residential Archives

Architectural studio Worrell Yeung has completed a two-storey, black-coloured home extension called Springs Artist Studio that is meant to offer the “experience of being perched in the trees”.

The Brooklyn-based firm was tasked with designing the 800-square-foot (74-square-metre) addition for a Long Island house belonging to a florist and a painter.

The couple has an extensive collection of art and special objects. Their home is located in Springs, a hamlet in East Hampton that is popular with artists.

“The hamlet of Springs has a strong history of painting,” said Max Worrell, co-founder and principal of Worrell Yeung. “We were drawn to that lineage; Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Helen Frankenthaler and Jane Freilicher all painted out here.”

Artist studio interior by Worrell Yeung — It is an addition to a Long Island home

The team conceived a two-storey addition that contains a painting studio on the upper level and an exhibition space down below that doubles as a garage.

The ground floor also has a powder room.

Artist studio interior featuring a gabled roof — The building has a gabled roof

In response to strict zoning rules and environmental sensitivities, the studio created a small-footprint building that preserved existing trees and minimised the overall impact on the landscape.

Rectangular in plan, the building has a gabled roof and walls clad in pine boards that were stained black to match the main house.

Birch plywood interiors — Interior finishes include birch plywood

Different-sized boards were used “to create a sense of shifting, lateral scale that counters the vertical massing of the structure”.

The lower portion of the building is covered in 12-inch-wide boards (30 centimetres), while the upper areas are clad in 4-inch and 1-inch versions (10 and 2.5 centimeters).

In the power room, the birch plywood has been stained blue

“From afar the studio reads as an abstract volume,” the architects said.

“Up close, the textured wood and varied-sized planks break down the scale of the building to something more accessible and rich with detail.”

The black cladding is interrupted on the upper level by a band of ribbon windows.

The architects worked with Silman Structural Engineers to create the continuous windows, which are supported by steel-rod cross bracing and slender steel columns that match the mullions.

Within the building, the four-foot-tall (1.2-metre) ribbon windows offer immersive views of the landscape.

“Natural light streams in while unique views appear from each direction, framed by unobstructed glass corners,” the team said.

Ribbon windows in extension by Worrell Yeung — These offer immersive views of the landscape

“We wanted to create this experience of being perched in the trees – a retreat for working,” added Jejon Yeung, cofounder of Worrell Yeung.

Interior finishes include birch plywood, which was used for flooring, walls and cabinetry. In the powder room, the plywood is stained a rich shade of blue.

The decor includes vintage Eames molded fibreglass chairs and a vintage chandelier by David Weeks.

Black cabin in the woods — The siding was painted black to match the main house

The addition is connected to the main home by a glazed passageway that brings in the natural surroundings while “providing a moment of respite between home and the studio/work environment”.

Other projects by Worrell Yeung include a series of gabled timber buildings on a New York farm and a refresh of a cedar-clad dwelling on Long Island that was originally designed by famed US architect Charles Gwathmey.

The photography is by Naho Kubota.

Project credits:

Architecture: Worrell Yeung
Design team: Max Worrell, Jejon Yeung, Yunchao Le Structural Engineer: Silman
Contractor: Fifth and Dune

Reference

Interior Design

Monolithic green marble carves apartment interior in Milan by AIM Studio

By Zarkon Group,05/01/2024

Italian studio AIM has designed a compact, multi-level apartment interior in Milan organised around a floor-to-ceiling Verde Alpi marble partition.

Created in collaboration with local marble artisans Bianco67, AIM Studio used the wall to divide the various functions of Green Nest, aiming to create an elegant backdrop for a dynamic domestic experience.

“The design challenge [for] Green Nest was to combine the compact size of the dwelling with the desire to create inviting, functional and representative spaces pleasant to live in at all times of the day,” AIM Studio told Dezeen.

“We were looking for a single gesture to characterise the apartment [and were] inspired by the idea of a majestic wall [running] through the heart of the house,” the studio continued. “This massive element, both because of its solid presence and its intrinsic beauty, is the focal point on which the entire design revolves.”

Full height glass divider in Green Nest Apartment by AIM Studio in Milan — The fluid living spaces can be divided by an operable ribbed glass door

The marble partition was constructed as a permeable threshold between the apartment’s lower level living spaces and a staircase leading to the habitable roof terrace above.

