Casa Los Guayabos faced the challenge of having only 5% of its total area as permeable surfaces, prompting the need to maximize the landscape's ecological impact within limited space.
To address this, the design incorporated a Fabaceae tree (Bursera simaruba), known for its ability to fix nitrogen and enrich the soil, contributing to the restoration of Cuernavaca’s urbanized and anthropized environment.
Focusing on biodiversity, the landscape prioritizes pollinator-friendly plants that support both day and night species. Native Mexican plants were exclusively chosen to ensure self-sustainability and ecological harmony, challenging the conventional use of Mediterranean bougainvilleas and exotic subtropical plants that dominate residential gardens in the area.
Key features include a Huayacán (Guaiacum officinale) tree in the north patio, providing seasonal vibrancy with its yellow spring blossoms, and Palo loco trees (Pittocaulon praecox) strategically placed in the internal courtyards of the rooms for a dynamic visual impact.
Leveraging Cuernavaca’s subhumid warm climate with an average humidity of 66%, the design also integrates sculptural epiphytes, which thrive without soil.
These plants are particularly valuable as they participate in nutrient cycles, enhancing both the diversity and biomass of the ecosystem while serving as living art forms that enrich the space.
This thoughtful design merges ecological function, biodiversity, and aesthetic appeal, transforming limited permeable areas into a vibrant and sustainable landscape.
Year: 2024
Location: Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
Status: Installed
Architecture: Rodríguez | di Mitri
Photographer: Andrea Dorantes