Architectural firm EASTERN design office has created a housing complex in Kyoto, Japan with a nature-inspired concrete exterior.
Made to resemble the leaves, bulbs and stems of a plant, the 'Villa Saitan' features a concrete exterior that almost completely surrounds the hidden interior. The only glimpse given to the outside world is the carved out curves that bring to mind a minimalist imagining of the organic plant structure.
The entrance to the building itself includes an inner pathway to the adjacent street and closely resembles a curved plant stem. The various nature-inspired leaves and bulbs carved into the facade allow natural light to filter into the complex, and help to complete the overall theme of this understated design that connects man-made architecture with mother nature.
Photo Credits: designboom, easterndesignoffice
Leafy Office Facades
This Nature-Inspired Exterior is Carved Out to Resemble Plant Life
Trend Themes
1. Nature-inspired Architecture - The trend of incorporating natural elements and organic forms into architectural designs, like the leafy exterior of Villa Saitan, creates opportunities for creating visually striking and sustainable structures.
2. Minimalist Design - The minimalist approach to the Villa Saitan's exterior design showcases the trend of simplifying and reducing elements to their essential form, which can inspire innovative and sleek building designs.
3. Integration of Light - The use of carved out curves and nature-inspired cutouts to allow natural light to filter into the complex reflects the trend of integrating light as a design element, presenting opportunities for energy-efficient and visually captivating architecture.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - The architecture industry can explore the trend of nature-inspired designs to create sustainable and aesthetically pleasing structures.
2. Construction - The construction industry can adapt minimalist design principles to streamline building processes and create visually striking and efficient structures.
3. Lighting - The lighting industry can innovate to meet the demand for integrated light solutions in architectural designs, providing energy-efficient options that enhance the visual appeal of buildings.