Gold Architecture, Building and Structure Design · 2024
Aida Sekkei Precut Factory
- A' Design Award 2024 Gold Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design
- Awarded April 15, 2024
- CLIENT: Aida Sekkei Co., Ltd.
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 148,559
- Verification code 60275D61D5 · Verify this award
About Aida Sekkei Precut Factory
Aida Sekkei's new factory plan focuses on wood precutting. Its concept is all about creating an architecture which embodies the series of timber processing. It includes a floating, glass enclosed walkway approximately 100 meters long inside the factory, designed for visitors to closely observe the entire pre-cutting process. The office building features large spaces with trusses made from feather edge materials, commonly used as sub materials in wooden houses. The design integrates all elements to create a showcase factory, emphasizing visibility and aesthetic appeal in every aspect.
Aida Sekkei Precut Factory by Nobuaki Miyashita represents a distinguished contribution to contemporary industrial architecture that thoughtfully reconciles the pragmatic requirements of manufacturing with an elevated aesthetic sensibility rooted in material honesty and formal clarity. The design demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how architectural volumes can engage with their surrounding landscape, employing a dramatic cantilever that appears to reach across the site while simultaneously creating sheltered space below. The material palette speaks to a nuanced appreciation of the building's programmatic identity as a precut timber facility, with the warm-toned wooden cladding serving both as functional envelope and as symbolic expression of the factory's craft, a building that wears its purpose with quiet dignity. The corrugated metal base provides an honest industrial foundation from which the timber volume emerges, establishing a clear visual hierarchy between service spaces and potentially more public or administrative functions above. This work participates in a broader contemporary movement toward dignifying industrial architecture through careful material selection, proportional refinement, and attention to the experiential qualities of light, both natural and artificial. The illuminated corner window transforms the building's presence at dusk, suggesting an architecture that maintains vitality beyond daylight hours and offers warmth against the cooling twilight sky. The careful integration of young plantings along the approach demonstrates consideration for the building's temporal evolution and its relationship to living systems. How might this structure's presence influence our understanding of the relationship between craft, industry, and architectural expression in manufacturing environments?
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This is a project of a new timber processing plant for precut lumber. Its design concept is all about creating an architecture that embodies the series of timber processing. The almost 100-meter-long viewing aisle encased in a random stripe wooden shell is cantilevered and appears as if it floats from the factory building wall. The aim of the impressive façade design with a sense of acceleration and speed is to provoke the image of Aida Sekkei’s further evolution towards the future.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Site area: 40,023.50 m2
Building area: 14,614.43 m2
Total floor area: 15,206.32 m2
Office Building(2F)
1st floor: 458.21 m2
2nd floor: 429.28 m2
Number of floors: 2 above ground
Height: Maximum height 10.86 m,
Structure: Wooden
Factory Building(2F)
1st floor: 13,886.39 m2
2nd floor: 380.70 m2 - Tags
- architecture, factory, wooden, truss, pre-cut, Factory tour, Japan
- Production Technology
- As for the office, which is the face of the plant, we created one large space by building a scissor truss using members of smaller cross sections (30 mm by 120mm size lumber used as supplementary members such as wall studs of a home). 120mm square Japanese cypress pillars are placed every 303 mm of the wall and to construct load-bearing walls, a 30 mm thick cedar board was inserted between the pillars.
- Design Challenge
- When constructing large-span wooden structures, it's common to use specialized and expensive materials such as large-diameter engineered lumber. However, here, we've achieved a 12-meter span at low cost by combining small-section studs commonly used in typical residential construction to form trusses. This method, the first of its kind in Japan, utilizes these small-section studs (measuring 30×120mm) which are widely used in residential construction.
- Project Duration
- This project was completed in September 2020 and is currently in operation. The planned site in Bando City is a place where forest resources are abundant despite being near Tokyo. It is conveniently located as a node of the expressway network in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
- Operation Flow
- This is a project of a new timber processing plant for precut lumber designed by Aida Sekkei Co.,Ltd., one of the leading house builders who specializes in traditional Japanese timber construction.
- Research
- Research Objective: To find a cost-effective method for achieving large spans in wooden structures. Result: The combination of small-section studs into truss structures has enabled the realization of a 12-meter span at low cost. Impact: There is potential for innovative approaches in medium to large-scale wooden construction.
