Community Garden with Draining Pavement in El Maresme

The homeowners community faced a persistent problem: every time it rained, garden soil ended up in the pool. The steep slope caused constant erosion, dragging substrate and dirt into the pool and requiring frequent cleaning.

The existing lawn required constant irrigation, regular mowing and periodic treatments that represented a significant cost for the community. Additionally, access around the pool was uncomfortable and irregular, with scattered tiles that didn't offer functional circulation.

The biggest technical challenge arose during earthwork: the terrain was completely invaded by roots from mature pines and the perimeter bougainvillea, significantly complicating leveling and extending excavation timelines.

We designed an intervention that simultaneously solved drainage, accessibility and maintenance problems, respecting the existing vegetation and Mediterranean character of the space.

The key was creating a paved surface with volcanic stone slabs that completely surrounds the pool, establishing a controlled slope that directs water toward permeable garden areas instead of the pool. The system ensures all rainwater infiltrates the ground, regardless of precipitation intensity.

For the transition between pavement and the lush perimeter bougainvillea, we installed a corten steel profile that acts as a clean and durable separator, containing the planting substrate while adding a contemporary visual accent.

The traditional lawn area was replaced by lipia, a Mediterranean groundcover that once established practically requires no irrigation or mowing, drastically reducing the community's maintenance needs.