Tree-ness house by architect Akihisa Hirata
Japanese architect Akihisa Hirata has completed the development of a unique building space in Tokyo's Otsuka District entitled the "tree-ness house", inspired by his love for nature. The multi-story building creates a "tangled space", a term that describes the interconnectedness of the various units making up the unique shapes.
"a tree consists of different parts such as roots, a trunk, branches, leaves and flowers, but these parts are not totally independent," Akihisa says. "The trunk and leaves differ in appearance, but are very similar in their basic structure — their inter-relationship creates a kind of nested or layered organic structure, it is possible to create an architectural logic that creates a similar organically layered and ‘tangled’ structure. the design seeks to develop this new architectural principle, with the intention of creating a complex ecosystem connected to the city."
Akihisa Hirata focused on three elements to define the space: boxes, pleats, and plants, as described by the design team: "the arrangement of functional volumes and voids, openings, and greenery integrates and entangles the building into a single organic whole". While the building is primarily for residential units, spaces will also be available for commercial tenants on its lower levels.
See more photos captured by Vincent Hecht below.