Designed as a single, fluid area, the main living room and bedroom can be separated by full-height ribbed glass doors.

Green Nest Apartment by AIM Studio in Milan — The studio used the marble wall system to host functional storage and compartment spaces

AIM Studio sought to meet the practical requirements of small-footprint living by using the Alpi marble to conceal a series of deep storage compartments.

“More than a monolith, the volume is an inhabited wall whose thickness is continuously perforated, crossed and interrupted to host the different functions of living,” AIM Studio said.

“[It] was designed as a precious shell but [leaves] nothing to chance in terms of containment and management of the space. Every compartment, every opening, has been designed [for utility].”

Behind the marble partition, the staircase to the rooftop terrace was completed with a central lightwell to draw natural light into the space below.

The studio also integrated large windows into the main living area to encourage an interplay of light on the reflective marble surface and to evoke a chiaroscuro-like effect.

Suspended kitchen system inside Green Nest Apartment by AIM Studio in Milan — The compact kitchen was formed by suspended travertine joinery

Tucked into a corner of the living room, the kitchen was demarcated by suspended travertine joinery and an embossed mirror feature wall.

Neutral-toned fixtures and restrained furniture pieces were selected to balance the apartment’s modern aesthetic and emphasise the drama of the green marble.

“We conceived this project as a search for authenticity; a minimal but at the same time welcoming and functional design created through natural, precious [and] timeless materials.”

“We hope that this search for authenticity will be perceived by those who will inhabit these spaces and that it will translate into family atmospheres and elegant, but convivial, environments.”

Founded in 2012 by Claudio Tognacca in Milan, AIM Studio has projects spanning across architecture, interior design and product development both in Italy and internationally.

Other recently completed projects in Italy include Antonino Cardillo’s design for “a miniature palazzo” residence near Lake Garda and Humbert & Poyet’s interior conversion of a 16th-century Milanese chapel into a Beefbar restaurant.

The photography is by Simone Bossi

Reference

Architecture

Artistree raises a telescopic treehouse in California

By Zarkon Group,28/12/2023

US company Artistree Home designed a treehouse with vaulted form, raised off the ground in Sonoma County, California.

Completed in 2023, the latest design — known as Spyglass by Hometree — is a 300-square foot (28-square-metre) residence in an 11-acre (5-hectare) forested lot in Occidental, California.

“The design for Spyglass came from that whimsical childhood moment of turning a fallen leaf into a little tube to peer through,” Will Beilharz, project designer from Artistree Home, told Dezeen. “With a dynamic cut on either end, the cylindrical shape takes on the dynamic movement of the folded leaf.”

The design is centred on a large redwood tree that holds the deck structure. The black metal deck cantilevers out from a hillside with a single-step entry bridge. Hovering 25 feet (8 metres) above the ground, the house is raised on thin steel posts that minimize the disturbance to the environment.

Domed entrance to treehouse — The design is informed by folding a fallen leaf into a tube

The exterior of the tube is composed of rust-textured metal diamond shingles that are designed to mimic the colour and texture of redwood bark.

The linear house is compact with an entry walkway, pass-through kitchenette, and bathroom with penny round tile that follows the curve of the space. The centre of the plan holds the bedroom leading to the back terrace with a cedar hot tub.

Wooden hot tub on deck — A large redwood tree supports the structure

On the interior profile of the tube, tongue-and-groove panelling – reminiscent of walking through a hollowed-out log – continues from the soffit through the living space and back out to the terrace, reinforcing the perspective to the forest.

The back wall is fully glazed, creating an aperture that frames nature and looks out onto the tree that rises up through the centre of the terrace.

Domed treehouse — The exterior is clad in rust-textured metal diamond shingles

“Never underestimate the impact of whimsy in design. Time and time again, our structures have proven that inspiring, nature-focused experiences are timeless and speak to everyone on a deep level.” Beilharz mentioned.

“Even having designed the structure, I am still struck at how the space can be both calming and exciting at the same time – like the combination of a spa and a playground,” he continued.

The exterior wood cladding in PEFC-certified and thermally modified Thermory Scots Pine, meanwhile a heat pump water heater reduces the required energy.

