Fresh Transparent Materials

CONC Material Letter

The final destination for material concerns, CONC Library. We think together about the thousands of material challenges designers face and share the answers and processes.

"I'm designing store interiors and fixtures—any fresh ideas for transparent or translucent materials?"

On Freshness

Spending an entire day in a materials library feels like being surrounded by a strong fragrance for hours. After a while, it becomes difficult to remember what initially felt fresh. On the other hand, a seemingly ordinary material can suddenly feel intriguing when a visitor stops to examine it with curiosity. Maybe that’s why I hesitate when writing, “This feels fresh!”—deleting and rewriting over and over again.

Reflecting on past experiences, materials often felt most refreshing in-store not necessarily because they were entirely new, but when they carried layered stories. But of course, I can’t just tell clients, “Use materials that align with your brand story!” Instead, let’s start by gathering some unique references for transparent materials.

Using Window Films

For an interactive pavilion design, gradient glass walls were combined with lighting to create an ambiguous boundary. The effect was like wandering through fog—soft, ethereal, and immersive.

Holographic Film & 3D Transparent Acrylic

A project that captures the moment of rippling water. Transparent acrylic was sculpted in 3D to mimic gentle waves, with a layer of holographic film attached underneath. When sunlight hits it, the scattered reflections resemble a sun catcher, dispersing light in all directions.

Prismatic Effects of Diffraction Grating Film

By applying diffraction grating film etched with thousands of micro-scratches—along with mirrors—to windows and floors, we created dramatic prismatic light effects. Psychedelic fragments of light transformed the space into something surreal and dreamlike.

Using Reflections for a Futuristic Aesthetic

A shimmering stainless steel ceiling reflecting a Venus sculpture. Fluorescent lighting, acrylic pipes, and experimental lighting elements on the ceiling and floor—all contributing to a futuristic, avant-garde atmosphere.

Embedding Special Elements into Transparent Acrylic

A party table designed with just three simple legs and a flat top, yet exuding the feeling of a frozen moment—like confetti suspended mid-air after an explosion of celebration. The seamless clarity of the acrylic enhances the floating effect. Now, this feels fresh.

Finding the Freshest Transparent Materials

After exploring references, one thing became clear:

• Transparent materials stand out when they undergo special processing, such as surface applications or embedded objects.

• They gain even more presence when combined with conceptual lighting or reflective materials—like wearing an outfit that perfectly matches one's personal color palette.

If we recommend materials that can be adhered to or embedded within transparent surfaces, we might find new and exciting ways to align them with brand stories. Below is a subjective "Tryability Index," considering cost and difficulty, to gauge how accessible each material is.

(1) Window Film

Freshness ★★☆☆☆ / Tryability ★★★★★ / Overall An ordinary material used in extraordinary ways

Window films can transform plain glass into something magical—like a fog-covered dreamscape. They’re also easy to remove and replace, making them highly versatile. Even ordinary materials have their charm: they seamlessly blend into various spaces. With custom cutting, branding elements can be incorporated.

(2) Holographic Film

Freshness ★★★★☆ / Tryability ★★★★★ / Overall A teamwork masterpiece between material and space

A film that creates dynamic, iridescent holographic effects. It comes in both adhesive and vinyl forms. As seen in the reference, applying it to glass introduces a constantly shifting interplay of light and color, leaving a strong visual impact.

(3) Embedded Acrylic

Freshness ★★★★★ / Tryability ★★☆☆☆ / Overall Customization always feels special

A technique that encases objects or forms within acrylic—often used for commemorative displays or high-end showcases. By embedding unexpected elements like confetti or dried grass, it creates a surprising and unique visual effect.

Window films, holographic sheets, embedded acrylic—each offers a fresh way to use transparency in design. As we explore references and imagine possible synergies, we might discover the perfect connection between brand storytelling and spatial design. Even the most common materials, when paired with a compelling narrative, can feel like one-of-a-kind treasures. Just like the Little Prince’s rose... 🌹Problem solved for today.