Japan’s Mountainous Green-Roofed Pyramid Planted With Trees

Posted by Big Gav in green buildings, japan

Green building of the week (or whatever random period I now post these at) is this Japanese office building, which has taken green roofs to a new level - Japan’s ACROS Building is a Mountainous Green-Roofed Pyramid Planted With Trees.

Things have changed since we last wrote about ACROS. When the building, which was designed by Emilio Ambasz & Associates, was first built, many of the trees that make up its “step garden" were still saplings. Now, many of the plants are so tall that they obscure the stair railings, which were clearly visible just a few years ago. In fact, you have to crane your neck to see over the trees as you ascend the leafy levels, and at times you feel as though you’re basically standing in the middle of a miniature forest.

2 comments

SP says 12:46 AM

Gav, do you know if they use the vegetation to treat their sewage or gray water at all?

One possible effect of such a building is that it should decrease the amount of storm water runoff (at least for a period)... which might be good for local streams.

Mind you, Japan has a habit of "improving" streams and rivers with concrete.

Big Gav says 3:37 PM

I don't know but it didn't sound like it.

And yes - it would help catch some storm water runoff, which is a good thing.