Elevated Modern Living: Blank Garden by Unemori Architects

A Flood-Resilient Modern Home in Tokyo

The Blank Garden, designed by Unemori Architects, stands as an architectural marvel in Tokyo, merging modern aesthetics with functionality. Built for a family of three, the home addresses specific challenges, including the risk of flooding due to its proximity to a nearby river. With innovative design solutions, the architects created a flood-resilient, elevated structure that harmonizes living spaces with natural greenery while ensuring adaptability for the evolving needs of modern life.

Innovative Flood-Resilient Design

To mitigate flood risks, the building is elevated approximately four meters above the ground, surpassing expected flood levels. This design choice allows the lower part of the house to transform into a lush, expansive garden covering the entire site. The garden features a variety of plants and is framed by staggered multi-story spaces on the upper floors. With mesh curtains encasing the structure, the garden achieves a unique sense of ambiguity, effortlessly transitioning between a private urban oasis and a semi-public verandah under the building's elevated frame.

Structural Simplicity and Efficiency

The house employs a lightweight steel frame structure with bracing, a hallmark of Unemori Architects' minimalist approach. Eight slender columns, each measuring 100 mm x 100 mm, support the building's elevated volume. Roof beams suspend the two upper floors, eliminating the need for additional ground columns. This structural ingenuity ensures the garden below remains open and flexible, maximizing outdoor space while embracing the undulating contours of the site. Simple footings and piles secure the frame, ensuring long-term stability.

Connection to Nature and Flexible Living Spaces

A key design highlight of Blank Garden is the seamless interaction between architecture and nature. The house incorporates large windows of varying sizes, positioned strategically to frame views of the garden below and the sky above. Gradual stairs link these windows, creating a dynamic relationship with the environment and inviting residents to connect with nature at various levels.

The home’s interior reflects versatility and brightness. The flexible floor plan accommodates future changes, such as evolving lifestyle needs or work-from-home demands. The design prioritizes comfort, offering each family member the freedom to choose their preferred space based on seasonal conditions, sunlight, and temperature.

Harmonizing Minimalism and Functionality

Unemori Architects prioritized simplicity, calmness, and functional design to achieve a modern living environment. The clean lines, lightweight materials, and open floor spaces create a minimalist aesthetic that fosters serenity. Meanwhile, the thoughtful connection between interior and exterior elements ensures a unique sense of balance. The elevated structure allows the Blank Garden to exist as both a functional living space and an evolving green sanctuary.

The Blank Garden by Unemori Architects exemplifies innovative residential architecture in flood-prone areas. Its elevated structure, seamless connection to nature, and flexible design solutions make it a standout modern home in Tokyo. Designed with adaptability and serenity in mind, it serves as a beacon of thoughtful, sustainable architecture that enhances the lives of its residents while respecting the surrounding environment.

All Photographs are work of Ken'ichi Suzuki