Each unit in Japan’s Greendo Apartments is burrowed into the Takamatsu mountainside
Each unit is slightly offset from the next.
These Hobbit-like homes in Japan are a lesson in sympathetic design
Architect Keita Nagata has created an apartment complex that fuses the natural environment of the Japanese region of Takamatsu to the needs of these purpose-built units.
To replicate the flow of the surrounding terrain each of the five units feature specially designed sloping green roofs.
Every home has it’s own garden space as the apartments are all slightly offset. Terraces form outdoor spaces within steps to main living areas.
Despite the project’s relatively small scale, it took two and a half years to complete.
“I dreamed about bringing back the original landscape to this place,” Mr Nagata told Designbloom.‘
The design was a noted entry at this year’s g-mark Japan GOOD Design awards with architect Jo Nagasaka praising Mr Nagata for his efforts in preserving the landscape.
“Usually green roofs separate actual ground soil and soil for the roof – so the natural eco-system cannot be continued, however, the architect has designed a plan which has a continuation between the ground and the roof to create a new ecosystem.”
Photography: Courtesy of Keita Nagata Architectural Element
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The five-unit complex is covered in lush greenery.
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Each of the dwellings has been embedded into the Takamatsu mountainside.
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The specially designed roofs flow with the rolling hillside.
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Open terraces create natural garden spaces.
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Each unit is slightly offset from the next.
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As well as providing a textured environment, the green roofs also offer thermal insulation.
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Natural climate control is a striking feature of the design scheme.
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The integrated climate control provides stabilised internal room temperatures.
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Exposed concrete walls create an interesting minimalist feature.
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Rough-looking dark timber floors add to the environment's natural aesthetic.
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Sliding glass doors open on to roof-top gardens.
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Curved features throughout follow the form of the building's structure.
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Curved features throughout follow the form of the building's structure.
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The housing scheme sits nestled into city's hilly landscape.
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Greendo viewed from an opposing street.
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View of the apartments lit from within.
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