The Greendo units are made to replicate the landscape of Takamatsu, Japan. Photo: archi-element You’d be forgiven for thinking these homes were built in New Zealand as Lord of the Rings-style Hobbit holes. In reality, they are an architectural experiment by Japanese architect Keita Nagata.
The complex of five units is built into a Takamatsu mountainside and features rolling green roofs that are designed to replicate the region’s natural landscape. Each unit is slightly offset from the next, leaving each with a garden only steps away from the living spaces.
“I dreamed about bringing back the original landscape to this place,” Mr Nagata said to Designboom.
Glass sliding doors open onto the rooftop gardens. Photo: archi-element
Named Greendo, the design includes integrated climate control consisting of thermal insulation, which allows for a stabilised internal temperature inside the homes.
The dwellings overlook the city and the green roof/yard combination stands out against a mostly bland skyline. Large sliding glass doors separate the living areas from outside and allow easy access to the green spaces.
A strikingly minimalist design features throughout, with bare concrete walls and rough-looking timber floors. The design was a part of the g-mark Japan GOOD design awards in 2016.
Architect Keita Nagata included natural climate control features in the design. Photo: archi-element
Jo Nagasaka, of the award show, told Designboom he liked the commitment to preserving the natural landscape. “The architect has designed a plan, which has a continuation between the ground and roof, to create a new ecosystem. I liked that concept very much.”