Dwelling Rooms: 8 Verdant Houses That Invert the ‘Tree Home’ Typology

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for
our inspirational
newsletter.

Designing a personal dwelling is a very individualized and authentic process — from the floor plan
to cabinet finish, the space speaks to the characteristics of the very people that reside in the space.
And in the process, the home becomes more than a place to sleep and eat; it transforms into a space of
safety, comfort and personal expression.

Among many trends emerging within residential spaces is the continuity between the indoor and outdoor spaces. To achieve such atmospheres, greenery is incorporated as
an integral element in the home design. They are often incorporated in breezeways, patios and
semi-enclosed courtyards to ensure proper hydration and exposure to sunlight. Builing around a preexisting
or purposefully planted tree is a powerful design technique that distorts the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.

This villa sits on a geographically-complex land in Karpathos, Greece. The site has a 23 percent slope
which makes for a unique yet challenging building project. The villa was built partly underground and
partly above ground and was conceived in a manner that deeply respects the natural landscape.

From the geometry to the materials chosen for the project, the goal was to emphasize the site’s
remarkable views of the sea. In an effort to respect the site’s natural topography, as well as to
emphasize indoor/outdoor living, the design respects the existing trees. Moreover, large shrubs are
purposefully potted in the breezeway-like spaces of the home – which enforces the indoor/outdoor
feel.

Nestled in Lisbon’s Bairro de Encarnação neighborhood is a newly-built single-family
residence. The original 1930s structure was entirely redone with an extension added to create more space
and introduce natural light. The rear façade of the home is primarily made of glass and leads to a
large back patio and garden. An indoor patio was incorporated into the extension’s design to further
enhance the space’s natural light. The patio spans two floors and features small shrubs and dainty
trees.

Bernardes Arquitetura designed a Brazilian summer getaway that embraces a regional sensibility. This
house boasts a contemporary living layout that simultaneously speaks to the regional living style, like
walking barefoot. The home is made of two separate volumes, both of which sit on a raised platform.

An enclosed porch area features a cobogó made of wood. This traditional façade encloses the
space while allowing light to radiate through – thus creating continuity between indoor and outdoor
living. The porch space is completed with a series of potted trees which allow the dwellers to enjoy
nature within a protected environment.

This three-storied private residence features an explosion of green. The home was designed with the
primary intention to combat the shortage of green spaces found in Vietnam. In order to do so, there was a
large focus on incorporating greenery.

From the exterior to the interior, large shrubbery immediately catches the eye of any passersby or house
guest. A large void runs from the ground level to the third floor of the home and creates a ceiling height
ideal for housing tall plants. On the ground and second-floor landings, large trees are symmetrically
planted and extend to the very top of the home.

A single-family home sits just outside of Mexico City. The home is divided into two separate spaces, both
of which lead to a central courtyard. The home’s design speaks to the rich vegetation of the
surrounding lot and favors natural materials. The courtyard is primarily made of concrete, with the focal
point being a potted Magnolia tree.

Daniela Bucio Sistos explores the boundaries between indoor and outdoor through the creation of a
spatially ambiguous residential home. The home is rich in textures but monochromatic in tone, thus
creating a space that evokes an emotional feeling rather than a visual reaction. The main entrance leads
to a circular foyer that houses a tabachin tree that serves as the focal point of the home.

MIDE architetti responded to its client’s primary desire of enjoying the surrounding park views. In
order to achieve this, the home is designed in a circular-like structure made of glass. Meanwhile, a large
concrete overhang protects the interior volume and simultaneously creates an outdoor living space. The
roof of the porch features a large circular light well designed purposefully to house a tree.

This residential home boasts a private, simplistic, and bright feel. For this project, Fujiwaramuro
Architects prioritized the client’s desire for utmost privacy by drawing attention inwards. The
bedrooms are all positioned around a central courtyard rather than placing the rooms against the exterior
walls and windows. Each bedroom window faces onto the courtyard, ensuring there is plenty of natural
light.

Using floor-to-ceiling windows, the courtyard blends effortlessly with the rest of the interior and feels
like an extension of the home. The centrally planted tree can be appreciated from every angle and each
bedroom window.

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for
our inspirational
newsletter.