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Live/Work Space Will Grow Trees in Dirt Floor

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One of the most interesting approaches to the use of skylighting for daylighting a building involves a reinforced concrete live work space in Takasaki, Japan by Ikimono Architects – that has no roof at all, and a dirt floor.

The entire ceiling is all glass. Every minute of the day’s ever changing racing cloudscapes, from sun up through the moonlit night is unfiltered by the slightest interruption.

The shatterproof glass roof is all that stands between the occupants and the sky.

Many buildings are designed “to bring the outside in”, but only do so horizontally, and visually.

This live/work space is only separated from nature around its edges: nature has literally been invited indoors.

Not only open to the sky’s dynamically changing days and seasons – but the space also has a dirt floor.

Trees have been planted in the dirt floor that will one day provide a real canopy of shade from the sun overhead.

In this way, over the years, an industrial site will truly return nature to the occupants.

The interior is tall enough to embrace the tallest possible tree growth within its walls. Much taller than needed to house the sleeping loft for its inhabitants.

By night, light is emitted not only from the tall window, but also through the glass roof. One day, the treetops will be visible through the window.