Residential SERIES • Project FEATURE
With Nature in Sight – Casa Las Ninfas by Pedro Sánchez
Casa Las Ninfas emerges as a harmonious tribute to the natural world, sculpted by the vision of Pedro Sánchez. The landscape is a celebration of nature’s beauty, serving as both a personal haven and a flourishing garden.
Designed with sustainability at its core, the garden is irrigated using an automated system that captures rainwater, ensuring that all areas of the landscape remain consistently hydrated. This commitment to eco-conscious design brings forth a sense of balance and responsibility that resonates throughout the space. At the heart of Casa Las Ninfas lies an extraordinary diversity of plants. Bougainvilleas, bromeliads, spider lilies, echium, and orchids coexist in a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem. This botanical variety is not just an aesthetic choice but a reflection of Sánchez’s deep understanding of the natural world. His self-taught expertise, which includes the ability to identify over 1,500 plants by both scientific and common names, informs the intricate placement of every species, ensuring they thrive in Malinalco’s unique microclimate.
"Surrounded by nature’s beauty, Casa Las Ninfas is a sanctuary where art and landscape coexist in perfect harmony. This space is a reflection of balance, persistence, and the deep respect for the natural world."
One of the garden’s most striking features is its natural clay lake. Designed to be more than just a decorative element, this lake fosters a micro-ecosystem where frogs, koi, and carp swim among aquatic plants such as water lilies, pontederia, and Sagittaria subulata. These plants play a crucial role in the lake’s oxygenation, maintaining the delicate balance of this miniature aquatic world. The creation of this lake exemplifies Sánchez’s ability to not only design with nature in mind but to actively contribute to its preservation.
Sánchez’s approach to landscape design stems from his unwavering belief that no human creation can truly replicate the artistry of nature. “There is no better landscaper than God,” he explains, emphasizing his reverence for the natural world. His goal, however, is not to replicate nature exactly but to interpret its forms in a way that evokes the same sense of wonder and connection. This philosophy is evident in every aspect of Casa Las Ninfas, from the thoughtful arrangement of plants to the seamless integration of the garden with its surrounding environment.
"Through sustainable design and an artist’s touch, Pedro Sánchez transforms landscapes into living art, offering a renewed connection to the environment and a celebration of nature’s inherent artistry."
Casa Las Ninfas is not merely a garden; it is a living, breathing work of art. The landscape is designed to reflect the natural patterns and rhythms found in the world, with each plant chosen and placed to create an atmosphere of peace and inspiration. For Sánchez, gardening is an expression of his passion for nature, and each of his projects is a reflection of that love. His personal touch is visible in the organic forms of the garden, which mimic the curves and flows of nature itself, creating a space that feels both wild and intentional.
The design of Casa Las Ninfas also speaks to the power of the microclimate in Malinalco. The region’s unique weather patterns and environmental conditions allow for the cultivation of an incredible variety of plants. Sánchez uses this natural wealth to his advantage, carefully selecting species that will thrive in this environment while maintaining the integrity of the overall design. This sensitivity to the land ensures that the garden is not only beautiful but also sustainable, blending seamlessly with the local ecosystem.
Pedro Sánchez’s work is characterized by his ability to create spaces that inspire both reflection and connection. In Casa Las Ninfas, this is achieved through the harmonious interplay of architecture, art, and nature. As Sánchez himself says, “In design, everything is related—architecture with art, art with light, and light with nature and the creation of gardens.” This philosophy is evident in every corner of Casa Las Ninfas, where the interplay of light and shadow, the careful placement of plants, and the serene presence of water all come together to create a truly magical experience.
Casa Las Ninfas stands as a testament to Pedro Sánchez’s deep understanding of nature and his commitment to sustainable design. The garden is not just a space to be admired but a living ecosystem that reflects the beauty and complexity of the natural world. Through his thoughtful approach to landscape design, Sánchez invites us to see the world with fresh eyes, appreciating the delicate balance of life that surrounds us.