2024

Mexico City, Mexico

109m2

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Marbella Garden presented a unique challenge due to its poor turf performance, stemming from low sunlight exposure and unsuitable soil conditions. Most of the site remained in partial sun throughout the day, preventing conventional grass from establishing successfully. This analysis informed the strategic shift towards a low-maintenance, drought-resilient planting palette that thrives under these specific microclimatic conditions. 

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To replace the high-water-demand grass, we introduced an innovative permeable hardscape system using igneous rock, a material commonly found in the hilly landscapes of Mexico City. Instead of the traditional application as cladding, the stones were placed on their sides, exposing their uniform faces to step on, and the irregular ones to create structured nooks and crevices. This approach preserved the site’s ecological permeability, preventing excessive runoff while fostering microhabitats for plant colonization. 

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The substrate system consists of a sand base, ensuring efficient drainage, with the stones self-stabilized through careful interlocking placement and compacted earth infill between crevices. To further integrate vegetative succession, we introduced clover and other small groundcover seeds, anticipating a gradual softening of the hardscape as plant life establishes itself over time. This approach aligns with our core landscape design principles, prioritizing site-responsive planting, permeability, and long-term ecological adaptation, resulting in a resilient and evolving garden that harmonizes with its environmental constraints. 

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Concept Design, Design Development, Construction Documentation, and Construction Administration by MCA. 

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MCA team: Mauricio Cohen Kalb, Orlando Gonzalez, Jaqueline Hale Cuenca.