The Pearl of the Sea — A Nautical Garden in San Diego
A coastal-inspired front yard transformation in San Diego — The Pearl of the Sea blends art, ecology, and mid-century modern craftsmanship. Designed by LASD Studio, the garden mimics coral life through sculptural concrete, breeze blocks, lava stone, and drought-tolerant planting — a living work of art born from a freediver’s love for the ocean.
“A coastal-inspired garden that captures the beauty of underwater life through coral-like planting, sculptural concrete, and sustainable San Diego elegance.”
The Pearl of the Sea - video presentation of Mid-Century Modern Landscape Architectural Design
Concept & Vision
The clients dreamed of a garden that would let them feel the ocean every day — its colors, textures, and rhythms — right outside their front door. Inspired by their love for the sea, LASD Studio designed The Pearl of the Sea, a coastal-themed landscape that mimics the beauty and harmony of underwater life. This garden blends artistic composition, ecological sensitivity, and innovative hardscape detailing to create one of the most distinctive front-yard landscapes in San Diego. As a freediver deeply in love with the ocean, LASD Studio’s principal Yura Lotonenko immediately envisioned how this garden could embody the serene, living world beneath the waves — transforming that vision into an expressive and sustainable landscape experience.
~ Where breath of the Ocean meets free Spirit ~
Design Narrative
This garden is conceived as a living coral reef emerging from land — a poetic transition from ocean depth to coastal terrain. Each element, from planting to material texture, was carefully chosen to echo the forms and rhythms of marine ecosystems, creating a place that is both sculptural and sustainable.
Concept: Coral reef landscape — a terrestrial expression of the ocean’s life forms
Theme: Regenerative coastal minimalism with sculptural hardscape detailing
Location: San Diego, California
~ It’s all begun with a dream ~
Conceptual Sketch — Coral Planting: The Dream Behind The Pearl of the Sea
Hardscape & Materials - State of Art
The hardscape serves as the structural backbone of the garden, reflecting both craftsmanship and imagination:
Concrete deck & paths — smooth, coastal-inspired surfaces with aggregated glass inlays, creating a shimmering “sea glass” effect reminiscent of the ocean floor.
Nautical rope railings — handcrafted wooden posts with heavy natural rope add marine authenticity and safety without blocking the view.
Custom breeze block wall (“Breath Wall”) — a white sculptural feature of circular cement blocks arranged to evoke bubbles rising through water, casting dynamic shadows through the day.
Lava rock formations — used as “reef ridges” and “underwater caves,” introducing natural texture, habitat spaces, and strong visual contrast.
Decorative shells, driftwood, and coral fragments — artfully embedded within sand and gravel to complete the illusion of an exposed coral reef at low tide.
Planting Design
The planting palette was composed to mimic aquatic organisms through color, texture, and form — a living sculpture inspired by coral ecosystems by John Beaudry.
Succulents & agaves simulate coral colonies and anemones, thriving in the dry coastal microclimate.
Sedums, echeverias, and mangaves provide fine textures and pastel tones, creating a vibrant undersea color gradient.
Tropical palms and cycads anchor the composition, representing the “surface canopy” and adding vertical drama.
CA native and low-water species ensure sustainability and resilience while maintaining the coastal theme.
Lighting & Night Ambience
Beyond its visual poetry, The Pearl of the Sea is a sustainable and regenerative landscape:
Drought-tolerant planting reduces irrigation demand.
Permeable surfaces allow stormwater infiltration.
Recycled glass and natural materials minimize environmental footprint.
The Pearl of the Sea stands as a unique fusion of landscape architecture, art, and ecology — a front yard transformed into a coastal sculpture garden, celebrating San Diego’s maritime spirit. It reflects LASD Studio’s philosophy of designing landscapes as evolving, living systems that tell stories, heal land, and connect people with nature’s deeper rhythms.
This garden is more than a landscape—it is a therapeutic retreat designed to restore balance, spark joy, and create lasting memories. Every element is thoughtfully composed to provide a sense of refuge, rejuvenation, and inspiration.
Landscape Design Project Process & Realization
Creating The Pearl of the Sea was an immersive, six-month journey from concept to completion.
The project began with over three months of dedicated design work — from on-site measurements and client meetings to concept sketches, planting studies, and full technical documentation. Every detail was refined with precision and artistry to ensure that the final result would feel alive — like a coral reef breathing on land.
Construction spanned another three months, involving a team of exceptional craftsmen, artisans, and landscape specialists — people who share LASD Studio’s passion for design, precision, and care for both the vision and the client experience. Every material, texture, and planting placement was handled with deep attention to the project’s soul.