The sustainable residence has three layers of insulation with Hempwool batts, a layer of closed-cell spray foam, and a radiant barrier. The materials reduce the overall carbon footprint and a small mini-split manages the heating and cooling load for the treehouse.

wooden kitchenette — Tounge-and-groove paneling lines the interior

“We designed our Spyglass unit to be both luxurious and replicable so that we are offering it as a pre-fab unit with the ability to modify the foundation based on the terrain of the property and the trees in the landscape,” Beilharz said.

“If we did our job right, guests stepping into the space for the first time should get that same youthful rush of discovery found amongst the trees.”

Using a similar bridge access, BIG lofted a treehouse hotel in Swedish Lapland and covered it in birdhouses.

The photography is by Jayson Carpenter.

Project credits:

Interior Designer: Artistree Home
General Contractor: Artistree Home

Reference

Architecture

Antonino Cardillo designs Elogio del Grigio house as “miniature palazzo”

By Zarkon Group,18/12/2023

Italian architect Antonino Cardillo has completed a house near Lake Garda featuring steep ceilings, arched doorways and a palette of textured plaster and marble.

Located in Castiglione delle Stiviere, in Italy’s Lombardy region, the two-storey residence was designed by Cardillo in the spirit of “a miniature palazzo”.

Called Elogio del Grigio, which means “praise of grey”, the house combines classic proportions with a minimalist design aesthetic.

The building echoes the form of its red-walled neighbour, a typical northern Italian villa, but also incorporates references to traditional architecture from different parts of the Mediterranean.

Marble wall in Elogio del Grigio house by Antonino Cardillo — This room features marble walls and textured plaster ceilings

The layout centres around a grand first-floor living room described as “the soul of this house”.

Cardillo drew on “the rectangular cuspidate rooms of Marrakech” and “window panes somewhere between Venetian windows and the marble hammams of Istanbul” for the design.

Sloping ceiling in Elogio del Grigio house by Antonino Cardillo — Full-height glass doors lead out to roof terraces

“The project seeks to recognise and integrate some of the contributions of civilisations which are largely forgotten in Western architecture,” he told Dezeen.

“It accepts Hegel’s invitation to learn to see the endless greys of realities,” he added, referencing the words of a 19th-century German philosopher.

Exterior of Elogio del Grigio house by Antonino Cardillo — The building’s exterior is relatively modest

Elogio del Grigio is home to a couple and their young daughter.

After visiting Cardillo’s House of Dust, a Rome apartment featuring deep wall recesses and textured ceilings, the couple asked the architect to design them a family home.

The brief called for generous living and dining spaces on two levels, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a roof terrace and a garage with space for two cars.

The building’s exterior is relatively modest, with a cool grey render finish and door shutters painted in a slightly brighter green-toned grey.

Marble bathroom in Elogio del Grigio house by Antonino Cardillo — The first-floor bathroom features a porthole window

Inside, the materials palette becomes more luxurious.

Slabs of Carrara marble cover the walls and floors in the first-floor living room and bathroom, with a book-matching technique to create subtle repetition within the surface patterns.

The steeply sloping ceilings are coated with a plaster mix that includes volcanic ash, which was applied with a hand trowel to create the lumpy texture.

Hallway in Elogio del Grigio house by Antonino Cardillo — Arched doorways can be found throughout the house

The living room also features a custom-made granite table based on the one in House of Dust, created thanks to the support of stone contractor and previous collaborator, Daniele Ghirardi.

“Daniele had already supported my research by funding an exhibition of my sculptures at the Soane Museum in London a few years ago,” Cardillo said.

Staircase in Elogio del Grigio house by Antonino Cardillo — Granite provides flooring on the ground floor

Bedrooms are also located on the first floor, which is wrapped on three sides by terraces, while the lower level houses an office, the garage and the second kitchen and living space.

Other projects by Cardillo include a textured all-green gallery interior and a Sicilian grotto.

The photography is by Antonino Cardillo.

Project credits:

Architecture: Antonino Cardillo
Construction management: Giampaolo Piva
Quantity surveying: Massimo Maggi
Construction: Andrea Pennati, Giovanni Lancini, Giovanni Locatelli
Masonry: Stefano Camozzi, Marco Fontana, Osmanaj Jeton, Giuseppe Lancini, Carmelo Piterolo, Ramqaj Vehbi
Marbles and granites: Ghirardi
Windows: Wolf Fenster
Air system: Bonometti Graziano, Giacomo Averoldi

Reference

Architecture

Proctor & Shaw tops London home extension with serrated zinc roof

By Zarkon Group,10/12/2023

Architecture studio Proctor & Shaw has topped a home extension with a steeply-angled roof clad with red pigmented zinc in East Dulwich, London.

