“Nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect.”
At Aludecor, we paused, took a moment to think and tried to be engulfed into appreciating the understated- a very different approach from our usual quest for perfection. Stepping down from the occidental concepts of beauty and the urge to deliver the “Perfect” we have delved deeper into Zen Buddhism and the simpler things in life. We have indulged into ritualistic tea ceremonies, taken part into understanding the art of modesty, austerity, roughness and simplicity. Our crusade to understanding the imperfect has led us to bring to you Wabi-Sabi- a curated Series of ACPs, which is also a mirror to Aludecor’s realization of Zen.
Our quest to learn the philosophy of Wabi-Sabi has been inspired by the mere thought that “One should learn the core of Imperfection, so that, one can determine the main features of perfection.” Our journey began with a pledge to unlearn the “perfect notion of beauty” while we seek “perfection in the imperfect”.
The Soul of Wabi-Sabi:
The Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi has laid its building blocks with concepts such as celebrating the beauty of simplicity and imperfection, acceptance of the natural ageing process and celebrating both growth and decay. While the occidental notions of beauty vouch for anti-ageing, flawlessness and mirror-like shine, this oriental philosophy proudly promotes everything rustic, aged and authentic. Thus the essence of Wabi-Sabi takes over the standards of beauty by choosing handmade rice paper over glass, handmade artefacts over factory-made trinkets and stained and aged wood over Pergo. Wabi-Sabi teaches us not to hide scars but celebrate it, because one who bears a scar, also carries a beautiful experience, unforgettable. The flow of Wabi-Sabi teaches us to celebrate each crack and crevice so as to honour the march of time. A sheer reference to transient time and mortality, Wabi-Sabi inspires us to celebrate frayed edges, cracked potteries and wrinkled surfaces.
The art of Wabi-Sabi represents “Wabi” – Rustic Simplicity or Understated Elegance and “Sabi” – which translates to “taking pleasure in the imperfect.” In essence, thus, it leads one to accept and embrace the imperfections of life while making the most of our mortal time on planet Earth. Wabi-Sabi invites a pause by celebrating things how they are rather than how “perfect” things should be.
Wabi-Sabi and Kintsugi – The Imperfectly Perfect Inspiration:
Aludecor Wabi-Sabi Series of ACPs are a reflection of complexity that has its silver linings in the appreciation of the mundane and simplicity. To represent conscious choice and simplicity, we have put together the seven aesthetic principles of Zen philosophy. A confluence of “Yugen” or subtle grace, “Kanso” or simplicity, “Shibumi” or beauty found in the understated, “Fukensei” or asymmetry, “Datsuzoku” or freeness, “Shizen” or authenticity and “Seijaku” or tranquillity- the Wabi Wabi series of ACPs ooze out grace and elegance.
While taking part in the Japanese Tea Ceremonies, we have discovered the art of “Kintsugi” that concerns pottery which boasts gold dust, lacquered into its cracks and crevices. The chipped edges of teacups that were filled with lacquered gold dust highlighted the imperfection rather than hiding it- a perfect way to celebrate the enriched experience and the trident of time. Oddly, this only elevated the beauty of the otherwise mundane piece of pottery.
The inception of Aludecor’s Wabi-Sabi Series of ACPs:
We have gone ahead to merge the much-celebrated oriental philosophy of Wabi-Sabi with a worldview of celebrating the understated. Thus, our ACP shades have included, the colour, the texture and the design of Brutalist Architecture, Guerrilla Architecture and Corten Steel. It also places its priority in Distressed Finishes that clearly stands out with its acceptance of the beauty that is found in daily wear and tear of objects.
The Inspiration of Brutalist Architecture, Guerrilla Architecture and Corten Steel:
To celebrate the essence of Brutalist Architecture, we have incorporated textures, hues and designs that celebrate the peak of Brutalist vogue from the 1950s to the 1980s. It combines the revealed concrete texture of famous Brutalist Architectures that celebrate the essential elements of any building. Derived from French “béton brut”, Brutalist Architectures mark raw concrete surfaces, whose heart and spirit lie in the undecorated and the unadorned.
The ACP shades in Aludecor’s Wabi Sabi series have also been designed to give facades a monolithic feel. Imposing in their underlying design philosophy, the hues of Wabi-Sabi celebrate the dominance of time.
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To include Guerrilla Architecture, we have included some unique shades that represent fierce, detail-oriented designs. The intricate patterns celebrate sustainability while also dominating their presence with unusual colours and textures that look both earthy and alien-like. These ACPs are designed to make facades pop out from the surroundings.
We have honoured contemporary, and revolutionary designs through the inclusion of Corten Steel inspired shades. A low alloy steel, Corten Steel has been developed for buildings that are designed to be resilient. The ACP shades that best represent Corten Steel in our Wabi-Sabi Series carry with themselves brownish, rusty orange hues. Silver and copper undertones add the right amount of glitz and glam to it.
Best in Class Specifications:
Aludecor Wabi-Sabi Series of ACPs are available in AL-45, AL-43 and AL-33 grade. We have sourced the best grade aluminium coils from Hindalco to make the ACPs with AA-3105, AA-5005 and AA-1100 grade Aluminium skins. Besides, the Three-Coat Paint System has helped us to keep the front coil coating thickness at 30-35 Microns. For the innovative colours and breakthrough textures, we have sourced our pigments and colours from AkzoNobel, PPG, Beckers and Nippon.
As a pioneer in the Indian ACP and metal cladding industry, Aludecor takes fire safety procedures very seriously. Thus, we offer Fire-Retardant Mineral Cores for our Wabi-Sabi Series of ACPs. We offer Firewall A2 grade Wabi-Sabi ACPs that boast90% inorganic mineral content in its core.
Having fireproof properties similar to metals, these ACPS are Quality Checked at Aludecor’s in-house Fire Labs. On the other hand, the Firewall grade Wabi-Sabi ACPs come with 71% mineral content in its fire-retardant core. Notably, Aludecor is the first Indian brand to receive the FPC (Factory Production Control) certificate from Exova Warringtonfire (UK).
Having the best bendability rate, the Wabi-Sabi Series of ACPs are ideal to clad even the most unconventionally shaped buildings. Lead-free paints give the Aludecor Wabi-Sabi Series of ACPs unparalleled beauty and highest gloss retention while almost zero undulation attributes ensure smooth surfaces of facades and enhanced aesthetics of building architecture.
Aludecor Wabi-Sabi Series of ACPs aspire to beautify the exteriors and interiors of buildings that splurge to indulge into muted beauty. The Wabi-Sabi Series cherishes the under-ornamented, the unadorned and the un-fabricated resplendence of hues, thus imparting Zen artistry, wherever it has been installed.
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Wabi-Sabi Series of ACPs let buildings steep into their own essence and celebrate the passion of being imperfectly perfect. To start designing your dream spaces with Aludecor Aluminium Composite Panels, visit us or call us on 18001020407 (toll-free) for free facade consultation.
