akane moriyama's towering translucent curtains for hirakata T-SITE bookstore

located in a commercial complex near osaka, japan, the hirakata T-SITE bookstore has recently been adorned with three eight-meter high curtains by textile designer akane moriyama. the building stands in front of a railway station toward the west, in the middle of a busy hub. 

hirakata T-SITE bookstore is located in a building complex of osaka, japan
image © yasushi ichikawa 

in the hirakata T-SITE bookstore, akane moriyama‘s curtains work as a shield from late-afternoon sun as well as create movement on the façade. they elegantly cover three large windows when sunlight is intense, and are rolled up into a spiral rail track at evening time.  

bookstore coffeshop area
image © yasushi ichikawa

during fabrication, three different layers of semi-transparent textile have been used: a grey organza with silver prints reflects light on the façade, a plain weave beige in the middle layer blocks sunlight, and a yellow organza on the interior side shows shadow casted from outer layers. these successive fabrics offer different expressions between inside and out — bringing a feeling of depth and fluctuation.

the afternoon colors blend in with the curtain layers, creating a relaxing setting
image courtesy of AMS

view from the lounge 
image © atsushi nakamichi / nacása & partners inc.

lounge
image © yasushi ichikawa

the final design combines three different semi-transparent layers that create a sense of depth and flow 

evening view of the building complex in osaka, japan 
image © taizo furukawa / takenaka corporation

during evening time, the curtains are rolled over into a spiral rail track
image © yasushi ichikawa

during the day, curtains are fully closed to prevent the striking sunlight from penetrating 
image © yasushi ichikawa

the curtains cover up three large window façades
image © studio akane moriyama

process of making
image © kohei matsumura 

the details showing  silver patterns on the semi-transparent grey organza
image © kohei matsumura

semi-transparent grey organza in the making
© kohei matsumura

project info: 

title: curtains for hirakata T-SITE
scope of work: curtain design
completed: 2016
location: osaka
site: bookstore/commercial complex
architect: takenaka corporation, osaka

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom