Mifune Design Studio went with an extremely natural source of inspiration when putting together the Podocarpus House in Osaka. The courtyard section features an older tree, which is what the studio used to find inspiration for the house, and also sought to protect in the construction process.
The house is meant for an older couple, so it's easy to get in and out of the place. Moreover, everything is quite minimalist, with concrete being the main source of material used for the construction process. The tree can also be observed clearly from the living room, as a large window was placed strategically so that light could get through and a clear path of vision extended to the courtyard. Photo Credits: designboom, mifunedesignstudio
Symbolic Tree-Inspired Abodes
The Podocarpus House by Mifune Design Studio is Based on Nature
Trend Themes
1. Biophilic Architecture - The trend of bringing nature into architecture can create opportunities for designs that balance human comfort and sustainability with natural elements.
2. Minimalist Living - The trend of minimalist living especially among older generations can pave way for innovative designs that cater to their unique preferences, such as easy access, low maintenance and simple yet elegant structures.
3. Concrete Wonderland - The trend of incorporating industrial-looking materials like concrete can provide ample opportunity to explore how to balance its harshness with softer, natural elements like greenery.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Architectural firms can explore how to tap into the emerging trend of biophilic designs to include sustainable, eco-friendly engineering while still ensuring their designs evoke comfort, relaxation, and natural beauty.
2. Real Estate - The real estate industry can keep up with the growing trend of minimalist living by developing affordable, low maintenance, and easily accessible housing solutions for older generations that prioritize functionality over extravagance.
3. Construction - The construction industry can experiment with innovative techniques to balance the decorative properties of natural materials like wood or stone with the minimalist aesthetic of concrete, creating sustainable and visually pleasing designs.