- Inspiration
- Before initiating this design, visiting an existing pre-cut factory left a profound impression. Witnessing the precise, aesthetically pleasing fabrication of columns and beams at remarkable speed sparked inspiration. To capture the dynamism and speed of fabrication observed in the factory, the design concept emerged: a facade featuring a protruding massive timber symbolizing the factory's essence.
- Image Credits
- Image #1-#5: Photographer Nobuaki Miyashita, Variations, 2020
- Patents
- None
Colors of Aida Sekkei Precut Factory
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Design Interview about Aida Sekkei Precut Factory
The primary principle behind my design for the AIDA Precut Division was to architecturalize the timber processing itself. The inspiration came from the desire to visualize the simple yet precise process of cutting high-quality laminated wood collected from around the world, embodying the quality of housing through the design of the factory.
My main focus while designing this work was to ensure that the precision of the precut technology translated into the overall aesthetic and functionality of the space. I aimed to create a design that not only facilitates efficient production but also symbolizes the quality of AIDA Design’s housing.
For this award-winning design, my future plans include continuing to refine and adapt the functional aspects of the facility to accommodate advancements in precut technology and sustainable building practices.
The design process for this particular concept took approximately eight months, from initial concept to final plans.
This design was commissioned by AIDA Design as they sought a new factory that would be at the core of their housing quality. I decided to pursue a concept that would reflect the integral nature of their work in timber precutting.
The design is currently being realized by AIDA Design itself. There are no plans to sell or lease the production rights as it is bespoke to their specific operational needs.
I designed this particular type of work to embody the integration of industrial functionality with architectural aesthetics, aiming to create a space that reflects the precision and quality of AIDA Design’s work.
While the concept was primarily my own innovation, I did draw general inspiration from traditional Japanese timber architecture to inform some of the structural decisions.
The target customer for this design is not a consumer in the traditional sense but serves the operational needs of AIDA Design’s precut division and indirectly serves their housing customers by ensuring high-quality building components.
What sets this design apart is its integration of the operational pathways and structural elements into a coherent architectural statement that not only serves practical purposes but also communicates the identity and future vision of AIDA Design.
The name for this design, "AIDA Precut Division," is straightforward—it directly describes its function within the company but also underscores its foundational role in the quality of the housing produced.
I used a variety of design tools, including CAD software for precise architectural planning and 3D modeling tools to visualize and refine the spatial arrangements and structural elements.
The most unique aspect of my design is the method of extracting necessary functional volumes from a massive block, which symbolizes the precision and minimal waste in AIDA Design’s production process.
I collaborated with engineers specializing in wood construction and precut technology to ensure that every aspect of the design was both feasible and functional.
Technology played a critical role in this design, particularly through the use of advanced CAD and simulation tools to optimize the layout and structural integrity of the factory.
Yes, my design was influenced by analytical research, particularly in optimizing the flow of materials and ensuring minimal waste. This involved studying various production processes and layouts that maximize efficiency.
One of the main challenges was integrating the functional requirements of a precut factory with a high aesthetic value that reflects the company’s identity, requiring a balance between form and function.
I decided to submit this design to an international competition to showcase how industrial facilities can be designed with high architectural standards and to bring recognition to the innovations AIDA Design is implementing in the housing industry.
During the design process, I learned to better integrate aesthetic considerations with industrial functionality, which improved my ability to create designs that are both practical and visually compelling.
I believe this interview covers the essential aspects of the design, but I would add that this project represents a significant step in how architectural practices can directly enhance industrial efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Grand Interview about Aida Sekkei Precut Factory
The 100-meter-long glass-enclosed walkway at Aida Sekkei Precut Factory was designed to offer visitors a transparent view into the precision and care involved in timber processing. By showcasing the entire manufacturing process, we aimed to convey Aida Sekkei’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship, aligning with the Japanese tradition of transparency in architecture. Japanese architecture often emphasizes openness, and this walkway allows visitors to see each step of the timber’s transformation without barriers. It was essential for us to honor the heritage of Japanese architecture by making the manufacturing process both visible and immersive, reflecting a philosophy of open communication and pride in the work.
