Teijin constructing world’s first AFRW building
September 28, 2018 - Japan
Teijin is building the world’s first structure made of advanced fibre-reinforced wood (AFRW), a structural timber product comprising layers of dimensioned timber and high-performance fibres bonded together with structural adhesives. Teijin developed the materials in 2015, and will construct the new building in Teijin’s Tokyo Research Centre in Hino City.
The new building exploits the warm texture and unique timber composition of AFRW to help create a stress-free environment. It also aims to realise open and comfortable space by avoiding the use of columns, thus maximising the inflow of natural light.
The project was officially recognised as a “Sustainable Building Project” by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) in February 2018. In addition, the structural performance of this building using AFRW were certified by an independent third-party organisation in May and officially approved by the MLIT in July.
Construction of the building will start in October, with technical support provided by the professional construction firm Maeda Corporation and the Structural Engineering Laboratory of Kochi University. Upon completion, Teijin and Maeda will monitor adhesive stability and the vibration durability of AFRW for a period of seven years.
Teijin will continue to develop AFRW technology following construction of this first building and the initial monitoring phase. The company expects the new technology and materials to be deployed in general construction by around 2020.
Going forward, Teijin aims to contribute to the realisation of safer and more comfortable wooden buildings as well as the development of sustainable architecture using timber as sustainable resources that absorb carbon dioxide. The initiatives form part of Teijin’s long-term vision to be an enterprise that supports the society of the future.
A growing demand for safer architectural construction is sharpening the focus on lightweight, highly earthquake-proof wooden structures. Wood is valued as a structural material offering a warm texture and design flexibility. It also helps achieve Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs by absorbing carbon dioxide and thereby contributing to the mitigation of global warming. (SV)
The new building exploits the warm texture and unique timber composition of AFRW to help create a stress-free environment. It also aims to realise open and comfortable space by avoiding the use of columns, thus maximising the inflow of natural light.
The project was officially recognised as a “Sustainable Building Project” by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) in February 2018. In addition, the structural performance of this building using AFRW were certified by an independent third-party organisation in May and officially approved by the MLIT in July.
Construction of the building will start in October, with technical support provided by the professional construction firm Maeda Corporation and the Structural Engineering Laboratory of Kochi University. Upon completion, Teijin and Maeda will monitor adhesive stability and the vibration durability of AFRW for a period of seven years.
Teijin will continue to develop AFRW technology following construction of this first building and the initial monitoring phase. The company expects the new technology and materials to be deployed in general construction by around 2020.
Going forward, Teijin aims to contribute to the realisation of safer and more comfortable wooden buildings as well as the development of sustainable architecture using timber as sustainable resources that absorb carbon dioxide. The initiatives form part of Teijin’s long-term vision to be an enterprise that supports the society of the future.
A growing demand for safer architectural construction is sharpening the focus on lightweight, highly earthquake-proof wooden structures. Wood is valued as a structural material offering a warm texture and design flexibility. It also helps achieve Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs by absorbing carbon dioxide and thereby contributing to the mitigation of global warming. (SV)