nLDK builds 'edible house' that grows alongside its vegetable garden in japan

nLDK completes ‘edible house’ with spacious garden in nara, japan

Architecture studio nLDK has completed a residential building with a spacious kitchen garden in Nara, Japan. The project, called ‘Edible House,’ draws on regional architecture to create a permeable house with wooden interiors that stands out from contemporary homes. The design focuses on the concept of ‘food-and-life unity’ and integrates a large kitchen and vegetable garden to achieve safe everyday food self-sufficiency, improve quality of life, and revitalize neighboring communities.

‘The house is never finished, it continues to grow it like the vegetables.’ the Nara-based architecture firm says.

the Edible House with its spacious garden settels in Nara, Japan

all images © Yosuke Ohtake

a house that responds to the post-covid needs

‘Edible House’ by nLDK was designed in response to the current context, the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis, globalism, and the neoliberal economy. ‘Familiar communities and economic activities have to be reconsidered.’ the architects explain. ‘In the period of rapid economic growth, houses, offices, and farms are separated in Japan. These days, houses are closed to offices and some houses even have small offices. In the coronavirus situation, we had much extra time, so many people started to have their own kitchen gardens in their houses or balconies.’

Under these circumstances, the clients were looking for a small house with a large kitchen garden where they could grow their own vegetables. At first, the owners requested a second house where they could enjoy gardening and spend time next to the nearby fields. Eventually, the project became their permanent residence, while the nature-focused spatial composition was maintained.

large sliding doors allow occupants to be in close contact with the garden at all times

a sunken first floor creates direct access to the garden

The team at nLDK set the house on the north of the plot, ensuring that the vegetable garden receives ample sunlight. A dining kitchen and an event room with direct access to the garden are located on the first floor which is built lower than usual to provide a better look at the vegetables in the garden. A vast bathroom is also installed on the first floor, and part of it can be used as a solarium to raise seeds. Occupants can also use leftover bath water for watering the vegetables. The wooden interior, adds a touch of warmth to the house, encouraging residents to relax.

On the second floor, high-side lighting is used to create a calm bedroom, a children’s playroom, and a library with a huge collection of books. A sloping roof tops the residential structure, making it possible to collect rainwater and install solar panels in the future.

the clients were looking for a small house with a large kitchen garden where they could grow their own vegetables