Cape Cod Ocean Front Home on Shoestring Bay, Cotuit, MA

Cape Cod Ocean Front Home on Shoestring Bay, Cotuit, MA Completed by Kimberly Mercurio Landscape Architecture Situated on beautiful Shoestring Bay in Cotuit, MA, the Cape Cod Ocean Front Home represents the intersection of elevated coastal living and thoughtful landscape architecture. The goal of Kimberly Mercurio Landscape Architecture was to achieve an outdoor space that engages and enhances the striking architecture of the home while honoring the stunning local landscape. The involved a full property enhancement with a native plant palette that offered both visual dimension and improvements to local biodiversity. The plants were selected for their ability to thrive in a coastal landscape, so as to maximize the sustainability of the and minimize future maintenance. We chose a hardy plant palette suited for a coastal climate including beach grass, hydrangeas, and ornamental grasses known for their salt-tolerant properties. One of the major challenges of the was addressing the coastal erosion that is common in the area. We proposed a natural solution that involved using a series of natural buffers incorporating boulders properly placed along the shoreline, along with the establishment of a living shoreline practice using native plantings. The natural buffers not only protect the property from erosion, but enhance the ecological integrity of the bay. We constructed a stunning bluestone patio that spills out of the main living space, marrying the indoor and exterior experience and serving as a place for friends and family to gather in front of the home as they watch the sunset over the water. To tie the chain of spaces, we incorporated meandering crushed stone pathways that guide guests through the gardens, creating a timeline that encourages both discovery and stillness. The end result is a stunning landscape that increases curb appeal and connection to their oceanfront landscape. The owners were thrilled with their final product, especially the quality and attention to detail, sharing that they experience nature a little bit differently in their everyday lives. The highlights Kimberly Mercurio Landscape Architecture's belief in quality, imaginative landscape design, and the reverence to the beauty and simplicity of the coastal New England environment.