Value & Impact
The Pearl of the Sea transformed the property at 2372 Plum Street, San Diego, into a work of living art — a landscape that redefines curb appeal and architectural identity. Designed and built with a total construction value of approximately $200,000, the project seamlessly merges craftsmanship, ecology, and mid-century modern artistry. Beyond its beauty, the design significantly enhances the property’s market and cultural value, positioning it as one of the most distinctive front yards in the area. It stands as proof that visionary landscape architecture not only enriches daily life, but also becomes a long-term investment in both art and property.
Private Family Landscape Retreat in Mallorca — A Sanctuary of Mediterranean Elegance
A private family retreat in Mallorca blending Bohemian Minimalism with Mediterranean elegance. This sanctuary features orchards, spa, healing gardens, and panoramic sea views — a landscape where art, ecology, and timeless beauty evolve together.
“An exclusive private estate garden blending Bohemian Minimalism with Mediterranean heritage, designed as an evolutionary landscape system for well-being, art, and nature.”
This confidential landscape design in Mallorca transforms a private family estate into a living sanctuary. Inspired by Mediterranean ecology, timeless artistry, and evolutionary systems, the garden supports both biodiversity and the refined lifestyle of its owners. Spaces unfold as curated experiences — from shaded patios and healing gardens to orchards, dining terraces, and infinity-like water features. Every element speaks to balance: luxury intertwined with ecological intelligence.
This short film presents the Private Family Landscape Retreat in Mallorca, designed by LASD Studio. The project transforms a secluded estate into a Mediterranean sanctuary — a garden that is at once private, ecological, and artistic.
Every space reflects our philosophy of evolutionary intelligent landscapes — places where people, art, and biodiversity come together in harmony.
~ A Sanctuary for Mind, Body & Soul ~
Garden Features
Welcoming Allée — A Journey into Serenity
A lush, unstructured jungle that instantly transports you away from the demands of daily business life. As you step into this immersive green corridor, the mind unwinds, welcoming you into a sanctuary of freedom, serenity, and security.
Parking Area
Spacious accommodations for five outdoor parking spaces and two indoor garage spots, ensuring seamless arrivals and departures.
Grand Entrance & Arrival Experience
An elegant, expansive porch—perfect for receiving guests, welcoming loved ones, and bidding them farewell in a space that reflects warmth and hospitality.
The Bionic Garden — A Living Work of Art
A masterfully curated experience of lush botanical diversity:
Shaded Garden Patio – Relax beneath a tree canopy, surrounded by vibrant plantings, while gazing at a serene koi pond.
Mediterranean Healing Garden – A poetic composition of succulents, desert flora, and water-wise plants, evoking the raw beauty of wilderness while offering balance to structured modern life.
Fruit & Olive Grove – A classic Mediterranean orchard, designed for moments of spontaneous fruit-picking, while ancient olive trees impart a sense of stability and grounding.
Side Yard Patio
A secluded retreat with calming views of the olive grove, perfect for quiet reflection and intimate gatherings.
Dining & Social Spaces — Where Family Life Evolves Outdoors
A shaded pergola extends seamlessly from the house, cooling the interiors while offering a refined outdoor dining space. A handcrafted wooden table with elegant seating invites moments of leisure—whether enjoying a book, sipping fine wine, or indulging in conversation.
Contemporary English Garden
Flowing naturally from the dining patio, this space features a soft lawn and stepping stones leading to the lounge, spa, and pool area. A planted slope of Pennisetum and Agapanthus enhances the lush greenery, bridging nature into the living space.
Spa, Pool & Fire Lounge — Luxury Rooted in Nature
A 12m x 4.5m pool provides a cooling escape during Mallorca’s warm summers, while an adjoining 4m x 4m jacuzzi offers the perfect spot for evening relaxation with family, accompanied by a glass of fine wine. Positioned at one of the highest points in the garden, this area boasts breathtaking views of the bay. A cozy pergola shelters three Baja sun loungers, where one can breathe in the fresh sea air, enhanced by the scent of aromatic herbs planted nearby.
Fire Pit Lounge
A circular stone patio with a sculptural fire pit, surrounded by comfortable seating. A hidden pathway leads to this secluded space—offering an ideal vantage point for watching the sunset, reflecting on the day, and cherishing time with loved ones.
This garden is more than a landscape—it is a therapeutic retreat designed to restore balance, spark joy, and create lasting memories. Every element is thoughtfully composed to provide a sense of refuge, rejuvenation, and inspiration.
