Ocean Oaks
Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Award Winning Master Plan
for Private Development

Ocean Oaks is a private development on the resort island of Kiawah. The Caribbean inspired homes are set into the undulations of old dunes, shaded by a canopy of Live Oaks.

DesignWorks produced the original master plan for the development, and a planting plan for the common area. A concerted effort was made to preserve the natural vegetation and unique topography of the site. The layout is focused on a central lagoon with flowering water plants and a resident alligator, which can be seen between mature trees from the surrounding homes.

As each home is designed, DesignWorks consults with the architect for a siting and footprint concept that preserves the splendid Live Oaks, taking advantage of views to the ocean, marsh or lagoons. The topography determines how each house can be built into the former dune system; several have evolved into split-level structures, with elevated garden courtyards opening out to grade on a natural berm.

The final phase involves creating the individual landscapes linking each home to its setting. This creats spaces for indoor/outdoor living that is enjoyed year-round by Kiawah Island residents. Taking a cue from the Barbados-style architectural detailing, lush tropical-looking plants are blended with the native island vegetation. Emphasis is given to textural leaf forms, and the edges between architecutre and nature are deliberately blurred. Most homes have a garden courtyard with richly detailed planting, a vine covered trellis, or a pool to reflect the dappled light filtering through overhanging oaks.