Members Only
Please join as a member and click "Members Only" to read more complete articles and exclusive content.
Tane Garden House
The construction of the Tane Garden House originated three years ago when Rolf Fehlbaum, Chairman Emeritus of Vitra, took architect Tsuyoshi Tane for a drive around Weil am Rhein, discussing his childhood and his pastoral memories of the fields that now house the Vitra Campus. It was during this drive that architect Tsuyoshi Tane conceived a new architectural idea, deciding to design a building based on his philosophy of "Archaeology of the Future," where architectural concepts stem from the memories of the place. The Tane Garden House was completed in June 2023 and will be officially inaugurated during Art Basel.
By burning underground resources, traditional architecture contributes to climate change. The Tane Garden House, by using above-ground materials such as stone, wood, thatch, and rope, is inherently aligned with nature. In addition to the selection of materials, the construction itself is carried out by local craftsmen using locally supplied materials. For example, the stone and wood used in the house were procured locally, requiring only short-distance transportation. The wood, for instance, was transported from the Black Forest to the factory and then to the campus, covering a total distance of 50 kilometers. Architect Tsuyoshi Tane not only implemented his concept during the construction phase of the Garden House but also integrated sustainability into its maintenance. Tane is convinced that only the local community can support and protect the longevity of architecture.
The Tane Garden House measures 15 square meters, making it very compact and capable of accommodating around 8 people. It is primarily used for storing gardening tools. It is also available for use by Vitra employees who tend to the campus bees and are involved in the vegetable garden being created next to the Garden House. Outdoor seating and a small fountain are provided for watering, cleaning boots, and tools. Additionally, this building, located in the center of the campus, will feature a viewing platform from which visitors can enjoy unobstructed 360-degree views of the garden and the Vitra Campus.
Tsuyoshi Tane’s addition to the campus is the fourth by an architect of Japanese descent, after the Umbrella House by Kazuo Shinohara, the Conference Pavilion by Tadao Ando and the Factory Building by SANAA. Since November 18 2023, a special exhibition at the Vitra Design Museum Gallery is presenting insights into Tsuyoshi Tane’s work and his Garden House project.
