Aida Sekkei Precut Division Ibaraki Factory

Aida Sekkei Co., Ltd., established in 1981, is a leading homebuilder renowned for its expertise in traditional Japanese wooden post-and-beam construction. The company provides approximately 3,000 fully customized homes annually and operates its own precut factory. By leveraging a separate ordering system and its scale advantages, Aida Sekkei has significantly reduced construction costs, enabling it to deliver high-quality yet affordable housing solutions. This commitment to excellence and innovation is exemplified in its newly designed timber processing plant for precut lumber, an essential facility for crafting premium homes.

The design philosophy of the new plant centers on embodying the entire sequence of timber processing in its architecture. This concept emphasizes the precision, efficiency, and sustainability of the precut process, which focuses on cutting high-grade laminated timber while minimizing waste. Through its thoughtful design, the plant reflects Aida Sekkei’s dedication to craftsmanship and innovation, encapsulating the company’s sophisticated identity and aspirational vision for the future. Spanning dimensions of 130 meters by 100 meters by 10 meters, the plant’s design strategically adjusts its massing to create a balanced interplay between functionality and visual appeal. The facility accommodates a range of purposes, including expansive truck berths, sheltered loading areas, and viewing aisles, while maintaining a layout that prioritizes simplicity and efficiency. The office area, positioned at the forefront of the plant, combines spatial openness with structural ingenuity. It features scissor trusses made from small-dimension lumber, 120mm square Japanese cypress pillars, and 30mm thick cedar boards for load-bearing walls. These wooden elements are intentionally left exposed, transforming the office into a living showcase of Aida Sekkei’s precut craftsmanship, akin to a dynamic showroom that reflects the company's expertise. A standout feature of the plant is its nearly 100-meter-long viewing aisle, encased in a wooden shell adorned with random stripe patterns. This striking design element cantilevers dramatically and appears to float away from the factory’s main wall, creating a bold architectural statement. The shell not only serves as a functional element but also symbolizes acceleration and speed, echoing the dynamism and precision observed during a visit to an existing precut factory. This visit profoundly influenced the design, inspiring the concept of a façade that features massive protruding timber elements, representing the spirit of technological advancement and craftsmanship inherent in the precut process. The viewing aisle invites visitors to experience the intricacies of timber processing up close, while its dynamic design reflects Aida Sekkei’s ongoing evolution as a company committed to innovation and excellence. This bold architectural gesture encapsulates the company’s vision for a sustainable and forward-thinking future in timber construction. Through this project, Aida Sekkei reaffirms its role as a pioneer in advancing traditional Japanese timber construction while simultaneously embracing modernity. The timber processing plant not only serves as a testament to the company’s dedication to quality and efficiency but also stands as a beacon of its innovative approach to architectural design. By merging functionality with artistic expression, the plant underscores Aida Sekkei’s mission to shape the future of housing through sustainable and thoughtful design.