View from the southwest side of the towers. (Image: W Workspace)

Ideo Morph 38 is a high-rise residential development in southern Thailand that's using gardens and greenery as a second skin.

Thailand-based Somdoon Architects, the firm behind the project, says the development "takes on a symbiotic relationship with the environment."

(PHOTOS: The Future of the Design)

A series of green installments brings unexpected nature to this city-bound complex. A bark-like structure wraps from the west side of the larger Ashton tower to the east side of the smaller Skyle tower. The green wall not only acts as a natural shade to keep out the tropical sun, but it also adds a layer of privacy for residents inside.Outdoor sky gardens are installed at different intervals on both towers, which Somdoon says creates a vertical landscape.

The greenery isn't restricted to the building's exterior. Trees sit along the indoor pools in both towers, which you can see in the slideshow above.

(MORE:Ardmore Residence in Singapore: Designed in the Spirit of the Garden City)

The architects say part of the inspiration behind the design was to please existing neighbors, who didn't want a typical high-rise to disrupt the greenery in their neighborhood.

Somdoon Architects is no stranger to designing greener developments. The firm's Siamese Blossom townhouse project won top honors in the Future Projects Residential category at the World Architecture Festival earlier this month.

MORE ON WEATHER.COM: World Architecture Festival 2013 Winners

Auckland Art Gallery - New Zealand

The Aukland Art Gallery in New Zealand was named the 2013 World Building of the Year. Judges appreciated the 'sophisticated use of materials, particularly timber.' (Image: John Gollings/Gollings Photography)