Unique artistic building

EASTERN Design Office has designed the Villa Saitan collective housing in Kyoto, Japan. The site, where building is located, was once the place of NIshihachijo-palace, which was the residence of a hero of the Japanese classical tragedy, ?Tale of Heike.? That is why the architects decided to create a building symbolizing immortal tree to save memory of historical events. This unique apartment building has 3 storeys and includes 11 units. True to say it looks more like museum or creative office building than like dwelling. The original concrete facade inspired by plant ornament attracts attention. The shape of the holes, which filter the light, resembles a trunk, leaves, a root and bulbs. It also can be seen as clouds floating over the trees. The entrance is situated at the base of a tree trunk.