In the heart of Turin, there is a special housing complex designed as a growing forest
Luciano Pia is the architect that designed a unique building in the heart of Turin. Its structure is in steel and it looks like a forest where trees are rooted in terraces with irregular shapes, ponds are crossed by footings and lush gardens cover the roofs. The building has been thought as a living forest; a treehouse that is the dream of every child.
The project creates a flowing and smooth transition space that softens the passage from the inside to the outside where the space is always enjoyable. The smooth and changeable transition is emphasized by the targeted use of the green and the building materials.
These create a structure that is compact and distinct but also transparent, mutable, and enjoyable. It is a special building because it is alive.
It grows, it breaths, and it changes following the natural cycle of seasons. All thanks to 150 tall trunk trees on its terraces and other 50 ones planted in the court garden. Together they grow day after day and create a perfect microclimate that insulates the inside from the changes of the temperature outside. Moreover, they produce oxygen, absorb carbonic dioxide, cut down air pollution, protect the inhabitants from noise.
The building houses 63 residential units, all different and featuring wide irregular terraces surrounded enormous vases. These hold trees and shrubs of various heights, from 2.5m to 8m. The many species grant a variety of colored leaves and flowers. And deciduous species allow sun irradiation in wintertime. Also, the top floor is covered with private roof gardens.