend our sincere gratitude to the client for entrusting us with this project. Now, we eagerly anticipate possibly seeing this residence featured in next year's Modernism Tour and witnessing the growth and transformation of the planted landscape!
