In the countryside of São Paulo, Brazil, this residence transforms vegetation into an active part of the architectural experience. More than surrounding the house, the garden gives rhythm to the project, organizes transitions and establishes a constant dialogue between built volumes, terrain and open air.
The landscape design begins with the site itself. Paths, planted areas and shaded passages accompany the natural topography, guiding the arrival with subtlety and creating a gentler connection between architecture and garden. Native and adapted tropical species were selected for their resilience, texture and permanence throughout the year, forming a lush yet controlled environment that responds to the climate while requiring less maintenance.
The planting strategy reinforces the openness of the residence. Large glass panels, covered passages and a central courtyard allow light and greenery to enter the house, dissolving the boundaries between inside and outside without compromising spatial clarity. The result is a sequence of environments where architecture and vegetation are experienced as a single composition, rather than as separate layers.
At the main entrance, irregularly laid granite slabs form a sinuous path across the lawn, leading residents indoors. Two trees—a Libidibia ferrea (pau-ferro) and a preserved existing specimen—emerge from a groundcover of Pennisetum alopecuroides (Texas green grass) and Arachis repens (peanut grass). To the left, in a setback area of the plot, another pau-ferro pairs with Gardenia jasminoides (gardenias), creating a delicate composition of contrasts.
In the entrance gallery, a planting bed beneath the upper-floor walkway leads toward the living rooms, naturally lit by a skylight above. The landscaping features tropical, semi-shade species with broad, voluminous leaves—such as Goeppertia orbifolia (cyclanthus), Chamaedorea elegans (chamaedorea), and Thaumatophyllum xanadu (philodendron xanadu)—establishing an ambiance that echoes the double-height ceiling and mediates the scale between architecture and nature.
The central courtyard acts as a link between architecture and landscape, with the central circulation route dividing two main garden beds. On the living room side, taller species such as Strelitzia nicolai (white bird of paradise), Maranta arundinacea (maranta charuto), Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (guaimbê), and Liriope muscari (green liriope) form a dense green backdrop. On the opposite side, closer to the dining room, the ground is slightly lower, allowing the staircase to emerge, surrounded by Thaumatophyllum undulatum (philodendron undulatum), Chamaedorea erumpens, Maranta arundinacea, and Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum.
Inside, large openings—alongside transparent (glass frames) or semi-transparent (wooden lattice panels) vertical elements—maintain visual permeability. The interplay of natural elements—light, breeze, and greenery—creates a sensory atmosphere where the garden takes center stage in daily life.
Accessibility was prioritized from the initial design stage. The social area is leveled from the garage to the living spaces, and the transition from the living room to the solarium occurs via three broad steps that follow the gentle slope of the terrain. A landscaped bed, planted with a Handroanthus albus (yellow ipe tree) and a groundcover of miniature Gardenia jasminoides, marks the passage between interior and exterior. At the far end, dense plantings soften the presence of the lateral ramp, delineating a path that leads to the lower lawn—an open space intended for children’s play and private events.
From the pool area, the canopy of existing trees on the lower part of the plot—as well as those in neighboring lots—shields the home.
One of the project’s main challenges was maintaining privacy in the face of nearby two-story houses. The solution came through a composition of slender-trunk trees and dense foliage masses that act as visual barriers. This “green belt” forms a gentle transition between the built environment, the garden, and the broader landscape, without rigid borders. Plantings include Bambusa vulgaris 'Vittata' (golden bamboo), Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum, Maranta arundinacea, and Caryota mitis (fishtail palm).
A small garden, cultivated with herbs and vegetables—reflecting the residents’ culinary interests—complements the landscaping and is accompanied by fruit trees such as Plinia cauliflora (jabuticaba) and Psidium cattleyanum (strawberry guava), completing the garden program.
On the upper floor, landscaping appears in different forms. Outside, the extended eaves give rise to metal trays planted with Pennisetum alopecuroides. Inside, a suspended planter above the front door contains Goeppertia orbifolia and Thaumatophyllum xanadu. The roof of the social volume was converted into a garden terrace: a green roof densely planted with grasses and layered groundcovers. When seated, residents are enveloped by vegetation; when standing, the garden beds conceal the railings and enhance the sense of immersion in the surrounding landscape.
In this project, species selection emphasized diversity without establishing hierarchies. There is no single “main” plant; the highlight lies in the composition itself—in the contrast of textures, volumes, and heights. This plant palette rests on an architectural base of earthy tones—wood, exposed concrete, and metal finishes resembling corten steel—that serve as a neutral backdrop, allowing the garden to shine throughout the day. In the late afternoon, especially, the golden light casts shadows and reflections that continuously renew the experience of the space.
Project: LGM House Landscaping
Location: Itupeva, São Paulo, Brazil
Year of Completion: 2023
Site Area: 3,125 m²
Built Area: 1,400 m²
Architecture: Luciano Dalla Marta
Landscape Design: Rodrigo Oliveira Paisagismo
Communications / Text: Matheus Pereira Comunicação
Photography: Pedro Kok
