Design philosophy of material architecture | Natural material concept
Design attitude
Material Architecture
This is a design philosophy that treats materials not as decoration but as the essence that determines the quality of a space. By understanding the materials, judging the site, and considering the time axis of changes over time, we guide architecture to become a "non-consumable existence."
Corporate Facility Design
Corporate facilities are a business strategy in themselves. In addition to considering the design of brand experiences, material selection, and longevity, we will also explain how corporate facilities can lead to success through a "structural analysis of successful cases." →
Villa design
A vacation home is not a house, but a piece of architecture designed for time. We will introduce how to create a space that enhances the quality of life, from the relationship with the land, seasonal adaptations, and the selection of materials. →
Resort design
A recreation facility is not just a form of employee welfare, but a facility for fostering corporate culture. We will explain the essence of space design that will continue to be used, comprehensively considering comfort, size planning, materials, and operation.
How to choose a design firm
Architecture is not about choosing a work, but about choosing a partner to talk to. What is the design method that emphasizes dialogue with management and makes decisions on-site? We will show you how to choose a design firm that you will not regret. →
The characteristics of each material
Solid wood flooring
What is important when considering solid wood flooring?Floor heatingWe recommend selecting solid wood flooring designed for underfloor heating. If the thickness of the boards exceeds 15 mm, the underfloor heating will not work as well. Because the wood is dried more thoroughly than regular flooring, it is less likely to warp due to heat.
The next thing to consider is width.Consider the width based on the size of the room.Choose narrower widths for small rooms and wider widths for larger rooms. Also, if the room has many curves and bends, there will be many joints, so choosing narrower widths will reduce material waste and make the room look neater.
Also, if you want a special floor covering such as herringbone, you should check whether the treatment will work well in the areas close to the walls, and if you are considering replacing the material, it is best to avoid using it in areas that are prone to getting dirty.
There are many domestically produced timbers such as cedar and cypress. The number of knots will change the overall atmosphere, so it is a good idea to check in advance. Oak, oak, walnut, and teak are imported. Things to be careful of with imported hardwood flooring:The length of the material.If it's too short, it will be too noticeable. The surface is harder than softwood, so it's less likely to get scratched.
For residential use, an oil finish looks more natural than a urethane coating. In places where the floor is subject to heavy loads, such as workshops and gymnasiums, urethane treatment is advantageous. A matte finish looks more natural.
tile
They are often used around wet areas such as entrances, kitchens, bathrooms, etc. First, consider the size of the tile based on the size and shape of the room.
It is recommended to choose larger tiles for larger areas and smaller tiles for smaller areas or irregularly shaped rooms. Floor tile catalogs clearly state whether they are for floors (exterior, interior, etc.), so use this as a guide when making your selection.
In addition, mosaic tiles and other tiles have more joints per unit area, making them non-slip and allowing for flooring specifications. In some cases, mosaic tiles can be used to address deformed areas, while in other cases larger tiles can be cut to address the issue. It is necessary to consider the tile divisions on the floor plan.
We select a rough selection from the tile manufacturer's catalog and then visit the showroom to check them out. We decide on the product number and color during the design stage, but if we're having trouble deciding, we make the final decision while we're on-site. At that time, we want to make sure the price doesn't change. We imagine tiles as squares, but tiles made by slicing bricks are called double tiles (60*227mm) or small edge tiles (60*108mm), and are popular as wall tiles. Using brick tiles creates an overall calm atmosphere.
石
Plate-shaped products sold by tile manufacturers are installed in the same way as tiles. Unlike tiles, there are variations in shape, and they can also accommodate large sizes and irregular shapes. A big difference from tiles is that when stone is cut, the same material as the surface remains. On kitchen countertops, exposing the edge of the stone creates a luxurious feel.
Like Oya stone, it can also be stacked in blocks to make a fence, so it is recommended for use outdoors as it goes well with plants.
It's a little tricky, but there is also a method of finishing with stone used as a base material, such as broken chestnuts or crushed stone, which offers hidden variations that are unique to natural materials.
Clay and plaster
Both are carried out by plasterers. Having trained under a plasterer in his youth on Awaji Island, I believe that our firm has the most extensive range of proposals regarding plastering materials among all design firms in Japan.
Plaster is made by mixing lime with fine fibers called "susa" and seaweed glue such as that made from kakumata seaweed. It can be used outside, but it is best to avoid placing it under an overhang or other surface that is directly exposed to the wind and rain.
The basic color is white, but various colors can be achieved by mixing pigments. Application should be avoided during the cold months of February and the hot summer months, as this can cause efflorescence and drying out.
Earthen walls go well with Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats, and are available in a variety of finishes. If you are considering using them only as a finishing touch, you can finish them on top of gypsum board. If you are considering a full-scale earthen wall, you may start by installing bamboo latticework, but in urban areas, you will need to make adjustments from the design stage, such as bringing in rough-wall materials.
Clay is a much softer material than plaster. It needs to be treated with care, just like sliding doors and shoji screens, but it is a long-lasting material that will not fade.
瓦
If properly designed to be earthquake-resistant, tile roofs are the most durable material and are more functional than metal sheets. Older buildings (wooden structures built before 1981) are not earthquake-resistant, so if you are renovating a building, you should first inspect its structure.
Compared to metal plates, roof tiles are superior in terms of sunlight reflection, heat resistance, noise reduction against rain, and durability. The roof is the part that is most affected by the external environment. The roof determines the basic quality of a building as a shelter.
The roof is a part that affects the exterior design, so choosing the right roofing material is very important. Also, in recent years, tiles are not recommended if you are installing a solar system or skylights, as they do not do well in the rain.
Mortar finish
At first glance it looks like a mud wall, but mud cannot be painted on an exterior wall that is exposed to rain like this. It is a technique called scraping, which uses pigments in mortar to create an earthen finish. This was a common technique in the past, but is now rarely seen as thin coatings are in vogue.
If you look closely, you can see that it contains beautiful grains of soil, making for a very fun finish.
Even when using natural materials, there are many different materials and techniques. You will never be successful unless you carefully consider the balance with the overall design and the cost. I believe that each and every decision you make will ultimately result in a building that will last a long time and be loved by people.
(*This wall was created by my close friend and fellow plasterer, Yuki Kusumi.)