Testimonials

Exploring New Designs for the U.S. Market: An Interview with Encore Architects

We conducted an interview with Encore Architects to explore new design trends for the U.S. market. In this article, we share insights based on their feedback regarding exterior cladding design and color trends in the United States.

Encore Architects

Encore Architects is a Seattle-based design firm specializing in residential, office, and commercial projects. Their designs emphasize harmony with the surrounding context, and they are known for their meticulous attention to detail. With a team of professionals boasting over 20 years of experience, they have consistently delivered outstanding results in every project.

Their work reflects a strong focus on community integration and sustainability, with an emphasis on building strong, trusting relationships with clients.

Balancing Functionality and Design

When selecting exterior cladding materials for architectural projects, functionality is the top priority. Many architects emphasized the importance of durability and ease of maintenance. Owners of long-term properties, in particular, prefer highly durable products. However, once functional requirements are met, aesthetics also play a significant role.

Architects highlighted the importance of "transitions" between different materials, expressing strong interest in the finishing details of edges and connection points.

Evaluation of New Patterns

Architects responded positively to our proposed new patterns, praising the "fine texture" and "linear patterns." While there is a demand for simple and sophisticated designs, some architects noted that certain patterns "look beautiful up close but lose impact from a distance." This feedback highlights the importance of considering viewing distance and building height when selecting designs.

Color Trends

Regarding color trends, Seattle-based architects pointed out that "bright pastel colors are rarely used." Due to the city's frequent cloudy weather, light colors tend to appear dull.

We also sought opinions on CERACLAD’s standard colors, specifically red, blue, and green. Darker shades were favored, as they blend better with the surrounding environment.

On the other hand, architects noted that in regions with longer sunshine hours, such as California and Arizona, more vibrant colors may be preferred. Additionally, in Portland, brighter colors tend to be used more frequently than in Seattle.

Conclusion

Through this interview, we reaffirmed that in the U.S. market, "balancing functionality with design" is key. When selecting textures and colors, it is essential to consider regional climate and cultural background. In particular, ensuring harmony between different materials is a crucial factor.

Moving forward, we will incorporate this valuable feedback to develop designs and color variations tailored not only to the Japanese market but also to the U.S. market, aiming to create products that meet a broader range of needs.

Shoko, Nami, Christine & Yusuke