Asia's Local Mesh Material: 18 Projects that Explore the Versatility of Rattan
Over the past couple of years, many designers have voiced their commitment to ethical and ecological sourcing, resorting to frugal designs through local materials, traditional techniques, and equitable architecture. Having this approach in mind, many found inspiration in their cultural heritage, reimagining ancient designs in contemporary contexts.
When thinking of recycled design trends, we can't overlook one of the most well-known and popular materials that was shared by nations all around the globe over the span of 100 years; on balconies, outdoor patios, gardens, and indoor living spaces: rattan. It is estimated that almost seven hundred million people worldwide use rattan, with many countries presenting it as an integral part of their cultures. In this article, we look at how architects and designers integrated rattan in their designs and found numerous ways to make the best out of Southeast Asia's popular local material.
Awrawikara House / andramatin
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Architects: andramatin
- Area: 525 m²
- Year: 2021
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Manufacturers: AutoDesk, JUNG, Rothoblaas, Byoliving, Daikin, +10
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Professionals: Woodlam Indonesia
@BATUBATA / Studio Air Putih
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Architects: Studio Air Putih
- Area: 1022 m²
- Year: 2017
Baker’s Dozen: 13 Sweet Projects Filled with Delight
Few architectural typologies are as timeless as bakeries. A practice spanning thousands of years, the art of baking has diverse roots. Today, bakeries combine areas to gather, socialize, shop, and work. While industrialization and commercialization transformed the art of baking and baked goods, bakeries remain important community spaces for gathering and defining neighborhood identity.
Between 2 Courtyards House / eben
HP House / Rakta Studio
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Architects: Rakta Studio
- Area: 700 m²
- Year: 2020
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Manufacturers: Dekson, Frans Setiabudi, Toto, Venus Tiles
Odori Hotel / Nimara Architects
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Architects: Nimara Architects
- Area: 416 m²
- Year: 2019
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Manufacturers: AutoDesk, GRAPHISOFT, Byoliving, Gamma Paint, Toto, +1
H House / sontangMsiregar Architects
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Architects: sontangMsiregar Architects
- Area: 48 m²
- Year: 2020
Kampoong In House / Ismail Solehudin Architecture
WM Plenary Hall / Bgnr Architects
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Architects: Bgnr Architects
- Area: 7160 m²
- Year: 2019
The Silver Lining House / Studio Lawang
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Architects: Studio Lawang
- Area: 162 m²
- Year: 2019
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Manufacturers: Blanco, Bluescope, Dulux, Lysaght, Magnus Aluminium, +6
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Professionals: Grand Optima Design, Tiga Axis
Kisaku Coffee Shop / Seniman Ruang
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Architects: Seniman Ruang
- Area: 176 m²
- Year: 2019
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Professionals: erreluce | lighting consultant, PT. Satya Karya Prima
Mirrors in Architecture: Possibilities of Reflected Space
Humans have used mirrors since as early as 600 BCE, employing highly polished obsidian as a basic reflective surface. Over time, people began to use small pieces of gold, silver, and aluminum in a similar manner, both for their reflective properties and for decoration. By the 1st century CE, people had started using glass to make mirrors, but it was only during the European Renaissance that Venetian manufacturers began making mirrors by applying metallic backings to glass sheets, remaining the most common general method of mirror manufacturing today. Since then, mirrors have continued to play both a decorative and functional role in architecture, serving a clean, modern aesthetic despite its ancient origins. Below, we investigate how mirrors are made, provide a brief history of mirrors in architecture, and offer several tips for architects looking to use mirrors in their designs.