Green Cast by Kengo Kuma and Associates
Plants sprout through the patchwork aluminium facade of this pharmacy and clinic in Japan by architects Kengo Kuma and Associates (+ slideshow).
![Green Cast by Kengo Kuma Green Cast by Kengo Kuma](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/06/dezeen_Green-Cast-by-Kengo-Kuma_14a.jpg)
Dozens of tiny holes pierce each of the aluminium panels, which were formed against broken-down polystyrene to give them a bumpy texture.
![Green Cast by Kengo Kuma Green Cast by Kengo Kuma](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/06/dezeen_Green-Cast-by-Kengo-Kuma_20.jpg)
The plants grow out from between the panels with ventilation shafts and rainwater downpipes concealed behind them.
![Green Cast by Kengo Kuma Green Cast by Kengo Kuma](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/06/dezeen_Green-Cast-by-Kengo-Kuma_19.jpg)
Named Green Cast, the four-storey-high building also contains offices and an apartment.
![Green Cast by Kengo Kuma Green Cast by Kengo Kuma](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/06/dezeen_Green-Cast-by-Kengo-Kuma_12.jpg)
Stairs lead up from the top-floor residence to a terrace on the roof and there's a car park in the basement.
![Green Cast by Kengo Kuma Green Cast by Kengo Kuma](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/06/dezeen_Green-Cast-by-Kengo-Kuma_16.jpg)
Other recent projects by Kengo Kuma & Associates include a museum screened by floating tiles and a Starbucks coffee shop near a Shinto shrine.
![Green Cast by Kengo Kuma Green Cast by Kengo Kuma](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/06/dezeen_Green-Cast-by-Kengo-Kuma_3.jpg)
See all our stories about Japanese architect Kengo Kuma »
![Green Cast by Kengo Kuma Green Cast by Kengo Kuma](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/06/dezeen_Green-Cast-by-Kengo-Kuma_4.jpg)
Here's a little more text from Kengo Kuma & Associates:
Green Cast
The façade of the building is covered with planters made of aluminum die-cast panels, which provides space for facilities.
![Green Cast by Kengo Kuma Green Cast by Kengo Kuma](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/06/dezeen_Green-Cast-by-Kengo-Kuma_2.jpg)
The 3 (up to 6) aluminum panels, which also form planters, are made in monoblock casting.
![Green Cast by Kengo Kuma Green Cast by Kengo Kuma](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/06/dezeen_Green-Cast-by-Kengo-Kuma_25.jpg)
Each panel is slanted, and its surface appears to be organic, of which cast comes from decayed styrene foam.
![Green Cast by Kengo Kuma Green Cast by Kengo Kuma](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/06/dezeen_Green-Cast-by-Kengo-Kuma_1.jpg)
Equipment such as watering hose, air reservoir for ventilation and downpipes are installed behind the panels so that the façade can accommodate a comprehensive system for the building.
![Green Cast by Kengo Kuma Green Cast by Kengo Kuma](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/06/dezeen_Green-Cast-by-Kengo-Kuma_21.jpg)
Name of Project: Green Cast
Location: Odawara-shi, Kanagawa prefecture
Type of Project: new construction (extension from existing)
![Green Cast by Kengo Kuma Green Cast by Kengo Kuma](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/06/dezeen_Green-Cast-by-Kengo-Kuma_24.jpg)
Principal Use: shop, clinic, office and private residence
Design and Supervision: Kengo Kuma & Associates
Structure: RC, steel-frame
![Green Cast by Kengo Kuma Green Cast by Kengo Kuma](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/06/dezeen_Green-Cast-by-Kengo-Kuma_8.jpg)
Number of Stories: 1 underground, 4 stories above
Site area: 424.50sq m
Built area: 207.64sq m
Total area: 1047.80㎡(residence area: 181.61sq m)
Floor area for each story: B1F:288.68sq m 1F:201.65sq m 2F:189.13sq m 3F: 189.13sq m 4F: 181.61sq m
Maximum height: 14.97m
![Green Cast by Kengo Kuma Green Cast by Kengo Kuma](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/06/dezeen_Green-Cast-by-Kengo-Kuma_22.jpg)
Structure: Makino Structural Design
Utilities, Equipment: P.T. Morimura and Associates
Construction: Takenaka Corporation
![Green Cast by Kengo Kuma Green Cast by Kengo Kuma](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/06/dezeen_Green-Cast-by-Kengo-Kuma_7.jpg)
Tree Planting: Sugiko
Aluminum Die-Cast: Sanwa Tajima
Construction Period: May 2010 – June 2011