Aerial view of a garden featuring a curved wooden bench, trees, and irregularly shaped plant beds.

Aerial view of a garden with a curved wooden bench, trees, and irregularly shaped plant beds.

Story

A transformative garden in Gràcia, Barcelona, inspired by childhood fantasy and ecological principles.

The renovation of a small front garden in Gràcia, Barcelona, coincides with the birth of Claudia, transforming it from a mere outdoor space into a playground and growth area. Inspired by the story of Jack and the Beanstalk, the garden becomes a symbolic universe where fantasy and everyday life coexist. The ground is reimagined as a cloud, with light-colored, gently curved surfaces embedded with green marble, representing the footprints of a giant.

The garden is not a static image but a living system, echoing the landscape philosophy of Piet Oudolf. Previously a paved, impermeable surface, the intervention reintroduces soil and vegetation, enhancing ground permeability. Low vegetation islands feature aromatic and Mediterranean species, chosen for their year-round structure and texture rather than spectacular flowering. Existing trees like wild olive, orange, and lemon trees are preserved, with the paving adapting to their presence.

  • Ground surface designed as a cloud with embedded green marble.

  • Preservation and integration of existing trees.

  • Use of Mediterranean and aromatic plant species for year-round interest.

  • Narrative elements inspired by childhood fantasy.

Detail Description
Location Gràcia, Barcelona
Area 80 m²
Architects h3o architects
Project Year 2026
Status Built

This project exemplifies contemporary landscape architecture by marrying ecological sensitivity with imaginative design, creating a dynamic and enduring space.

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • flooring: A light-colored, gently curved surface with embedded green marble pieces.

Materials

  • wood — Used for curved benches in the garden.
  • concrete — Used for the light-colored, curved surface.
  • marble — Dark green marble pieces embedded in the ground.

Construction / Systems

  • landscape design: The garden design includes a permeable surface with islands of low vegetation and preserved existing trees.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: light-colored surface, dark green marble
  • Lighting: natural

Similar projects

More related projects

No similar projects yet.

Projects by the architect

View h3o architects

No other projects found for this architect yet.