Rooted in Nature: Landscaping as the Heart of Las Cuevas
From the very beginning, the vision for Las Cuevas has been clear: this is not simply a construction project—it’s a landscaping project where architecture gently finds its place within nature. Justin and the architects have always imagined the villas as guests in the environment, designed to nestle seamlessly into the lush, tropical landscape rather than dominate it.
Preserving and Enhancing What’s Already Here
One of the guiding principles of Las Cuevas has been preservation. Rather than clearing the land, the team chose to keep the most iconic trees as part of the design. For example, a giant native tree at the entrance—once considered an obstacle in conventional developments—will instead become a focal point of the project, celebrated as the centerpiece of the café’s outdoor gathering area.
This approach ensures that residents and visitors alike feel a deep connection to the land, with the shade, form, and history of existing trees becoming part of the Las Cuevas experience.
A Living Nursery for the Future
While awaiting permits, Justin stumbled upon an opportunity that would shape the soul of the project: a nearby plant nursery (vivero) was being put up for sale. Rather than let it disappear, he made a deal to purchase hundreds of its trees and plants, giving them new life across the Las Cuevas landscape.
This decision not only enriched the property with immediate greenery, but it also underscored the project’s ethos—to cultivate, protect, and grow with nature rather than start from scratch.
The Landscape Palette
The landscape analysis for Las Cuevas highlights the diversity and thoughtfulness behind plant selection. The mix includes towering natives, flowering ornamentals, and lush groundcovers, each chosen for their ecological and aesthetic contributions:
Balata & Algarrobo (30–45m giants): Tall native trees offering shade, fruit, and seasonal flowers, anchoring the skyline.
Guaraguao (30m): With its striking form, this tree provides both habitat and visual drama.
Palma manacla (15m): Iconic palms that flower and fruit year-round, adding tropical rhythm to the property.
Aguacatillo (10–12m): Smaller fruiting trees that attract wildlife and add seasonal variety.
Color & Texture Layers: Coral/Isora with its fiery blooms, Bugambil with cascading flowers, Croto with variegated leaves, and groundcovers like Brusela and Oreja de Elefante to soften walkways and terraces.
Vines & Climbers: Mano de león and Bugambil bring greenery and blossoms to vertical surfaces, blurring the line between architecture and landscape.
Together, these plants create a layered ecosystem that supports biodiversity, provides shade and cooling, and enhances the beauty of every villa and communal space.
More Than Landscaping—A Philosophy
For Las Cuevas, landscaping is not an afterthought but a defining philosophy. Each villa is meant to feel like it grew out of the terrain, framed by mature trees and enriched by gardens that change with the seasons. By transplanting existing species, protecting heritage trees, and layering in local flowering plants, the project creates a setting that feels timeless, rooted, and alive.
At Las Cuevas, you won’t just live in a home—you’ll live in a garden, with the land itself as your greatest neighbor.
