'Indigo Slam,' a house built for an art collector in Sydney, Australia, uses an angular concrete facade to direct sunlight into the home's gallery.
Fine art collectors know that presenting art in the best possible light is essential in order to appreciate its subtleties. Recognizing this, Smart Design Studio, the architecture firm behind Indigo Slam, crafted a facade that makes use of the powerful natural sunlight in Sydney. The front of the house is made from massive concrete volumes that bulge outwards and upwards, channeling light into the house even more effectively than a normal skylight.
The interior of the house is also designed to maximize the available light, as its whitewashed walls' high albedo bounces and reflects rays.
Light-Bending Concrete Facades
'Indigo Slam' Has a Concrete Facade That Channels Light
Trend Themes
1. Light-redirecting Architecture - Indigo Slam demonstrates the trend of using architectural design to purposefully channel natural light into buildings.
2. Art-optimized Spaces - The design of Indigo Slam showcases a trend of creating spaces specifically tailored for the display and appreciation of fine art.
3. Sustainable Design - By utilizing natural sunlight as a primary light source, Indigo Slam exemplifies the trend of incorporating sustainable practices in architectural design.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Design - Architects and designers can explore innovative ways to incorporate light-redirecting techniques in their projects to enhance aesthetics and energy efficiency.
2. Fine Art Collecting - Art collectors can seek out art-optimized spaces like Indigo Slam to showcase their collections in natural light, enhancing the visual experience for viewers.
3. Construction and Building Materials - The use of light-bending concrete facades in buildings presents opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers to develop and promote innovative materials and construction techniques.