bandesign hides secret garden behind concrete façades

bandesign hides secret garden behind concrete façades
photo by shigetomo mizuno
all images courtesy of bandesign

hisanori ban of japanese architecture practice bandesign has completed a family home that features a hidden garden obscured from the passing street. positioned alongside a river in a busy residential area of komaki city, the long 500 square meter scheme is divided in half, with the dwelling located at the western edge of the plot.

a two and a half meter-tall concrete wall surrounds the site’s perimeter, protecting a private sunken garden from potential onlookers. from inside the house, residents are afforded views of a green landscape that offers pleasant external sightlines. additionally, the hill serves another function, containing within it a 30 meter-long geothermal tube that helps regulate and stabilize temperatures inside the property.

a two and a half meter-tall concrete wall surrounds the site’s perimeter
photo by shigetomo mizuno

the sunken garden is protected from potential onlookers
photo by shigetomo mizuno

angled pathways traverse the private area of greenery
photo by shigetomo mizuno

inhabitants are able to climb the hill to reach an area of decking
photo by shigetomo mizuno

areas of plantation are found behind the reinforced concrete walls
photo by shigetomo mizuno

from inside the house, residents are afforded views of a lush green landscape
photo by shigetomo mizuno

open-plan living accommodation at ground floor level
photo by shigetomo mizuno

the house is located next to a river in the japanese city of komaki city
photo by shigetomo mizuno

the sunken garden illuminated at night
photo by shigetomo mizuno

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project info:

name: secret garden
architects: hisanori ban / bandesign, ltd.
location: komaki city, aichi prefecture, japan
site area: 473.97 sqm
building area: 144.53 sqm
completed: 2014
photography: shigetomo mizuno