Home to a family of seven, Proctor & Shaw designed the project as an extension to an existing Edwardian house, extending the ground-floor kitchen and dining room.

In order to restrict potential onlooking from neighbours, the studio crafted a unique serrated-edged roof with exposed rafter tails to run alongside the extension – enhancing both privacy and daylight access.

“From the side, the serrated edge blocks oblique views from the principal first-floor neighbouring windows,” Proctor & Shaw director John Proctor told Dezeen. “It is designed to be pulled back (with the shortest overhang) at the mid-window point to allow the maximum amount of light directly from above.”

Serrated roof edge designed for Edwardian house extension — The unique roof design features exposed rafter tails lined with Douglas fir

A newly built porcelain-tiled living space sits adjacent to the kitchen and dining room and is also sheltered by the roof’s large overhangs.

Deep skylights punctured into the roof draw daylight into the space below, while sliding doors seamlessly connect the interior with an outdoor patio.

View from newly built living space in London home extension — Deep skylights draw daylight into the newly built living space

The interior space is defined by kitchen units and seating lined with warm-toned Douglas fir, which are contrasted by cool-toned concrete flooring and countertops.

A centralised services unit nestled behind the kitchen provides a bathroom and utility space defined by bold, pink-hued walls and matching floor tiles.

Built into a sloping site, level changes pose as thresholds – dividing the open-plan interior and exterior spaces.

Externally, metal steps lead down to the landscaped garden, which comprises a paved outdoor kitchen, seating area and outbuilding, designed in collaboration with Barbara Samitier Garden Design.

London home extension with Douglas fir interior — The kitchen and dining room have a largely concrete and wooden interior

According to the studio, drainage from the gutter-less zinc roof, as well as the home’s existing pitched roof, is provided at ground level to allow for a finely detailed roof edge.

“[The gutter-less roof] required careful navigation of regulatory requirements for rainwater drainage, which was ultimately achieved with the side roofs being kept small,” Proctor said.

Services unit within Proctor & Shaw's home extension — The services unit is defined by bold-coloured walls

Other London home extensions completed by Proctor & Shaw include a glazed extension added to Sky Lantern House and a micro-apartment with a translucent “sleeping cocoon”.

The photography is by Nick Deardon.

Project credits:

Architect and interior designer: Proctor & Shaw
Structural engineer: Constant Structural Design
Landscape designer: Barbara Samitier Landscape and Garden Design
Contractor: R & D Nunes (trading as Yorkland Stone)
Building control: Cook Brown Buildings Control Ltd

Reference

Interior Design

Michael Hsu Office of Architecture utilises soft shapes for Austin high-rise

By Zarkon Group,09/12/2023

Texas studio Michael Hsu Office of Architecture has designed the common areas for a 50-storey residential high-rise building in Austin, as shown in this exclusive video captured by Dezeen.

Called 44 East, the building is located east of downtown Austin in the Rainey Street Historic district. The firm designed the interiors of the building’s common areas, which take cues from its natural surroundings, particularly the neighbouring Colorado River.

Michael Hsu Office of Architecture has designed the interiors of 44 East

The practice enhanced the space using colour and texture, layering vintage and custom furnishings to create a relaxed and inviting ambience.

Curved surfaces and light colours are incorporated throughout the space, with poured concrete terrazzo floors incorporated to pay homage to the gravel of the nearby riverside trail.

The interior is characterised by the use of soft shapes and natural materials throughout the various spaces, including on the eleventh floor, where pastel hues complement subtle architectural details.

The outdoor swimming pool features a series of pebble-shaped islands, with a partially-covered patio inviting guests to relax outside and enjoy the views of the river.

Swimming pool area of 44 East — The eleventh floor features a circular outdoor swimming pool

On the thirty-seventh floor, a large moon-like pendant light is suspended above a plush circular sofa.

The higher vantage point offers scenic views of downtown Austin, and features jewel tones and darker materials intended to complement the Texas skyline at dusk.

37th floor of 44 East — The thirty-seventh floor features darker tones to complement views of the Texas skyline

44 East was developed by Intracorp, while the tower and unit interiors were designed by Page and landscapes designed by DWG.

