McDugald Steele recently completed the exterior garden installation for the Hotel Daphne, bringing the landscape vision for this boutique hospitality destination to life. Located in Houston’s historic Heights neighborhood, the hotel blends contemporary hospitality design with the character of the surrounding community, offering guests a refined place to stay, gather, and dine.

Our firm was engaged to design the hotel’s exterior grounds, including the arrival sequence, parking areas, and a central courtyard garden that now serves as the heart of the property. From the moment guests arrive, the landscape establishes a welcoming sequence that highlights the hotel’s façade. The planting palette was carefully selected for Houston’s climate and supported by integrated irrigation and lighting systems that ensure the gardens perform beautifully throughout the seasons.

At the center of the project is the courtyard garden, anchored by a century-old live oak that became one of the most important design considerations on the site. Protecting the health of the tree required a highly technical paving solution developed in collaboration with structural engineers at SCA Engineers.

Rather than installing conventional paving that would compact soil and damage the tree’s root system, the courtyard was constructed using a suspended paving system. Steel posts were drilled into the ground and connected with structural angles to support a layered assembly of sheet metal, concrete, and pavers. The system is supported by helical piles and creates air flow beneath the paving surface, allowing the tree roots to continue receiving the air and water necessary for long-term health.

Prior to installation, arborists conducted spade tests to locate major roots so structural supports could be adjusted accordingly. Drainage and irrigation were also integrated around the tree to maintain roper moisture levels beneath the paving. Additional trees on the property were protected through similar strategies. In areas where walkways pass close to root zones, paving transitions to decomposed granite rather than concrete. This approach minimized excavation and avoided cutting into the root systems, preserving the long-term health of the trees.

Anchoring the courtyard is a custom fountain that introduces the calming presence of moving water while providing a visual focal point. The fountain’s design was inspired by a historic reference discovered in Architectural Digest. After tracing the original piece to a foundry in Ireland that is no longer in operation, the design team studied the proportions and recreated the fountain through custom fabrication.

Today, the courtyard functions as an extension of the hotel’s social life. Guests dining at Hypsi, the hotel’s Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, can step outside to enjoy the courtyard patio, where additional seating allows visitors to socialize and relax within the garden setting.

Beyond the courtyard, the landscape transitions to an enclosed event lawn designed to accommodate larger gatherings. This space will integrate with the hotel’s future event hall and outdoor amenities planned for the second phase of the development, anticipated in 2027.

Bringing the first phase of the project to life required coordination across several disciplines. McDugald Steele implemented the installation of the planting design, landscape lighting and electrical systems, irrigation infrastructure, and the courtyard fountain, ensuring each element works together to support the landscape and guest experience.

The project represents a collaborative effort with an outstanding team including Bunkhouse Hotels, Blanchard A+D, Darwin McCredie Architect, Rio Grande Organics, Stirling Electric & Irrigation, Water Line Designs and Forney Construction Group. Together, the team delivered a landscape that balances technical precision with hospitality-driven design and creates a garden environment where architecture, landscape, and preserved trees shape a memorable experience for Hotel Daphne guests.