LandStudio: Redefines Outdoor Living in South Florida & Beyond
Based in Miami, Florida, LandStudio (landstudiomiami.com), led by Karla Ortez, has been transforming outdoor spaces into harmonious environments since 2009. Born in Honduras, a country celebrated for its biodiversity, Ortez draws upon her deep connection to nature and her Central American roots to craft inspired landscape designs.
The studio’s latest project, a private residence in Coconut Grove, highlights LandStudio’s dedication to integrating native plants into residential landscapes. Partnering with CASA DDI, one of the area’s leading luxury real estate developers, the project exemplifies a thoughtful collaboration between design and architecture.
In harmony with LandStudio’s landscape vision, CASA DDI employed high-end organic materials that complement the lush outdoor environment. The exterior features natural coral stone cladding, providing timeless elegance while blending seamlessly with the tropical surroundings. Pipe wood accents for the ceilings and eaves add warmth and texture, while indoor elements such as limestone and natural woods create a tranquil, zen-like atmosphere that mirrors the lush outdoor spaces. This seamless integration of architecture and landscape demonstrates the beauty and functionality of natural materials.
LandStudio’s role centered on designing a vibrant tropical garden that honors South Florida’s native flora and the mature landscape already present on the site. Mature oaks were thoughtfully preserved and integrated with carefully selected native trees, creating a natural enclosure that offers privacy and strengthens the property’s connection to its surroundings. The result is what Ortez describes as a “manicured jungle,” where curated gardens coexist with the natural elegance of the outer landscape.
The use of native vegetation adds sustainability, reduces maintenance, and supports local wildlife. By providing habitats for pollinators, birds, and other beneficial species, the project enhances the ecological value of the space. “Our goal was to create an outdoor space that felt like an extension of the local landscape,” Ortez explains. “Native plants help us achieve that harmony while reducing the need for excessive maintenance.”
This Coconut Grove residence exemplifies the shared values of LandStudio and CASA DDI: a commitment to sustainability, ecological responsibility, and the creation of homes that inspire harmony with nature. LandStudio seamlessly blends the artistry of landscape design with functional outdoor living, utilizing natural materials like wood and stone alongside native plants to craft inviting, sustainable spaces. “I believe the idea of a perfectly staged look is often seen as ideal, but in my experience, using native plants can be far more captivating,” says Ortez.
Through LandStudio, Karla Ortez continues to merge nature with architecture, leaving a lasting impact on South Florida’s landscapes—both indoors and out. Her commitment to sustainability and deep respect for nature lie at the core of every project, establishing LandStudio as a leader in ecologically responsible landscape design.
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