A garden among dunes in Portugal
Date
2023
Location
Setúbal (Portugal)
Type
Residential
Trees
22
Area
1.750 m2
Status
Concept
In coastal environments, garden design takes on a deeper significance. It’s not simply about enhancing the surroundings, but about creating a meaningful dialogue between the home, its inhabitants, and the natural landscape that shapes the place. A well-designed garden can transform a house into a sanctuary — a quiet, sheltered space that interacts gracefully with the wind, the sand, the ocean and the native vegetation.
Our project in the dunes of Setúbal (Portugal) embodies this philosophy. Designing a garden within a dune landscape requires a careful, measured approach: the ecosystem is fragile, and factors such as shifting sands, coastal winds and proximity to the sea play a decisive role in plant life.
A GARDEN AMONG THE DUNES
At DSTUDIO, we understand that a beach house is far more than just a holiday retreat — it’s a place where memories are created and where one seeks a quiet refuge from daily life. Our experience with coastal projects allows us to design outdoor spaces that reflect the personality, rhythm and aspirations of each client. We aim to go beyond conventional garden design, crafting landscapes that, with care and dedication, become truly livable works of art.
Every detail — from plant selection to spatial organisation — is thoughtfully considered to achieve a seamless synergy between the home and its surroundings. As landscape designers, we are committed to strengthening this connection with nature, elevating the aesthetic and emotional value of the exterior space, and creating environments that invite everyday use, contemplation and social interaction.
The Setúbal dunes, south of Lisbon (Portugal), form a delicate and unique ecosystem where biodiversity is a treasure that must be protected. At DSTUDIO we have designed a space that respects and enhances the original landscape, minimising the impact on this protected environment. From the very beginning, our approach has been to honour the landscape and its values. Our garden needed to soften the visual impact of the construction and create a seamless relationship between the house and its surroundings. The design focuses on a series of carefully planned artificial elevations, strategically shaped to generate viewpoints that highlight both the architecture and the broader landscape. | These green dunes also allow us to create small retreats and seating areas that subtly echo the history of the place. Throughout every stage of the project, our primary concern has been to minimise any potential disruption to the ecosystem caused by future construction. The use of permeable surfaces in areas intended for vehicle access has been a strategic decision, reducing the impact on the landscape and allowing natural water flow. In addition, the selection of native, coastal-resistant plant species — similar to those naturally found in dune environments — ensures full integration with the surrounding ecosystem and simplifies long-term maintenance. |
We carried out an in-depth study of the predominant wind patterns in the area and their impact on the different parts of the garden.
DESIGNING A GARDEN SHAPED BY THE WIND
Aware of how coastal winds influence beachside living and the comfort of those who inhabit these homes, we carried out an in-depth study of the prevailing wind patterns and their impact on each area of the garden. This understanding allowed us to design high-quality outdoor spaces, strategically sheltered from harsh weather while offering a pleasant atmosphere for relaxation and everyday enjoyment.
The combination of all these elements results in a project that both preserves and highlights the natural dune landscape of Setúbal, without compromising elegance or comfort. This garden among the dunes reflects our commitment to sustainability, creating an exclusive, environmentally considerate setting for a luxurious coastal second home.
