Houses That Love Nature – For A Better World Where Trees Can Get A Second Chance
Every time a new house or a new structure gets built, nature usually has to suffer. Trees are cut down every day for the purpose of architectural development and nature gets destroyed little by little. But not all projects are like that. Some architects actually try to preserve nature and to give trees a second chance. We managed to find a series of inspiring projects that promise a whole new world.
Villa 153.
The first project on our list is this beautiful residence in Greece. Located in Kifisia, the residence features a contemporary created by ISV Architects. The trees existent on the site were preserved and incorporated into the building’s design. As you can see now, trees are strategically placed throughout, becoming a part of the terrace and deck. The pool are even has a tree embedded in its structure. The whole project was designed with the surrounding nature in mind.
Centennial Tree House.
This residence was a project by Wallflower Architecture + Design and it’s located in East Coast Parkway, Singapore. The house covers a total area of 8,400 square feet and it has a 100 year old tree at its center. It’s a frangipani tree and it sits in a large courtyard surrounded by water. A series of other trees is also integrated into the design of the house and they can be seen running through the facade.
Casa Corallo.
Casa Corallo was designed by Paz Arquitectura and it was literally built around trees. It has trees growing through it’s a house that really brings nature indoors. The architects decided to integrate some the existing trees into their design and to allow them to interact with the living space. It’s why you can see actual trees embedded into the house and running through it like columns.
Japanesse House.
Located in Bunkyo, Tokyo, this contemporary house is situated on the top of a hill, partially on a cliff. There were numerous trees growing here and they remained untouched, being preserved and incorporated into the house. The clients wanted the trees to be preserved and to take over the memory of the site, being a reminder of its history and past. The house was built on the flat part of the site and small trees were take inside while the bigger ones go through the halls and the roof.
Tea House.
The Tea House was designed by Archi-Union Architects and it’s located in the backyard of their office in Shanghai, China. It was built from salvaged parts from the original warehouse which used to be on the side. Mature trees restricted the site and the team decided to integrate them into the project. A big tree now goes through the floor of the upper level and runs through the terrace. It has become a part of the house itself.
Bellad House.
Located in Hubli, India, the Bellad House was designed and built by Khosla Associates on a 1-acre wooden site. The architects planned a house that would weave itself around this natural environment. It’s a single level structure with terracotta clay tiles on the roof as to blend into the surroundings. There’s a large central courtyard where the trees on the property have been preserved and are now part of this new environment.
Los Angeles Tree House.
This house was built on the top of a hillside in Los Angeles by L.A.-based practice Standard. The house connects to the site though a transparent southern exposure. Another very interesting element which connects it to the surrounding and the site is the large ash tree which envelopes the house. The huge tree sits in front of the house like a guardian. It provides shade, privacy and beautiful views from almost any room of the house.
Shell House.
The Shell House is hidden in the forests of Japan and features a very interesting design. Designed by Japanese architecture firm Artechnic, the villa has an oval shape and it was designed to require minimal maintenance. It’s surrounded by nature from all parts and it embraces the landscape. The trees existent on the site have been preserved and incorporated into the design. One of them can be seen at the center of the house.
Around Tree.
Casa Entre Arboles is a modern residence found in Merida, Mexico. It was designed by Maxican architecture firm Munoz Arquitectos Asociados. The house was built among trees and it actually accommodates 52 of different shapes and sizes. This is a house that wasn’t just built around trees. They’re a part of it and you can see them embedded in the deck, terrace and the house itself.
Offset House.
The Offset House was a project by Shieh Arquitetos Associados and can be found in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The site’s complicated geometry dictated the unusual design of the house. Because the archtiects wanted to preserve the trees found on the property, the house was built around them. It’s why it has such an unusual form and why it offers such a beautiful relationship between the indoor and outdoor areas.
This is a house which has tall trees in its living area. The trees are encased in glass so they’re a part of the house without being damaged.{found on site}.
Having a tree inside your house or on your deck is definitely wonderful especially when it blooms. Then it provides you with a magical view.{found on site}.
In the case of this modern residence in Los Angeles, trees can be found on the deck. They’re in big planters.
by Eric Gomez
One way of incorporating a tree into your home’s design is to build a bench around it like in the case of this L.A. residence.
by Matt Sartain
Although it’s not easy, you can also build a staircase around the trees. It takes planning and you also need to careful not to damage the trees.
This beautiful house in San Diego features a Mediterranean design and it has a magnificent old tree in the center of the patio.
Usually, trees don’t allow you to have a very symmetrical design when you build something around them but you can change the story if you want.{found on site}.
This San Francisco home also has a tree on its deck and, like we’ve seen before, a wooden bench was built around it.