HOUSE AE by PERIMETRAL

The design of a bespoke garden for an architect and his family. The uniqueness of this program lies in the fact that it is a family with grown children, allowing for experimentation in garden design and the selection of a plastic and expressive palette of materials and vegetation. Through an innovative and sustainable approach, and with a careful selection of vegetation and materials, an environment has been created that not only provides visual beauty but also enriches family life and promotes interaction with nature. This project seeks to be a refuge where aesthetics and functionality come together to offer a unique and rewarding experience to its inhabitants.
One of the primary objectives was to create a harmonious dialogue between the interior and exterior of the residence, designed by Andrés Escobar. Our commitment was to translate this architectural vision into a landscaped environment.

The residence features multiple spaces where the landscape can be discovered and woven. Upon entering from the street, a Chinaberry tree (Melia azedarach) and a large planter on the upper floor, filled with color and texture thanks to Jasmines (Jasminum officinale and Jasminum mesnyi) and Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus), achieve a vibrant contrast with the slightly pink-toned pigmented concrete that characterizes the construction.

The sensations differ when entering as a pedestrian or as a resident. Upon reaching the main door and opening it, the visitor is greeted by a large green visual frame with multiple layers that capture attention. From the interior foyer, whether from the living room, kitchen, or dining room, the view meets the rear garden—the main one.

Another primary objective was to create an outdoor space in the main garden that would serve not only as a visual backdrop from the living room and kitchen but also coexist and complement family life. Circular plazas were designed among vegetated mounds, creating a series of spaces and paths that invite movement through the area. In these areas, trees were planted to provide shade, and various species were preserved and transplanted to the rear of the property.

The plazas feature a breakfast area and contemplative spaces, where a pair of chairs are strategically placed to enjoy the view of the house and garden, which are rarely seen from this angle. The outdoor terrace, along with the pool, was conceived to resemble a mirror of water reflecting the landscape; beside it appears a geometric rock as a fountain that overflows water, disintegrating with small cubic stone blocks. This element serves as the foreground focal point from the living room outward.

The design of the circular floors combines local stone from the region and prefabricated rectangular concrete pavers, forming plazas that organize the garden’s program.

A third important objective as landscape designers was to create a garden different from the usual in Guadalajara, Mexico. We consider outdoor spaces as natural systems and subsystems that must function beyond ornamentation, acting as small oases and climatic devices for the city. To reduce water consumption, the lawn was completely eliminated, replaced by fine filtering gravel.

A forest was generated with light-characteristic, vertically growing trees such as Chilean Myrtles (Luma apiculata), Ash trees (Fraxinus spp.), and several Guava trees (Psidium cattleianum) were relocated, allowing light to filter to the herbaceous layer. Additionally, some accent and colorful trees, such as the Caribbean Copper Plant (Euphorbia cotinifolia), were introduced to provide chromatic contrasts in relation to the house’s color.

With a Mediterranean inspiration, reflected in the movement, color, texture, and seasonal diversity of the garden, pollinator, aromatic, and even edible species were incorporated: Juniperus sabina, Nandina domestica, Nassella tenuissima, Pennisetum alopecuroides, Pennisetum setaceum, Muhlenbergia capillaris, Spiraea trilobata, Salvia leucantha, Salvia rosmarinus, Raphiolepis indica, Westringia fruticosa, Myrtus communis, Ruellia angustifolia, and Jasminum officinale.

It is worth mentioning that intensive work was done on a sophisticated irrigation system, which, through moisture and climate sensors, precisely regulates water usage.

Upon entering through the garages, a green lobby is created that welcomes the visitor and presents elevated plants from the studio. Stylized Chilean Myrtles (Luma apiculata) were selected, ideal for semi-shaded sites, characterized by their structure, whitish trunks, and permeable, evergreen fronds.
The garden-terrace of the master bedroom was designed as a place of enjoyment, incorporating a fire pit and a perimeter garden bench, creating a space full of texture and color that includes a pair of European Olive trees (Olea europaea) and a mix of plants.

The exterior lighting has been designed to softly illuminate the spaces and backgrounds of the garden, bringing the landscape to life at night.

For us, this project is a demonstration of how an outdoor space can be transformed into an intimate and functional refuge. By effectively integrating sustainability elements, a varied selection of vegetation, and careful use of materials, a garden is achieved that fosters family interaction and connection with nature

This project not only enriches the visual environment but also provides a conducive atmosphere for rest and coexistence, reflecting a design philosophy that values harmony between humans and their surroundings. Ultimately, this garden becomes a place where life, well-being, and natural beauty are celebrated.

• All landscape architecture offices involved in the design of landscape:

PERIMETRAL (Cony Lupercio Rojo, Juan Pablo Lupercio Rojo, Andrés Escobar Cárdenas)

• All architecture offices involved in the design:

ANDRES ESCOBAR ARQUITECTOS

• Other credits:
• Cony Lupercio Rojo
• Juan Pablo Lupercio Rojo
• Andrés Escobar Cárdenas
• Ricardo Santos Vallejo
• Carolina Romo Reynoso
• Alejandro Ruiz Suárez
• Jesús Antonio Lopez Cinco
• ELEMASELE PAISAJISMO
• VIVERO DE OCCIDENTE
• GRUPO CONSTRUCTOR 55

• Location of the project

Jalisco, México

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