Located in Madrid’s Valdebernardo neighborhood, the project is embedded within a manzana cerrada — a closed-block residential typology organized around a central courtyard. It is in this shared interior garden that the most critical issues emerged, turning what should have been a space for community and repose into one of discomfort and degradation.

The project was initiated to address three urgent challenges within this courtyard: differential terrain settlement, inaccessibility of communal areas and recurring dampness and water infiltration

To tackle these challenges, the intervention embraces Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) that respond to, rather than resist, the site’s entropic conditions. All pavements are restored, replacing rigid, impermeable surfaces with porous, adaptive materials. Compromised waterproofing systems are repaired, and a continuous perimeter drainage system is introduced to collect and return rainwater to the soil, enabling responsible water management while nourishing the garden’s ecological base.

The project is structured around three strategies that respond to the site’s inherent instability:

At the heart of the intervention lies a new accessible route that weaves together entrances, play areas, and gathering spaces. Designed to be inclusive for all ages and mobilities, this path offers a safe and welcoming outdoor environment for everyday encounters, spontaneous play, and seasonal events. Shaded rest areas, tactile surfaces, and playful elements enrich the experience while fostering a culture of care, coexistence, and shared stewardship.