Overview
Project Type
Residential
Scope of Work
Concept design · Planting design · Hardscape & paving · Exterior Lighting Design · 3-D modeling · Construction documents · Construction observation · post-occupancy support
Context
Located on a small front yard along Rincón’s coastal hills, this project sits within the humid, salt - laden climate of Barrio Puntas — an area known for its sea views and relaxed architecture. Exposed to both wind and street visibility, the site demanded a design that could provide privacy, withstand harsh conditions, and thrive with minimal irrigation.
“Native - based xeriscaping offers structure, color, and long - term performance with minimal water use.”
Species such as Roystonea borinquena, Sabal causiarum, Conocarpus erectus sericeus, Agave angustifolia, and Clusia rosea nana — all native to Puerto Rico — were composed into a resilient, cohesive garden that requires little maintenance while offering year - round interest
Xeriscaping & Coastal Planting
To address water scarcity and coastal stress, the garden was conceived as a tropical xeriscape rooted in native plant structure and supported by select drought-tolerant exotics. The planting palette emphasized cool tones—silvers, purples, and muted greens—that echo the colors of the surrounding sea and sky. This chromatic strategy was inspired by the client’s vision and the coastal landscape of Barrio Puntas.
“Good landscape builds privacy without closing off the world — it filters, frames, and reveals.”
Low - voltage lighting was integrated to highlight pathways and vertical elements, allowing the garden to remain legible and atmospheric after sunset.
Materials, Lighting & Privacy
The ground plane was defined using pea gravel and bluestone boulders, creating a muted, mineral contrast to the warm tones of the local architecture and soil. Locally made breeze blocks — an iconic element of Caribbean mod ernism — were used as spatial filters, providing privacy, ventilation, and selective views from the street while complementing the home’s architectural character