The use of small-section studs (30×120mm) to span 12 meters at Aida Sekkei Precut Factory was inspired by the need for a cost-effective yet structurally robust solution for large wooden constructions. Leveraging the strength and versatility of smaller studs allowed us to reduce costs significantly while maintaining the structural integrity required for an industrial setting. This approach not only highlights innovation in timber engineering but also sets a precedent for future projects. By rethinking the role of smaller components, we opened up possibilities for large-scale wooden structures, demonstrating that traditional materials can be adapted to meet modern architectural and environmental needs.
The bold, protruding massive timber façade of Aida Sekkei Precut Factory was directly influenced by our initial site visits and observations of the timber-processing speed and precision. By creating a dynamic design that suggests movement, we sought to embody the energy and efficiency of modern timber processing. This architectural statement aims to convey a message about the power of timber as both a traditional material and a symbol of modern manufacturing. We wanted visitors and workers alike to feel the innovation and speed of the process, creating an impactful visual that reflects Aida Sekkei’s drive toward future advancements.
Balancing the technical demands of a high-volume production facility with aesthetic elements was key in designing Aida Sekkei Precut Factory, a 15,000-square-meter space. By using a modular and functional layout, we addressed production needs while also integrating visual harmony through timber structures and natural materials. The design showcases timber as both a structural and decorative element, allowing the factory to serve as a functional workspace and a testament to the beauty of timber construction. This harmony between form and function exemplifies our commitment to merging industrial needs with architectural aesthetics.
The floating effect of the cantilevered viewing aisle with its random stripe wooden shell was an engineering challenge that required innovative structural solutions. The wooden shell was designed to appear light and airy, giving the impression of suspension in mid-air, which involved precise calculations to ensure safety and durability. Achieving this visual effect meant incorporating advanced engineering techniques, while the choice of random stripe wood added texture and rhythm, reinforcing a sense of lightness and movement. This element speaks to the evolution of timber construction, merging aesthetics with technical complexity.
In designing Aida Sekkei Precut Factory, we combined traditional Japanese timber joinery techniques with modern pre-cutting technology to create a space that celebrates both heritage and innovation. This integration is reflected in the exposed timber trusses and joinery throughout the facility, showcasing the skill and craftsmanship associated with traditional methods. By using pre-cut techniques, we ensured efficiency and precision, bridging the gap between artisanal practices and industrial scalability. This blend of old and new defines the space, making it both a functional factory and a living tribute to Japanese craftsmanship.
The innovative use of feather-edge materials in the trusses of Aida Sekkei Precut Factory’s office building was inspired by residential construction practices. By adapting these materials for a commercial setting, we aimed to challenge conventional boundaries and demonstrate the versatility of traditional materials in modern architecture. This application reflects my design philosophy of utilizing familiar materials in unexpected ways, adding a touch of craftsmanship to an industrial space. It’s a reminder that even in large-scale construction, there’s value in incorporating details that reflect residential warmth and human touch.
The Aida Sekkei Precut Factory’s location, near Tokyo in a forest-rich area, heavily influenced our design decisions. We prioritized the sustainable use of local resources and aimed to harmonize the factory with its natural surroundings. Timber was sourced responsibly, and the architecture was designed to blend into the landscape rather than dominate it. Being near a logistics hub also guided the layout, ensuring efficiency in material transport and workflow. The proximity to natural resources reinforced our commitment to sustainability, creating a factory that respects and utilizes its environment.
The scissor truss design in the office space of Aida Sekkei Precut Factory was chosen to create an open, airy environment that enhances employee well-being. By using this structural approach, we were able to maximize the space’s height and openness, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The trusses not only serve a practical purpose but also showcase Aida Sekkei’s expertise in timber construction. This design enhances the workplace experience by fostering a sense of openness, symbolizing the company’s commitment to transparency and collaboration.
Receiving the Gold A’ Design Award for Aida Sekkei Precut Factory underscored the project’s impact on industrial architecture and sustainable practices. I envision this factory influencing future designs by setting a standard for transparency, visitor engagement, and the responsible use of materials. The building’s transparent walkway, open layout, and environmental considerations demonstrate how industrial spaces can also be welcoming, educational, and eco-friendly. It’s a model that highlights the potential of sustainable architecture to engage the community and showcase the innovation in manufacturing spaces.