Barros Garden, Central Region.
This work is located in a small valley in the central region, between the hills of the Costal Range. The landscape is characterized by lush evergreen vegetation on the slopes of southern exposure, in contrast to the dry land scrubs and cactus varieties of north-facing slopes. The task was to design a garden for a house in a field devoted to citrus fruits and avocados. Before reaching the space of the garden proper we cross part of the field and through the orchards with significant views of the mountains, a hidden path between old boldos ( peumus boldus ) trees mark the beginning of the garden. The house consists of a pure and horizontal volume at the end of the small basin formed by hills in a horseshoe shape, standing in contrast to the existing landscape. The more public rooms of the house look towards the west, from where the full extension of the valley and the sunset are appreciated. To the east lie the master bedroom and access patio. The vegetation of the garden is spatially in charge of promoting the different views of the landscape and vice versa, while respecting existing native trees. This will define the spaces, which are enriched with other plants according to their location and size. The esplanade in front of the house is accentuated by a visual frame of large evergreen trees and two symmetrical groups of Lagerstroemia, culminating in a pond spatially formed by groups of peumos ( cryptocarya alba ), pepper trees ( schinus molle L. ), quillayes ( quillaja saponaria ) and elms, and other species of different shape and color. Natural springs permitted the construction of the pond on a level lower than the esplanade, to create a more intimate area with paths that cross and surround it. The natural slope of the terrain permits the creation of five pools contained by walls made with local stone. From the overhead grassed platform the reflections of the trees stand out among the water plants, alternating their colors depending on the season. However, seen from the lowlands, only the stone walls are seen, whose staggered form is perceived as a continuation of the hills.
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