The Planar House in São Paulo, Brazil combines the monumental presence of concrete as a strong, man-made material and the soothing ambiance of nature in the form of a grassy roof. The residence was completed by Studio MK27 in February 2018. The firm used a minimalist aesthetic that is occasionally broken up by design motifs like the wavy fence, made out of "bricks arranged in solids and voids." The winding structure runs alongside the horizontal one-storey house.
The grassy roof is characterized by a sizable plot of vegetation, skylights, as well as solar panels that strengthen the home's commitment to sustainable living. In actuality, the house takes its name from the grassy roof and its "expansive surface."
Photo Credits: Fernando Guerra
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Biophilic Architecture
- The use of vegetation as a prominent element in building structures creates opportunities for incorporating more sustainable and eco-friendly design solutions.
- Minimalist Aesthetics
- The combination of concrete and vegetation reflects a growing demand for minimalistic designs that still incorporate natural elements.
- Green Energy Integration
- The use of solar panels on grassy roofs demonstrates an effort to integrate green energy sources into architectural design to promote sustainable living.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Architecture
- There is an opportunity for architects to incorporate more sustainable design solutions and embrace minimalist aesthetics that reflect the growing demand for eco-friendly buildings.
- Renewable Energy
- The integration of solar panels on building structures presents an opportunity for renewable energy industries to expand and gain more prominence in the market.
- Landscaping Design
- The use of vegetation on building structures presents an opportunity for landscaping industries to explore new design solutions and create more visually engaging buildings.
