life style koubou crafts expressive greenhouse and flower studio from nested boxes

japan-based firm life style koubou situates a compact studio space in a residential neighborhood of fukushima city, programmed for both the cultivation and arrangement of flowers. the ‘glass studio,’ designed as a box within a box, is divided into multiple zones. while the exterior glass box draws influence from the greenhouse typology, the secondary wooden box structure nested within introduces a narrow interstitial space. this offset gap serves as a breeding area which will exhibit the natural floral beauty toward the street.

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the inner wooden box structure hosts a studio space in which students practice the art of ikebana, or flower arranging. the studio is characterized by a minimal, open plan with an interior clad in wooden panels punctuated by small, irregular punch windows. this scattering of windows offers the studio a warm, ambient lighting condition. life style koubou embarked on the design of an expressive greenhouse and ikebana studio following the 2011 tōhoku earthquake. acting as a small botanical garden, the project aims to uplift the occupants of the neighborhood with a display of nature’s vitality. 

life style koubou comment on the project’s relationship with the neighborhood sidewalk life: ‘gently blending in with the area, the studio brings the beauty of the four seasons and a little spice to both those who arrange flowers in the studio and those who pass by the studio taking a walk or commuting to work.‘

project info:

architecture firm
: life style koubou

project manager: kotaro anzai


construction: life style koubou

program: greenhouse and ikebana studio

location: fukushima city, japan

building area: 179.90m2