Austrian architectural studio 'Penda'; has come up with an innovative green-roof home concept designed to offer a new level of sustainable living. A small block of land located in Germany's countryside near Kassel's city will become home to this new living concept, which boasts a generous rooftop vegetable garden.
Yin & Yang House Features An Elaborate Rooftop Garden
Photo by Photo: Penda. The Ying & Yang house is seen from above.
Recommended: Solar Panel Alternatives: Looking Great
Dubbed the Yin & Yang house, the modest home is designed to let a family take back control of their food supply. "The Ying & Yang house is designed for a small family that wants to live off-grid, independent, and self-sufficient," says Penda. "At the same time, we provide a gardening-system for the owners with greenhouses in winter and rows of planters for the rest of the year."
Ying Yang Roof Garden: Harmony
Inspired by the shape and central idea around the yin & yang concept, the home will be built with two separate structures that wrap around and join together in harmony. The garden is integrated into the dwelling's design, with the slanted rooftop garden starting from the ground and working its way up.
Occupants of the home can access the garden directly from the ground or the home's second floor. Due to the roof garden's sloping design, greywater can also be collected and stored throughout the year and re-used to water the garden during dry periods.
The garden is rich with planter-boxes suitable for growing vegetables, herbs, and fruits. "When architecture supports the way we grow our food, a house becomes more than 'just' a building," says the company. "It attracts all your senses. Nature makes the house visually appealing because it changes its look according to the seasons."
Recommended: Foodscape Alternatives: Hot In The Netherlands
"My wife Fei and I are also living in a small house in a rural area of Austria, and the biggest advantage of the countryside is the quality of life," adds Chris Precht, founding partner of Penda. "Especially when it comes to growing your own food." The 75-sqm (807-sq ft) Yin & Yang house will be built around a wooden structure with large floor-to-ceiling glass windows throughout.
The exterior and a large amount of the home's interior will be clad with wooden panels, blending the dwelling into its garden's lush greens. The home features a single-car garage, two to three bedrooms, a central shared bathroom, home office, open kitchen and dining area, an upstairs living area with access to the expansive rooftop garden, and an additional office or third bedroom.
"The house is conceptualized for a young family that would like to live and work in the countryside," says Penda. "Forecasts show that cities and urban areas attract young people. By 2050 more than 70 percent of our population will live in cities. Architects are called upon to find solutions on how to revive the countryside." The Yin & Yang house's final cost has yet to be disclosed, but it is set to start construction in the next few months.
Cover photo: Penda
Source: Bridget Borgobello, Penda.
Before you go!
Recommended: Many Thought It Was Difficult? Roof Gardens
Did you find this an interesting article, or do you have a question or remark? Leave a comment below.
We try to respond the same day.
Like to write your article about roof gardens?
Send your writing & scribble with a photo to [email protected], and we will write an interesting article based on your input or subscribe.