Japanese Garden Design in San Diego — The Art of Simplicity
A traditional Japanese garden in San Diego, designed with timeless elegance and ecological intelligence. Stone, water, and plants are arranged to create balance, harmony, and a meditative retreat within the Southern California landscape.
“Where traditional Japanese garden philosophy meets modern Southern California living.”
This project reimagines a San Diego residence as a traditional Japanese garden — a tranquil retreat where art, ecology, and simplicity converge. Inspired by the timeless work of Japanese masters, the garden blends stone, water, and plants into a living composition that evolves with the seasons. From koi ponds and bamboo screens to moss-covered stones and sculptural prunings, every element is designed to balance harmony and contemplation.
A short film of LASD Studio’s Japanese Garden in San Diego — a tranquil retreat blending koi pond, rock garden, bamboo, and seasonal planting. The design reflects the timeless philosophy of Japanese gardens while adapting to the Southern California climate, creating a living sanctuary of harmony, simplicity, and contemplation.
Welcome to our Traditional Japanese Garden, a serene oasis inspired by the renowned Japanese garden designer, Moso Sosoki. As you step into this tranquil space, you embark on a journey where nature seamlessly blends with meticulously crafted architectural forms, creating a harmonious retreat for the senses.
Our garden's centerpiece is a cozy sitting area, where a table and traditional Japanese chairs invite you to relax and immerse yourself in the surroundings. This heart of the garden is enveloped by various captivating elements that embody the essence of Japanese design.
Enchi Water Pond & Koi Habitat
First, let's stroll over to the water pond, known as Enchi. Here, the gentle ripples of the water are graced by the elegant presence of koi carp, their vibrant colors shimmering beneath the surface. Water lilies float gracefully, adding a touch of tranquility and beauty to this serene aquatic haven.
Karesansui Rock Garden — A Meditative Space
Next, we move to the Karesansui, or rock garden, a masterful composition where the entire space merges into a unified, meditative whole. Larger moss-covered boulders stand as garden sculptures, complemented by a carefully arranged tapestry of flat pebbles, flagstone materials, and varied gravels. These elements intermingle with lush plants, creating a dynamic yet peaceful landscape that invites contemplation.
Japanese Veranda (En) — Transition Between Worlds
A unique addition to the house is the Japanese veranda, or 'En.' This elegant space serves as a vital transition, gracefully bridging the interior and exterior worlds. From the veranda, you can experience the garden's beauty while remaining sheltered, making it a perfect spot for quiet reflection or enjoying the changing seasons. Enhancing the garden's aesthetic, our wall decorations feature traditional Japanese bamboo fencing and garden trellises with intricate square slots. These elements not only provide structure but also add a touch of timeless elegance to the surroundings.
Evening Illumination — A Garden Alive at Night
As night falls, the garden comes alive with a thoughtfully designed lighting scheme, transforming it into an enchanting evening retreat. Soft, ambient lights highlight the garden's features, creating a magical atmosphere that invites you to linger and enjoy the tranquility of the night.
Planting Philosophy — Elegance in Every Branch
The plantings throughout the garden have been meticulously selected for their branch structures, leaf shapes, growth patterns, and simple natural aesthetics. Each plant contributes to the garden's overall harmony, ensuring a seamless blend with the architectural elements. We invite you to explore and experience the peaceful beauty of our Traditional Japanese Garden, where every detail has been crafted to offer a serene and harmonious escape from the everyday world.
Step into a world where time-honored Japanese garden philosophy meets the elegance of modern design. In this tranquil space, the boundaries between indoor and outdoor blur, allowing nature to flow seamlessly into everyday life.
The wooden lattice screens, with their intricate patterns, invite dappled sunlight to dance across the floors, creating a serene interplay of light and shadow. Outside, a meticulously crafted garden awaits—a sanctuary of stone pathways, gently flowing water, and blossoming trees that whisper the essence of tranquility.
This is more than a garden; it is a harmonious blend of simplicity and sophistication. Here, the ancient art of Japanese landscaping finds new life in contemporary forms, offering a space where you can pause, breathe, and reconnect with the natural world. The presence of modern furniture within this traditional setting is not a clash, but a conversation—a dialogue between the past and present, inviting you to experience the beauty of both.
Every element, from the carefully placed rocks to the thoughtfully designed seating, is an invitation to linger, reflect, and appreciate the delicate balance between nature and human artistry. In this space, the hustle of the outside world fades away, leaving you with a profound sense of peace and a deeper connection to the art of simplicity.
EXISTING CONDITION
PROJECT DESIGN DRAWINGS
LASD Studio taking project from beginning, through permitting process and construction, whether it is new construction of historical designation or landscape renovation private and comercial properties.