Libano project

Corteza Arquitectura de Paisaje presents Project Líbano, a landscape intervention developed for a private residence located in León, Guanajuato. Through a carefully considered botanical composition and the management of planting densities, the proposal revitalizes three green areas and strengthens their landscape identity.

The Líbano project consists of the residential landscape design and intervention of three key green areas: the front garden, the main garden, and the service garden. At the beginning of the project, these areas presented different functional priorities and varying levels of definition. For instance, the main garden and the front garden already had a clear purpose established by the original architectural design, whereas the service garden was initially perceived by both the clients and the architectural team merely as a “transition corridor.” This was due to its function as an aesthetic and logistical connection between the garage and the service room, a residual space originally intended only to accommodate potted plants.

Plano de paisaje/ Landscape plan
Ilustración/Illustration: Mauricio Alejandro Arroyo Jiménez

Within this context, the primary technical and creative challenge lay in the reconceptualization of this microspace. The objective was to transform a functional service corridor into a living, dynamic garden, overcoming the physical constraints and existing structural elements that hindered planting operations and plant development.

Fotografía izquierda: Jardín servicio (antes) / Left photography: Service garden (before)
Fotografía derecha: Jardín servicio (después) / Right photography: Service garden (after)
Fotografía/Photography: Mauricio Alejandro Arroyo Jiménez

Project Líbano is a residential landscape design proposal that demonstrates how outdoor spaces can be reconceptualized as living, dynamic, and functional environments. 

The landscape design and intervention of these three spaces focused on achieving the following outcomes:

1. Main garden. The functionality and privacy of this space were closely aligned with the clients’ family needs, prioritizing a lawn-free area that is ideal for children’s recreation and play. The planting palette incorporated species such as lilies and agapanthus. In addition, a key privacy requirement was successfully addressed. The density of the vegetation was strategically used to visually screen the windows of the primary bathroom while preserving natural daylight.
2. Front garden: Identity and seasonal contrast. This space has established itself as a unique and distinctive proposal within the urban context of the neighborhood. The botanical composition stands out for its chromatic and textural dynamism, integrating the blooms of lilies and acanthus in combination with the deep purple tones of wandering jew (Tradescantia zebrina). The undisputed focal point of the front garden is a red oak, a specimen strategically selected to provide remarkable seasonal interest through the reddish coloration of its foliage during winter.
3. Service garden: From residual space to the “Crown Jewel”. Initially perceived as an area with little potential—and with complete creative freedom granted by the clients, who regarded it as nothing more than a technical passageway—the service garden became the project’s greatest success. A utilitarian corridor was transformed into a short yet remarkably pleasant and contemplative journey. The final result not only exceeded the clients’ expectations but also became one of the most celebrated works and one with the strongest identity within our Corteza Paisajismo community.

Jardín principal (antes) / Main garden (before)
Fotografía/Photography: Mauricio Alejandro Arroyo Jiménez

Fotomontaje de jardín principal/ Photomontage of the main garden
Fotografía/Photography: Mauricio Alejandro Arroyo Jiménez

Fachada (antes) / Front facade (before)
Fotografía/Photography: Mauricio Alejandro Arroyo Jiménez

Fachada (después)/ Front garden (after)
Fotografía /Photography: Mauricio Alejandro Arroyo Jiménez

Company profile :

Corteza Landscape Architecture, a landscape architecture firm based in León, Guanajuato, is led by landscape urbanist Mauricio Arroyo, who has participated in large-scale developments across Mexico.