THE UMBRELLA HOUSE

Originally designed by renowned architect Paul Rudolph in 1953, the Umbrella House stands as an enduring icon of mid-century residential architecture. In a recent commission, OLA was tasked with developing a landscape design that not only complements the home's distinctive architectural vernacular but also responds thoughtfully to South Florida’s unique coastal climate.

Rooted in the principles of the Bauhaus movement, the garden is conceived as a structured and geometric composition. Its spatial organization is guided by the proportional logic of the original house and the iconic umbrella structure, which is echoed and rotated 90 degrees within the landscape design to establish harmony and spatial balance across the site. Thin concrete bands were introduced to balance the negative space within the existing concrete paving. These linear elements are conceptually derived from the slender battens of the umbrella’s architectural structure, reinforcing a visual and material continuity between the building and the landscape

The layout of the planting beds adheres strictly to a linear geometry, reinforcing the architectural language of the residence. A palette of native plant species supports a xeriscape approach, enhancing sustainability while addressing the region’s vulnerability to storms and hurricanes. The use of indigenous materials further grounds the design in its context, creating a nuanced interplay of textures, forms, and green hues.

Through the thoughtful integration of ecological sensitivity and modernist design principles, the resulting landscape offers a timeless and resilient environment that elevates and complements the architectural legacy of the Umbrella House.