Take a look at some of the most exciting, sustainable buildings around the world, and you may notice something they have in common: green roofs, or rooftops covered with a thin layer of soil to allow for grasses and other low-lying plants to grow.
The couple's house, designed by architect L. Jane Hastings in the early 1970s, is located on a steeply sloped site that backs up to a state park.
The house Amanda Yates (with her partner, Adam Rose, and their baby, Awa) designed for her parents, David and Christine, occupies a hillside site with views over Maramaratotara Bay.
The flat roof of the Nakhshabs’ energy-efficient home is topped with photo-voltaic panels. It is the first single-family LEED Gold–certified residence in San Diego.
Lilyvilla Gardens built custom wood and concrete steps connecting the street to the house, which flow into an exposed patio under the refurbished carport. In addition to collecting midcentury furniture, Ty Milford is a vintage car aficionado and owner of two cherry red Porsches.
The streamlined shape of the home kept slab, framing, and roofing costs down, Pavonetti explains. A barn red shade on the front door adds a touch of farmhouse whimsy to the modern structure.
The front door of this house in Scotland is built from charred cedar boards—a traditional way of fireproofing wood developed in Japan. In this case, the effect on the front door is likely more aesthetic than preventative, though you can never be too careful.
Loft House is a minimal home located in Tokushima, Japan, designed by CAPD. The clients, a husband and wife with their two children, wanted an extremely simple box-like structure with smaller volumes within the interior to separate the spaces. While the ceilings beams are completely exposed throughout the main living areas, lower-height ceilings are utilized throughout the smaller volumes. The boxes are constructed in plywood, and left unfinished to complement the concrete floors.
Office T is a minimal office space located in Kyoto, Japan, designed by Matsunami Mitsutomo Architect & Associates. The client, a mail order company, wanted a bright and open space that would receive abundant natural lighting during the day. The architects wanted to keep the space mostly open in order to encourage communication between the employees. A series of horizontal slats array the ceiling, concealing the track lighting without covering the skylight.
Indoor Watering Can is a minimal watering can created by England-based designer George Riding. Handcrafted from brass using traditional silver smithing techniques, this Indoor Watering Can has been designed to enhance the experience of one of the most familiar everyday objects. This was achieved through an exploration of the different actions that define the experience as perceived by the user. These including; pouring, filling, holding and carrying.
