Concrete jungle? Not according to this new design

By Kate Hassett

Image Credit: Iwan Baan
Image Credit: Iwan Baan
This amazing house has a garden on every floor proving that green spaces are no longer just for the suburbs

The concrete jungle is usually less jungle and more concrete. A monotonous display of bricks and mortar with very few options for green spaces to thrive, architects and design firms are becoming more focused on injecting life into an otherwise stark environment.

Japanese architect Ryue Nishizawa has achieved just that with this latest design.

This five-story townhouse is located in Tokyo’s crowded commercial district and offers a rare contrast to its grey surroundings.

The building, which is just 13-feet long, serves as a welcome reminder that we all need a bit more green in our lives.

Nishizawa and his team have managed to incorporate green spaces – or gardens, on every level of this five story building. As the entire front of the building is made of glass, the plants and trees act as a natural curtain to the elements outside, as well as providing the inhabitants with a sense of privacy.

The roof has been designed to allow space for the taller plants to grow into the floors above as well as a spiral staircase that allows the owners to make full use of the limited space.

“The entirety is a wall-less transparent building designed to provide an environment with maximum sunlight despite the dark site conditions,” Nishizawa said. “Every room, whether it is the living room, private room or the bathroom, has a garden of its own so that the residents may go outside to feel the breeze, read a book or cool off in the evening and enjoy an open environment in their daily life.”

The building is currently inhabited by two writers who live and work amongst the beautiful greenery.

Would like love to see more buildings like this in your city?

Image Credit: Iwan Baan
Image Credit: Iwan Baan
Image Credit: Iwan Baan
Image Credit: Iwan Baan
Image Credit: Iwan Baan
Image Credit: Iwan Baan
Image Credit: Iwan Baan
Image Credit: Iwan Baan
Image Credit: Iwan Baan
Image Credit: Iwan Baan

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