The sliding facade of this home in Sonobe, Japan is the heart of Kobe-based studio Tato Architects' design. The house takes on a traditional, two-storey gabled structure. The property is supplemented with a small courtyard that surely breaks off the indoor continuity. However, the location in which Tato Architects erect the house has a wet and cool climate. The designers attempt to address this by offering a sliding facade made with corrugated polycarbonate. This feature allows for ample functionality. The wall can be slid over, revealing a semi-private courtyard or it can be slid back when the weather is unpleasant. This element of the design is common and referred to as "terrace enclosures" in the region. However, Tato Architects' choice of material for the sliding facade adds a certain unique raw power to the house.
Photo Credits: Yohei Sasakura, Shinkenchiku Sha
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Sliding Facades
- The use of sliding facades offers a unique opportunity for homes and buildings to seamlessly transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Modular Design
- Modular design allows for flexible and adaptable spaces that can be easily customized to meet individual needs and preferences.
- Weather-adaptive Architecture
- Weather-adaptive architecture, such as the sliding facade with polycarbonate material, provides a solution for homes and buildings to respond to changing weather conditions.
Where This Applies
- Architecture and Design
- Architects and designers can explore innovative ways to incorporate sliding facades and modular design into residential and commercial projects.
- Construction
- The construction industry can embrace weather-adaptive architecture to create sustainable and functional buildings that can adjust to different climate conditions.
- Material Manufacturing
- Manufacturers of polycarbonate and other weather-resistant materials have an opportunity to develop and market products specifically designed for sliding facades and weather-adaptive architecture.
