We garden

In one of Tokyo’s densest neighborhoods Ryue Nishizawa has built House & Garden, a four-story study-residence for two writer-editors. The intention of the architect – Kazuyo Sejima’s partner in SANAA – was to come up with a transparent and totally permeable building. Rooms are joined with gardens, blurring the lines between interior and exterior, and spaces are fragmented. Climate comfort is achieved through fine glass walls placed at strategic places and with rails and curtains organizing everyday life. In an urban environment where lighting conditions are not ideal, the building seeks to bring in as much sunlight as possible by interspersing gardens with roofs on all floors, and creates a plant screen that protects the privacy of the inhabitants while allowing in daylight. / photographed by Iwaan Baan

.