PEBL - Okoboji_Edit by Jonathan Blaseg

1. We are here to do hard work.

2. We are passionate about our practice. Our collaborators and clients become friends and are an essential part of our story.

3. We believe that the process of design can be just as essential as the ﬁnished product.

LAKE OKOBOJI

“If you get the landscape right, the characters will step out of it, and they’ll be in the right place.”

- Annie Proulx

The landscape of this lakeside cabin unfolds through a series of perennial and stone gardens. Situated in the serene lakes area of Okoboji, the project envisions a space where the beauty of the natural landscape coexists with the functional needs of the family, o ering both aesthetic appeal and practicality throughout the changing seasons. The design embraces a sustainable landscape that evolves with the seasons, o ering a di erent experience year-round. Spring blooms, summer vibrancy, and fall color transitions create a dynamic backdrop, while attracting birds and pollinators to enhance the site’s ecology. The core idea is to craft an outdoor haven that resonates with the architectural character of the residence while embodying the natural rhythms of the surrounding environment.

Stacked limestone walls frame the garden, adding structure and texture while complementing the home’s modern design. These walls deﬁne sections of the space, guiding visitors through the landscape and evoking the timeless beauty of the lakeside region. The stone also provides functional boundaries and supports the native plantings.

The garden features ﬂexible, family-friendly outdoor rooms, including spacious patios for socializing, dining, or enjoying the garden. These areas cater to the family’s diverse needs, from quiet retreats to spaces for gatherings, seamlessly connecting with the landscape.

Through careful design and the selection of native plants, the landscape functions as an inviting space for both the residents and the local ecosystem. These plants not only ﬂourish through minimal intervention but also provide essential habitat and food for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. The integration of these natural elements enriches the home’s relationship with its surroundings, creating an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence between architecture and nature.

Location: Okoboji, IA

Project Type: Residential

Team: PKA / Ste es Co. / Dells

Awards: ASLA - MN Honor Award

Role: Landscape Architect

Photography: Spacecrafting

Initial hand sketches helped explore layout options that complemented the architecture. As the project progressed, the designer collaborated closely with garden installers, making adjustments as needed to reﬁne the design. Hands-on involvement during installation ensured every detail was executed precisely, aligning the garden with the envisioned aesthetic and functionality, resulting in a harmonious, well-integrated space.

Multiple layout options were used to study the pros/cons of di erent entry sequences, geometries, and materials. The 3D model allowed the design team to study viewsheds and scale in order to expedite the decision making process.

03-GARDENASAVIEW-SHAKKEI

The planting design utilized a diverse palette with constant color throughout the changing seasons. The layout and form of the garden also morphs accross the property to create di erent moods and dynamics.

Drifts of monocultures & concentrated plantings provide ease of identiﬁcation and support plant health. Species were selected that self-seed or spread in order to create dense plantings that inhibit weed growth. Repetition creates a strong visual cadence and sense of unity.

A STORY OF STONE:

The team transformed discarded limestone edging into a centerpiece garden feature. During demolition, the stones were carefully removed and stored for reuse. The design involved laying the stones horizontally in a gradient, with varying gaps to allow for plant growth. The irregular voids invite ground covers, succulents, and small ﬂowers to weave through, softening the edges and adding vibrant life to the space. The three gardens are highly visible from the interior of the house, with large windows framing the view. They act as living artwork, shifting through the seasons and providing texture and depth to the home’s transitional spaces.