architecture

Materials Deep Dive

Wood Types & Uses:

Hinoki (Cypress):

  • Premium wood, light color, pleasant scent, rot-resistant
  • Uses: Temples, baths, high-end residences, furniture
  • Color: Pale yellow to pinkish-cream

Sugi (Cedar):

  • Common construction wood, straight grain, aromatic
  • Uses: General building, especially when treated (shou-sugi-ban charring)
  • Color: Reddish-brown when fresh, silver-grey when weathered

Keyaki (Zelkova):

  • Hard, beautiful grain, expensive
  • Uses: Fine furniture, decorative elements, structural where strength needed
  • Color: Warm reddish-brown

Bamboo:

  • Fast-growing, versatile
  • Uses: Scaffolding, fencing, furniture, decorative elements, plumbing
  • Color: Natural green when fresh, golden-brown when dried

Stone Types & Uses:

Granite:

  • Durable, takes polish well
  • Uses: Foundations, bridges, important buildings, monuments
  • Colors: Grey, pink-grey, sometimes with sparkle

Basalt:

  • Volcanic, very hard
  • Uses: Paving, walls, water features
  • Color: Dark grey to black

Sandstone:

  • Easier to carve
  • Uses: Decorative elements, sculptures, softer applications
  • Colors: Tan, brown, reddish

River Stone:

  • Smooth, rounded
  • Uses: Paths, gardens, drainage
  • Colors: Grey, brown, occasional white or black

Ceramics & Tiles:

Kawara (Roof Tiles):

  • Clay fired to high temperature
  • Types: Flat tiles, ridge tiles, end tiles (decorative), drip tiles
  • Colors: Burgundy-red most common, also grey, brown, occasional glazed blue or green
  • Lifespan: 50-100 years
  • Sound: Distinctive in rain

Floor Tiles:

  • Glazed ceramics
  • Uses: Baths, kitchens, high-traffic commercial areas
  • Colors: Blues, greens, browns; often decorative patterns

Decorative Ceramics:

  • Art pieces
  • Uses: Murals, ornamental elements
  • Colors: Full spectrum, glazed

Metals (Whisker-Punk Emphasis):

Brass (Copper-Zinc Alloy):

  • Uses: Gears, decorative elements, fittings
  • Color: Bright gold when polished, browns when aged
  • Properties: Corrosion-resistant, pleasant appearance

Bronze (Copper-Tin Alloy):

  • Uses: Bells, statues, larger gears, structural elements
  • Color: Reddish-gold when new, green patina when aged
  • Properties: Very durable, beautiful aging

Copper (Pure):

  • Uses: Pipes, roofing (premium), wire, small mechanisms
  • Color: Orange-red when new, brown to green when aged
  • Properties: Excellent conductor, antimicrobial

Iron/Steel:

  • Uses: Structural reinforcement, gear teeth, rails, tools
  • Color: Dark grey, rust-red when oxidizing
  • Properties: Strong but requires maintenance
  • Often covered or painted in visible locations

Papers & Fabrics:

Washi (Paper):

  • Made from plant fibers
  • Uses: Shoji screens, lanterns, artwork, letters
  • Properties: Translucent, strong when properly made, diffuses light beautifully
  • Colors: Natural cream, can be dyed

Hemp Cloth:

  • Durable fabric
  • Uses: Work clothes, bags, ropes
  • Colors: Natural tan-grey

Silk:

  • Premium fabric
  • Uses: Fine clothing, art, banners
  • Colors: Can be dyed brilliantly

Cotton:

  • Common fabric
  • Uses: Clothing, bedding, towels
  • Colors: Natural cream, easily dyed

Wool:

  • Warm fabric
  • Uses: Winter clothing, blankets
  • Colors: Natural greys and browns, can be dyed