#Japan #Shibuya #BIM Technology #Sanwa Facade Lab #Otani Museum Award

Sanwa Facade Lab Shines with Award-Winning Glass Processing Technology

Sanwa Facade Lab, a subsidiary of Sanwa Holdings Corporation, has recently been honored with the prestigious "Otani Museum Award for Excellence" for their groundbreaking glass processing and BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology. This recognition comes from the Otani Museum, known for celebrating remarkable contributions to aesthetic evaluation in material surfaces.

The award was specifically given for their innovative approach in creating a facade that mimics the gentle swaying of wisteria flowers, inspired by the architectural vision of Aoki Jun, the designer overseeing the exterior of the Kurosawa Building in Ginza, Tokyo. The project was a collaboration with Taisei Corporation, a well-known construction company.

The Vision Behind the Technology

The innovative glass processing technique developed by Sanwa Facade Lab involved utilizing high-resolution on-demand printing technology to create a unique two-layer dot pattern on the surface of three-dimensional bent glass. The outer layer showcases the primary branding colors of the main tenant, while the inner layer is white, ensuring a balance between brand visibility from the outside and natural light visibility from the inside.

Furthermore, the use of BIM technology enabled the team to effectively manage approximately 2,800 pieces of glass, achieving a coherent vertical and horizontal dot gradient throughout the facade. This meticulous attention to detail not only enhances the building’s aesthetic appeal but also serves functional purposes in showcasing brand identity.

Award-Winning Techniques

1. Precision in Printing: The capability to accurately apply two-layer dot printing on three-dimensional bent glass is an innovative advancement in on-demand printing technology.
2. Dynamic Color Variation: The aesthetic design allows different color schemes for the exterior and interior, ensuring branding from outside while maintaining a scenic view from within.
3. Effective BIM Implementation: By using BIM programming effectively, the team maintained the vertical and horizontal alignment on finished three-dimensional glass when applying dot printing on flat surfaces, thus perfecting the overall gradient effect across the facade.

Sanwa Facade Lab remains committed to leveraging its advanced technologies and expertise to meet customer needs and explore new avenues for architectural innovation.

About the Otani Museum Award

Initiated in 2003, the Otani Museum Award is organized by the Otani Museum to honor outstanding works and notable technical achievements in enhancing the aesthetic evaluation of material surfaces. In the 2025 award cycle, one Grand Prize, three Excellence Awards, and three Encouragement Awards will be presented.

For more information, you can visit the Otani Museum Award website.

For press inquiries regarding this announcement, please contact:
Sanwa Holdings Corporate Communications Department - Sato/Ozaki
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 03-3346-3331

For customer inquiries:
Sanwa Facade Lab Design Department - Mimura
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 03-5539-8929

This award not only showcases the innovative spirit of Sanwa Facade Lab but also emphasizes the importance of blending art and technology in modern architecture.