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Market Research Report from San Francisco: The Right Exterior Materials for Architectural Design
By KMEW Japan
Recently, we had the opportunity to introduce our new products during a visit to San Francisco and received valuable feedback from the team at Charles F. Bloszies Architects. The city’s architecture features many exteriors that incorporate materials like terracotta and adobe, with bright-colored facades being a distinctive characteristic. Our research focused on how our exterior materials would be received in this context.
About Charles F. Bloszies Architects
Charles F. Bloszies Architects is a firm dedicated to providing sustainable and innovative architectural solutions. They are particularly recognized for their work in urban redevelopment and modular buildings designed to support the homeless. Notably, the modular housing project in Redwood City adopted our claddings. Their designs have won numerous awards and are contributing to the reimagining of public spaces and residential structures.
Feedback from the Field
We received feedback on a range of textures and their characteristics, as well as color preferences.
- Wood-Look Finishes: These were highly appreciated for blending well with both residential and commercial buildings in San Francisco, particularly the natural tones that add warmth to designs.
- Color Preferences: There was a strong preference for darker tones and grays, similar to the aesthetic seen in Sea Ranch.
Due to strict fire regulations in the San Francisco area, the use of natural wood is limited. As such, materials that mimic wood but are fire-resistant are expected to be in greater demand moving forward.
The way the designs change in appearance throughout the day also caught attention. In a city like San Francisco, where sunlight shifts frequently, materials that evolve over time were considered an appealing feature.
Feedback on New Designs
At the design offices in San Francisco, many architects prefer natural materials, but there was also demand for solid-colored options. By thoroughly explaining the design background, we found that certain products have the potential to be well-received by specific groups.
Additionally, some of the designs have the potential to be used not only for exteriors but also for interior applications, which was a valuable insight.
Looking Ahead
From this research, we’ve reaffirmed that the texture and color of materials play a crucial role in shaping a building's appearance in San Francisco. The key points we gathered include:
- Natural wood looks with minimal artificial appearance
- Textures that offer visual change over time
- Expansion of solid color product offerings
These elements are expected to contribute to the city’s architectural trends. Moving forward, we will continue to refine our products based on this feedback, with the aim of developing exterior materials that can be widely used in more projects.
Nami: Thank you very much for your valuable feedback. This is the first time we have received input from architects in San Francisco, and I have learned that desired designs and functionalities can vary based on the region's unique traditions and environmental conditions. With this insight in mind, we will strive to develop even better products moving forward.
Shoko:
Thank you very much for meeting with us today despite your busy schedule. Through this interview, we have once again realized the importance of diverse opinions shaped by the various climates and cultures across the United States.
While CERACLAD products are often optimized to meet the needs of the American market based on our offerings in Japan, we believe it is crucial to develop and release products that reflect your valuable feedback. Our aim is to create products that will be loved across the entire U.S. for years to come.
We will continue to improve the quality and design of our products based on the insights we have received. Our commitment is to offer solutions that meet our customers' needs while remaining adaptable in our approach. Our goal is to develop products that will be cherished and used for many years. We kindly ask for your continued support as we move forward.
Yusuke: Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule for this interview. Through today’s discussion, I was reminded that color and texture needs are influenced by the climate and culture of each region. We will continue to value the genuine feedback from people on the ground in America and incorporate it into our future development.