Sierra Blanca

Marbella, Spain

Masterplan for a residential development of over 50,000 m² in Sierra Blanca, Marbella, where grey infrastructure is harmoniously integrated with its surroundings through a sustainable and innovative design of the green spaces. The area has been conceived to generate ecosystem services and mitigate the effects of climate change through Nature-based Solutions (NbS). To achieve this, we propose:

  1. Integrating the objectives of the 2030 Agenda and promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include enhancing the health and wellbeing of future residents (SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing) and fostering biodiversity (SDG 15: Life on Land).
  2. Enhancing existing ecosystem services (ESS), such as regulatory services (benefits derived from ecosystem regulation, e.g., air purification and CO₂ absorption) and cultural services (social interaction among older adults to alleviate dependency).
  3. Implementing Nature-based Solutions (NbS), that is, approaches, actions, or processes that employ nature’s principles to address challenges in territorial and urban management, such as climate change adaptation, resource management, water management, air quality, and environmental quality. Among these, the use of vegetated roofs is highlighted, contributing to lower temperatures in the residences.

We designed a healthy environment, including organic-shaped pathways inspired by nature to encourage the use of green spaces. These wellness trails offer a cultural ecosystem service, improving physical and mental wellbeing. In an ageing society, it is crucial to promote a healthy lifestyle that alleviates loneliness in a population sector seeking a wholesome environment to improve and prolong their quality of life.

Integration with the surroundings is achieved through a symbiosis between existing vegetation and new resilient species introduced through the landscape design. Recreational areas, rest spaces, leisure and exercise zones, as well as shaded pergolas, benches, and appropriate urban furniture, are planned. Priority is given to local materials to reduce the project’s carbon footprint, in line with the sustainability and innovation principles adopted by our landscape studio.