Sneaky Water Reservoir in Swiss Urban Park is Disguised by Green Grass

You might not be able to tell from some angles, but the City of Basel in Switzerland reconstructed one of their water reservoirs to lie discreetly amidst a popular urban park. Rather than swallow up the Bruderholz site with their gargantuan reservoir, <a href="http://www.bbk-architekten.ch/reinach_03.html?&amp;L=2"> Berrel Berrel Kräutler</a> buried the bulk of it underground. The top floor is completely integrated into the landscape such that both the steps leading up to the entrance and the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/norway-green-roof-homes/norweigengreenroofs/">roof are covered in turf</a>. Combined with a shimmering facade, this sneaky renovation encourages park visitors to linger a while.

This is a massive water reservoir that could potentially swallow up the urban park located there.

To prevent that from happening, the architects designed the building to exist mostly underground.

Leaving only the upper floor visible above ground.

Then they took that design to the next level.

Not only does the site not detract from the aesthetic, but it contributes to it.

The shimmering facade combined with the green roof terrace and turf-covered steps leading to the entrance attract park visitors.

Children can safely play on the roof and the steps.

This is such a beautiful but simple design.

Which demonstrates how easily harmony between the built and natural environment are achieved.