The interior design of the common spaces is one of the latest projects by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, which is based in Austin and Houston.

The company recently completed its self-designed Austin studio, which is adorned in wood-and-fabric lined walls and industrial details, to accommodate its growing team.

The photography is by Chase Daniel.

Partnership content

This video was produced by Dezeen for Michael Hsu Office of Architecture as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

Reference

Interior Design

Ductus coats blocky apartment complex with red plaster in Switzerland

By Zarkon Group,07/12/2023

Architecture studio Ductus has designed an apartment complex coated with a monochrome red plaster facade into a sloping site in Schwarzenburg, Switzerland.

Located on the outskirts of the village of Schwarzenburg in eastern Switzerland, the complex was designed by Ductus to have the appearance of a series of intersecting blocks of various heights that protrude and recede throughout the design.

Accommodating 16 apartments, the complex comprises two buildings sat perpendicular to one another that are connected by a shared garden.

Balconies constructed from pressure-impregnated white fir and green columns contrast with the red plaster facade and overlook the garden and neighbouring buildings.

Apartment complex coated in red plaster by Ductus — Adjoining balconies are constructed from pressure-impregnated white fir, which contrast with the red facade

Flat roofs lined with untreated copper top the apartment complex, which distinguishing it from the surrounding more traditional pitched-roof buildings.

On the exterior, untreated copper was also used for downpipes, while red-toned window frames and mechanical shutters match the plaster’s colour.

Within the apartments, textured white walls were set off by wooden flooring, while stylish bathrooms were characterised by red-toned fittings and decorative tiles to match the facade.

Bright living spaces are lit by floor-to-ceiling doors that also provide access to the adjacent balconies.

Apartment interior in Schwarzenburg, Switzerland — The complex contains 16 apartments split across two buildings

“All 17 apartments were designed as condominiums,” Ductus partner Marcel Hauert told Dezeen.

“The client’s desire was for all buyers to determine the interior finishes themselves. We provided a basic concept that could be adapted virtually without restrictions.”

Interior view of Swiss apartment complex — Red-toned fittings and tiles feature in the bathroom

Ductus is an architecture studio operating between Sweden and Switzerland.

Elsewhere in Switzerland, BE Architektur recently used intersecting sculptural blocks to form a barn-like house and Enrico Sassi has transformed a wood store into a micro home.

The photography is by Rasmus Norlander.

Reference

Architecture

twenty-eight curved townhouses compose the fold residential complex in dubai

By Zarkon Group,03/11/2023

The Fold by Tkdp pops up in Jumeirah district

Architectural studio Tkdp – Tariq Khayyat Design Partners presents The Fold, a low-rise urban development along Al Wasl Road in Dubai‘s Jumeirah district. Comprising 28 terraced townhouses, The Fold seeks to redefine residential living in the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf Cooperation Council, introducing a new architectural paradigm that seamlessly integrates sophistication, refinement, and inclusivity. The design draws from the elegant simplicity of a field of tulips, deviating from the repetitive architectural language that has characterized the neighborhood for the past 50 years. Tkdp’s approach involves extensive research to address the social, environmental, and lifestyle needs of residents, resulting in a design that stands out for its daring yet functional solutions.

all images by Luke Hayes

long central axis organizes the terraced townhouses

The townhouses feature bespoke 12m double-curved Glass Reinforced Polymer components, resembling connecting points that bring cohesion to the overall ensemble. Tkdp enhances the design with Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems for a silky finish and improved insulation, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and thermal performance. The residences, organized along a 200-meter central axis, promote community-building through a wide pedestrian artery, offering a platform for interaction, socializing, and sports activities.

the houses are organized along a 200-meter central axis

terraces incorporate wooden louvers for shade and privacy

Each villa, boasting three or four bedrooms, incorporates high ceilings, spacious living and entertainment areas, and a screened private garden on the ground floor. The upper floor features wood-powder-coated aluminum louvers for shade and privacy on balconies connected to bedrooms, walk-in wardrobes, and bathrooms. To enhance the overall residential experience, the roof serves as a fully accessible terrace and spa with a secluded jacuzzi, providing panoramic views of Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa, and the Jumeirah area. The Fold redefines urban living and fosters a sense of community engagement in its immediate surroundings.

the upper floors feature wood-powder-coated aluminum louvers

the concept revolves around elegant simplicity

the townhouses feature bespoke double-curved GRP components

the roof serves as a fully accessible terrace

1/6

main entrance front view

pathway

street view

floor plans

roof plan

site plan

project info:

name: The Fold

architect: Tkdp – Tariq Khayyat Design Partners | @tkdp.design

design team: Tariq Khayyat, Xiaosheng Li

location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

photography: Luke Hayes | @lukehayesphotography

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

Reference

Architecture

Is Demand Set to Grow for Architects Specialized in Green Roof Design and Renovation?

