Traditional sustainable buildings capitalize on resource conservation and economic efficiency. With vertical forests or “treescrapers,” innovators in Europe and Asia are meeting sustainability standards while expanding upon the benefits of greenery for multifamily residents. In the Unites States, sustainable construction highlights efficient appliances, energy and water conservation. Exceptional properties include recycled materials, passive temperature control, and meet net-zero standards. Integrating greenery into construction is still considered a rarity. Yet the exceptional features are becoming the standard in developed nations throughout Europe in Asia.  In addition to resource and costs efficiency, policy makers enforce the creation of structures that improve resident wellbeing and environmental health. To name a few, Germany has led Europe with sustainable mandates for new construction; green roofs with solar panels are required to cover 50 percent of all new commercial buildings in France, as well as notable sustainability mandates for residential construction; and Singapore’s aggressive blueprint for sustainable investments will keep the nation at the top of the list for earth-conscious countries in Asia. It is within this progressive atmosphere that the first vertical forests broke ground in 2011. Vertical forests and treescapers are urban buildings that take greenery beyond ground-level landscaping and atriums.  Trees, shrubs, and groundcover are incorporated throughout the structure. Multifamily owners and managers have much to gain by these stunning construction techniques. By investing in greenery throughout the property, owners, managers, and residents position themselves to experience: resident retention increased tenant satisfaction reduced stress less noise pollution reduced CO2 increased oxygen output natural storm water and runoff management reduced heating and cooling costs Architect Vincent Callebaut’s Agora Tower in Taipei, Taiwan is one of many treescrapers  currently under construction. To be completed this year, the Agora Tower has received LEED Gold certification. The design is also Green...

For the people who love the outdoors, but need to find shelter during the winter months, meet the Garden Igloo, a ‘stylish, winter garden, a play area for children, a greenhouse or a gazebo’. This multipurpose geodesic dome, designed by Carla Isin Alemdar, offers a year-round, eco-friendly addition to backyards from all over the world. Imagine a sanctuary designed both as a winter garden and a summer canopy that not only protects you against bugs, but also against sudden inclement weather. The dome is made from rust- and rot-free recyclable materials that don’t require regular maintenance (a moist microfiber cloth for cleaning the cover will do the job). What’s more, it doesn’t require any construction permits as its smart structure is easily assembled without the need for foundations. It can even sit on a patio. The Garden Igloo is wind resistant thanks to its geodesic form, able to withstand the strong wind or lying snow conditions. Through its shape it can also maintain even temperatures inside (just what you need if you’re using it to grow plants), and makes the most of solar light because regardless of the sun’s position, the light is always transmitted at right angles throughout the day during all four seasons. It easily retains the heat absorbed from the sun shining onto the outer surface of the dome, which creates a cozy environment during the colder seasons. Moreover, the design allows circular air ventilation, with two window vents—for those days (almost gone for this year) when you want to let some air into the dome to let the plants breathe or enjoy the summer breeze. The dome measures in diameter 141.73 inches with a base area of 393.70 inches and a maximum height of 86.61 inches. The package includes a standard...