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Architects: Kengo Kuma & Associates
- Year: 2011
Text description provided by the architects. Kengo Kuma & Associates have created this visually stunning mixed-use building in Odawara, Japan, featuring a living façade made of aluminum die-cast panels that act as vertical planters. The slightly slanted panels are made of monoblock casting and give an organic appearance, as the cast comes from decayed styrene foam.
The five story building was completed in the summer of 2011. Parking is available on the basement and ground floor, along with a pharmacy and clinic. The next two floors provide space for offices and a vocational school, while the fourth floor belongs to a two bedroom residence with access to a private rooftop terrace.
Equipment such as watering hoses, an air reservoir for ventilation and downpipes are integrated behind the aluminum panels to allow the façade to accommodate a comprehensive system for the building.
