This article is a record of the opening of the decorative metal showroom, which was completed on January 5, 2018, in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. It was established as an exhibition center where visitors can view stainless steel, pure titanium, aluminum, and other materials not as small samples, but as large objects, and examine their luster, reflection, and tactile properties.
01Purpose of opening the showroom
The impression of decorative metals changes as their surface area increases, affecting their reflection, polishing marks, color, and texture. To allow visitors to see how they look in a space—something difficult to judge from small pieces—we have displayed large objects used in past exhibitions as well as previously unreleased decorative materials.
02Highlights of stainless steel
Stainless steel is characterized by its cool touch, smooth surface, and the luster and reflections that result from polishing. Even within stainless steel, the impression can change significantly depending on the finish, such as hairline , vibration , or mirror polishing . The overall finish is organized in the comparison of stainless steel surface finishes .
03Highlights of Titanium and Aluminum
The original article showcased the unique surface texture of 99.9% pure titanium, its golden-toned design, smooth feel, and the way it utilized the white edges of aluminum. The characteristics and design processing of titanium are explained in detail in the section on "Design Titanium," while cutting, bending, welding, and polishing are explained in the section on "Titanium Processing ."
04Exhibit objects
The showroom displayed large metal objects that had been shown at past exhibitions, as well as designs and materials that had not been exhibited at previous shows. You can see the wall, floor, and ceiling exhibits from BAMBOO EXPO 10 in 2018 in the BAMBOO EXPO 10 exhibition record .
| confirmation point | Differences from small samples |
|---|---|
| Reflection | The flow of light can be observed over a wide area. |
| Polished surface | The continuity and directionality of the pattern can be understood. |
| 3D shape | You can see how the shadows change depending on the viewing angle. |
| Texture | You can compare the feel, weight, and even the edges. |
05Facility information at the time
The original article described the showroom as being located at 6-719-7 Mizuki, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, adjacent to the head office factory. It also stated that admission was free and that visitors, photos, and videos were permitted. As this article is a record from when the showroom first opened, please check the latest information for current visiting conditions and contact details.
06Current sample site
For information on current showroom and sample locations, please see the Showroom & Sample Station page . The Osaka location is the MAKO Osaka Sample Station , and access information is provided in the Directions to the Osaka Sample Station page .
07FAQ
Why are decorative metals checked using large samples?
The reflection and polished finish of metals can appear differently depending on the area, lighting, and viewing distance, so checking them in a size close to that of a real project will make selection easier.
Are the address and visiting conditions mentioned in this article still the same?
This article is a record of the showroom's opening in 2018. Please check the latest showroom guide for current visiting conditions and location information.
08Summary
The design metal showroom in Dazaifu was established to allow visitors to experience the textures of stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum over a large area. The idea of confirming the relationship between light and material, which cannot be understood from photographs or small samples, is carried over to the current sample station.