新加坡康沃爾花園住宅,選自Olivia Broome撰寫、Hoxton Mini Press出版的Brutalist Plants一書
Cornwall Gardens House in Singapore, from the book Brutalist Plants by Olivia Broome, published by Hoxton Mini Press
(Image credit: Albert Lim KS)
什么是生態粗野主義?探究這場運動中的綠色巨石
What is eco-brutalism? Inside the green monoliths of the movement
The juxtaposition of stark concrete and tumbling greenery is eminently Instagrammable, but how does this architectural movement address the sustainability issues associated with brutalism?
What is eco-brutalism?
If you move in architecture circles, chances are you’ve heard the term ‘eco-brutalism’ floating around. It refers to an emerging movement that incorporates the tenets of brutalism – exposed materials, functional, largely concrete-based – and principles of sustainable building; mainly the integration of biophilic design, which emphasises the connection between humans and nature.
What makes eco-brutalism ‘eco’?
The idea of transforming something cold and imposing into a green oasis is attractive. But does this trend go beyond aesthetics? What is the purpose of eco-brutalism?
Traditionally, brutalism has faced criticism for its environmental impact, largely stemming from its use of concrete, the production of which uses large amounts of water, raw materials and energy. Eco-brutalism seeks to reframe the style with modern ecological priorities in mind.
Eco-brutalist structures may incorporate hanging or vertical gardens, moss-covered façades or green roofs, which can improve air quality, promote biopersity and regulate temperature (plants act as natural insulators and shade-givers, reducing indoor temperatures in summer and retaining heat in winter, thus reducing reliance on artificial temperature control).
It’s important, however, to note that the use of plants is not de facto evidence of green architecture. An eco-brutalist building should also, ideally, use eco-friendly materials such as recycled or low-carbon concrete (such as Seratech's carbon-neutral composite cement, which won the company an Obel award in 2022), reclaimed wood or salvaged steel, or replace traditional cement with alternatives like fly ash or slag. It may also integrate sustainable building principles like passive cooling (such as cross-ventilation systems for airflow), solar panels and rainwater collection systems.
生態粗野主義建筑實例
The buildings of eco-brutalism
巴西叢林之家
Jungle House, Brazil
(Image credit: Studio mk27)
叢林之家(Jungle House)由巴西 Studio mk27 事務所設計,其創始人 Marcio Kogan 曾擔任2024年10月《Wallpaper》雜志的客座編輯,這是巴西大西洋雨林中一棟引人注目的住宅。該建筑于2015年竣工,線條簡潔,采用裸露混凝土,并被當地植物環繞,從而減少對生態的干擾。叢林之家使用了 Accoya 木材,這種木材在潮濕氣候下的耐用性十分優越,并棲息在柱子上,最大限度地減少其地面足跡。
Designed by Brazil-based Studio mk27 (whose founder, Marcio Kogan, guest edited Wallpaper's October issue in 2024), the Jungle House, also known as Casa na Mata, is a striking residence nestled in Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest. Completed in 2015, the building features clean lines and exposed concrete, and is sequestered among native plants (to ensure minimal ecological disruption). Jungle House also uses accoya wood, chosen for its durability in humid climates, and is perched on pillars to minimise its ground footprint.
哥斯達黎加藝術別墅
Art Villa, Costa Rica
(Image credit: Art Villas)
這座由Refuel Works和 Formafatal設計的兩層混凝土結構屬于普拉亞赫爾莫薩(Playa Hermosa)藝術別墅度假村,建筑展現了受巴西建筑師Paulo Mendes da Rocha啟發的極簡主義美學。別墅擁有鋼結構框架和綠色屋頂,有助于降溫,減少對空調的需求,而穿孔鋁板則實現了自然通風,并在室內創造出動態的光影效果。
Part of the Art Villas resort in Playa Hermosa, this two-storey concrete structure, designed by Refuel Works and Formafatal, features a minimalist aesthetic inspired by Brazilian architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha. The villa has a steel frame and a green roof that helps cool it, reducing the need for air conditioning, while perforated aluminum panels allow for natural ventilation and also create a dynamic play of light and shadow inside.
This monolithic residence was designed by Shatotto Architecture and exemplifies a blend of modernist and climate-responsive architecture. Aesthetically, the Chittagong home draws inspiration from the traditional ‘mathal’ hat; in terms of innovative design, it features a concrete shell that serves as a protective barrier against strong winds, while layered parasols and overhangs and integrated gardens provide shade, promote natural cooling and improve air quality.
Designed by architect Alberto Kalach, Oaxaca resort Hotel Terrestre won a Wallpaper* Design Award in 2022. It comprises minimalist, geometric villas built from local materials like clay, brick, wood and concrete. The design draws inspiration from Mesoamerican step-pyramids, and is enveloped in native vegetation including copal trees, mesquite and orchids, creating a sanctuary for local wildlife. Impressively, the hotel operates completely off-grid, powered entirely by solar energy. The design also utilises passive cooling and natural ventilation to the extent that the need for air conditioning is eliminated.
London’s Grade II-listed Barbican is a brutalist gem, originally built between 1971 and 1982 as an example of modern urban architecture in an area that was heavily bombed during the Second World War. This is a great example of eco-brutalism because it has been retrofitted to make it operate more sustainably; the Barbican Centre now uses 100 per cent renewable energy and aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions through building system upgrades. The building’s conservatory contains over 1,500 plant species, promoting biopersity in the heart of London.
This civil engineering project features a concrete grid system designed to prevent landslides on the steep terrain. Despite its utilitarian purpose, it has become a revered architectural feature of the island of Aogashima.
Les Étoiles d’Ivry is a social housing complex located in the Parisian suburb of Ivry-sur-Seine, constructed between 1969 and 1975. Designed by Renée Gailhoustet and Jean Renaudie, the project was built as part of an urban renewal initiative and included extensive planting as part of its original scheme.
裕廊飛禽公園(Jurong Bird Park)是新加坡著名的旅游景點,由建筑師 John Yealland 和 J Toovey 設計。該公園于1971年開放時,擁有超過3500只鳥類,涵蓋400個物種,倡導生物多樣性。
Jurong Bird Park was a well-known tourist attraction in Singapore, designed by architects John Yealland and J Toovey. When it opened in 1971, it housed over 3,500 birds across 400 species, championing biopersity.