Tucked away in Toshima-ku, Tokyo is the Ivy House by Hiroya Yoshizato, Hiroyuki Miyabe and Tomoko Kawai, and SPEAC, Inc. The collaboration originated as a plan to make something creative out of an abandoned house. Ivy House was received harshly by architectural critics, but the foliage-covered exterior and stark white interior were definitely appealing to most.
Renovated on a modest budget to become a dwelling and an office, the Ivy House left the exterior of the building intact and focused on an interior redesign.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Abandoned Aesthetic
- An opportunity to transform abandoned spaces into visually stunning and functional spaces that attract customers and evoke emotion.
- Minimalist Revitalization
- Minimalist redesigns that focus on functionality and simplicity for spaces that were once viewed as derelict and unsalvageable.
- Eco-friendly Abodes
- The use of greenery in architectural design as a way to modernize outdated buildings and bring them new life with sustainable materials and energy-efficient designs.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Real Estate
- An opportunity for real estate companies to transform derelict and abandoned properties into profitable ventures through creative redesigns and revitalization projects.
- Architecture
- An opportunity for architects to showcase their creativity and uniqueness by transforming abandoned buildings into visually stunning works of art that serve as functional spaces.
- Green Building Materials
- With the shift in demand towards sustainable design, companies in the green building material industry have the opportunity to provide sustainable materials that can be used in the redesign and transformation of buildings like the Ivy House.