By Zarkon Group,12/07/2023

Architizer is thrilled to announce the winners of the 11th Annual A+Awards! Interested in participating next season? Sign up for key information about the 12th Annual A+Awards, set to launch this fall.

Rooftops have traditionally been the domain of mechanical equipment, line-drying laundry and the occasional playground for kids. Panoramic views and good weather make the perfect setting for sunset drinks (bars, restaurants and hotels got it right!), but expansive areas of residential building rooftops remain underused around the world. These spaces are waiting to be transformed into pleasant outdoor environments — and not necessarily for lucrative purposes. The benefits of transforming rooftops extend not only to residents but to entire cities at large.

Roof terraces aerial view. Photo by CHUTTERSNAP via Unsplash.

In densely populated areas where scant land is available, underused roofs offer the opportunity to expand green urban areas, promoting urban biodiversity, improving the well-being of city dwellers and reducing negative environmental impact. With green roof technology, rooftops no longer accumulate heat during the day, creating the so-dreaded heat island effect. Instead, they retain rainwater and capture CO2 and pollutants. Turning rooftops into pleasant outdoor spaces accessible to building residents is an effective use of otherwise wasted built space and offers the opportunity to replace lost habitats.

Improving the Quality of Life for City Dwellers

Architects, developers, builders, landscape architects/designers and product manufacturers are the ideal team to create cohesive, functional and sustainable buildings that improve city dwellers’ quality of life. Architectural examples worldwide demonstrate that the effort to counter the overpopulation of urban areas and the scant green spaces is global. They differ, however, in the architectural vocabulary, which, in each case, facilitates the integration of buildings into their specific context, taking into account cultural, climatic and economic factors.

90-unit housing development in Saint-Ouen, France, by Atelier du Pont. Photo by Takuji Shimmura.

Take, for example, Atelier du Pont 90-unit mixed-use building in Saint-Ouen, near Paris, France, which draws inspiration from the city’s industrial heritage. The project offers private open spaces at various levels and a shared community garden, a gathering spot for the building’s residents.

The building’s overall massing of staggered concrete “boxes” maximizes natural daylight, while brightly colored metal balconies provide private outdoor spaces. On the sixth floor, a community garden offers open space for residents to grow their own organic vegetables and socialize. As open spaces in cities dwindle, rooftops and terraces open a world of opportunities.

Avalon Bay Urban Housing Landscape by Todd Rader + Amy Crews Architecture Landscape Architecture LLC, New York City, NY

Meanwhile, our next case study brings us to the New York City, where Todd Rader + Amy Crews designed the landscapes at Avalon Bowery Place in the heart of the concrete jungle, where scant land is available. The new landscapes root the project in the urban context and provide open space for the building’s residents and the neighborhood.

The project includes three landscapes at the ground level and two on building rooftops. While the ground-level landscapes unify the complex through visual connection and material selection, the roof terraces are physically isolated landscapes in the sky, where they enjoy sunny exposure and participate in the aerial archipelago formed by the landscape of city rooftops.

Nieuw Bergen development in Eindhoven, The Netherlands

Nieuw Bergen by MVRDV, Eindhoven, The Netherlands

Finally, let’s take a look at The Nieuw Bergen — a multi-unit housing development in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Its design responds to an urban strategy tool that the architects, MVRDV, have been developing and implementing in cities on the way to sustainable densification. This strategy establishes environmentally friendly and dynamic living conditions for residents. The sloped roofs maximize sunlight for the buildings and the public spaces at street level, resulting in significant energy savings. The diverse roofscape of solar panels and greenery complement the area’s architectural character of new and existing buildings.

So, given all of the clear urban benefits demonstrated by the private initiatives explored in these examples, what would it look like to implement green roof design at an urban scale? Well, one European city has already recognized the broader benefits of mandating this architectural upgrade and is exploring ways to provide impetus for designers to incorporate green roofs in their plans.

