URBAN GARDENRedefining boundaries through green planningPrivate and Public LifeINTRODUCTIONThe notion of plants, trees and people coexisting under one roof can be characterized timelier and more necessary than ever. While the horizontal ground of our cities is being covered by the construction front, the vertical ground is evolving, creating living buildings which are deemed viable cells in the urban fabric and contribute to improving the quality of life of residents and neighboring schemes.NAMEThe name of the building derives from the creation of a private vertical garden, which aims to offer its users the same benefits as a public one, while deconstructing the boundaries between the building and its neighborhood, and redefines its identity as a private building, a small scale ‘Urban Garden’. IDEAThe two opposing concepts, the public and the private, frame the architectural proposal and are invited to coexist through this bioclimatic design. Just as the benefits of a public garden are not limited within its natural boundaries or its use, but instead extend to its surroundings, similarly, the private garden attempts to expand beyond its boundaries and become a sustainable cell within the neighborhood.Primary element of the boundary’s deconstruction is the wire rope shell. This allows the plants within the building to grow both vertically and horizontally, creating a green facade around the perimeter of the building. The perimeter flowerbeds on all levels of the building host a variety of local and foreign plants, suitable for growing in the environmental conditions of Cyprus. At its maximum development, the facade forms a vertical garden which benefits its users and the building itself, creates shade for the interiors and thus reduces energy consumption. As part of the urban fabric, the building aesthetically improves the image of the neighborhood, enriches the space with scents, and attracts local wildlife.DESCRIPTIONThe building is divided into five levels, the piloti, three storeys and the roof garden. The piloti allows access to the building and is also the parking area. The first-floor houses an architecture studio space with a drawing room and a meeting room. The second and third floors are floor apartments which include an open plan kitchen, living room, dining room, two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The open plan apartments are surrounded by south and west facing openings while the bedrooms are west and north facing. All interiors are surrounded by sliding thermal aluminum glazing. On the one hand, they help reduce energy loss while on the other hand they unify the exterior and interior spaces, allowing the user to have an unobstructed view of the green facade. The roof garden consists of a dining area, lounge area and barbecue facilities. A metal pergola covers the entire rooftop. Double-sided photovoltaic panels are located on the upper part of the pergola, helping to reduce the energy consumption of the building and creates shade during the daytime.The project as a living urban cell evolves as an active member of the neighborhood. Urban garden, my neighbor.Sustainability, Experimentation, Change.
