Roof Garden in London

Photo © Bere Architects Photo © Bere Architects

Inspired by the German Passivhaus approach and technical methods developed by physicist Wolfgang Feist, Bere Architects’ own director Justin Bere started building his own home back in 2002. Low CO2 concrete foundations and first floor slab were made with ground granulated blast furnace slag to replace most of the cement, provide thermal mass for stable temperatures and a natural summer cooling effect. In keeping with Bere’s passionate belief in the urgent environmental need for change, the home was designed for energy preservation.

Photo © Bere Architects

Read more: The Muse: Bere Architects’ Paradisiacal London Home Has Four Roof Gardens, Forty Trees, Ponds and Meadows Bere Architects's Passivhaus roof gardens energy efficient The Muse – Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World

Singapore’s Supertree

Singapore’s sprawling supertree-sprouting Gardens by the Bay are rapidly nearing completion – and two of the three indoor gardens, Bay East and Bay Central, have already opened to the public with rave reviews. Designed by Grant Associates.

We have already marveled at the Gardens by the Bay’s Supertrees, a series of artificial tree towers that rise around the property. Comprised of a living skin of bromeliads, ferns and climbing flowers, the Supertrees harvest rainwater and collect solar energy that is transferred to the indoor gardens.

With official opening in June of 2012, the Bay South is sure to secure Gardens by the Bay as a national icon of environmental and botanical wonder.

Read more: Singapore’s Supertree-Sprouting Gardens by the Bay Set to Officially Open This June GARDENS BY THE BAY – Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World