Barcelona Living Terrace Roofs and Green Roofs Initiative

Following the example of other European cities, Barcelona has been promoting environmentally conscious initiatives, offering sustainable solutions to reduce pollution and increase access to green areas (internationally, Barcelona’s popular superblock concept has received a lot of coverage). Now, the Living Roofs and Green Covers initiative highlights the social and environmental benefits of green roofs and, since 2017, has been the platform to launch the Green Roof Competitions to promote the creation of green rooftops in privately owned residential buildings.

Initiatives like this one are paramount to raising environmental awareness. According to the Guide to Living Terrace Roofs and Green Roofs published by the City of Barcelona in 2014, it is estimated that 67% of the surface area of roofs in Barcelona (1,764.4 hectares) could be landscaped. If this could ever be achieved, the temperature in the city would drop by approximately two degrees, the green area per resident would more than double and the levels of air pollution would be considerably lower.

The Expansion of the Green Roof Market

The surface area that city building roofs cover is vast, and the social and environmental benefits of greening these surfaces are considerable. Building owners invest in green roofs, designers dream up the plans, and city authorities play a major role in spreading the practice. Choosing between living in the suburbs close to nature and living in the city near work is no longer necessary. Building residents are looking for homes with outdoor access, especially since the pandemic.

Aware of the increasingly popular demand, the real estate industry sees multi-unit residential buildings with partially or entirely planted rooftops as an architectural trend that adapts to a contemporary lifestyle. But how fast is the green roof market expanding? Studies indicate that the global green roof market has been steadily growing at a rate of 17% since 2020 and is expected to grow at this same rate through 2027. Limitations for this growth? Unfavorable climate conditions and maintenance requirements.

Reference

residential unit in japan protrudes a two-meter cantilever concrete volume

Architecture

residential unit in japan protrudes a cantilever concrete volume

By Zarkon Group,04/06/2023

OHArchitecture reshapes apartment in Betsuincho

Kyoto-based OHArchitecture takes over the reconstruction of a two-leveled residential unit in Betsuincho, Japan. The concrete structure is cast with loose plates forming a rough texture that resembles abstract wrinkles. The first floor which serves as a rental module models a six-meter grid arrangement, while the second story protrudes a two-meter cantilever assembling separate residences. Each of the two floors is divided into maisonettes to enhance the strength of the space. The transformed collective housing makes use of the framework, forming several different living zones.

all images provided by OHArchitecture

interior applies nested iron black skin and wooden boxes

On the first floor, the space between the exterior eaves displays a full steel sash, while the ground floor area stands connected to the outdoor zone. On the second level, the slab is cut open and a steel staircase is installed to smoothly connect the upper and lower stories. The interior applies nested iron black skin and wooden box-like volumes. By compactly organizing the water and other areas, the design team at OHArchitecture achieves a high degree of free open space in the common center of the structure. Originally designed attached to a ground-floor shop, the construction transforms the house’s spaces and functions through a series of modifications that reserve the initial character.

the second story protrudes a two-meter cantilever

originally attached to a ground-floor shop, the construction transforms the house’s spaces and functions

Reference

residential

Hamptons artist studio by Worrell Yeung is tucked among the trees

Monolithic green marble carves apartment interior in Milan by AIM Studio

Artistree raises a telescopic treehouse in California

Antonino Cardillo designs Elogio del Grigio house as “miniature palazzo”

Proctor & Shaw tops London home extension with serrated zinc roof

Michael Hsu Office of Architecture utilises soft shapes for Austin high-rise

Ductus coats blocky apartment complex with red plaster in Switzerland

twenty-eight curved townhouses compose the fold residential complex in dubai

The Fold by Tkdp pops up in Jumeirah district

long central axis organizes the terraced townhouses

terraces incorporate wooden louvers for shade and privacy

Is Demand Set to Grow for Architects Specialized in Green Roof Design and Renovation?

Improving the Quality of Life for City Dwellers

Barcelona Living Terrace Roofs and Green Roofs Initiative

The Expansion of the Green Roof Market

residential unit in japan protrudes a cantilever concrete volume

OHArchitecture reshapes apartment in Betsuincho

interior applies nested iron black skin and wooden boxes

Get in touch

about us

Company info

Useful Links

Newsletter