#Japan #Wellness Center #Sumitomo Forestry #Kodaira #Tsuda University

Tsuda University's Innovative Wellness Center

On March 5, Tsuda University, located in Kodaira, Tokyo, held the completion ceremony for its new "Wellness Center". This facility, a single-story wooden structure designed and constructed by Sumitomo Forestry, aims to enhance the mental and physical well-being of students while also contributing to carbon reduction efforts. The center is scheduled to open in late March 2026.

Key Features of the Building

Environmentally Conscious, Carbon-Neutral Design

The Wellness Center boasts a considerable amount of wood in its structural, interior, and artistic features, utilizing approximately 127m³ of timber. This usage translates to an estimated carbon retention of about 103 tons of CO₂ equivalents (CO₂e). Through technology like "One Click LCA", the building’s lifecycle CO₂ emissions are visualized, showcasing the benefits of wood construction over steel and concrete, which require higher embodied carbon. Wooden structures can effectively store carbon long-term, contributing significantly to decarbonization.

Spaces Designed for User Wellness

Recognizing the therapeutic effects of wood, the design incorporates exposed structural elements like beams and columns in the entrance hall, multipurpose rooms, offices, and medical facilities. Research from Sumitomo Forestry's Tsukuba Research Institute indicates that wooden environments can positively influence relaxation and reduce anxiety. This design encourages students from varied backgrounds to access the center frequently, with careful attention given to flow and zoning. Multipurpose rooms for training and public lectures are strategically placed alongside wellness facilities, allowing for interconnectedness while preserving space individuality. Notably, a meditation room and all-gender restrooms enhance inclusivity and promote a calming environment for all users.

Harmonizing with Landscape

The center aligns with Tsuda University’s master plan for the Kodaira campus, designed as a single-story building that integrates seamlessly with the lush surroundings and adjacent Tamagawa Josui scenery. By ensuring that all openings face green spaces, users enjoy panoramic views that foster a connection with nature.

In a community collaboration, existing trees, cherished in the campus landscape, were repurposed into unique artworks and benches for the Wellness Center. This transformation embodies values and aspirations of the Tsuda community and aims to blend the old with the new. The entrance canopy features exposed Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), emphasizing the aesthetic beauty of wood while ensuring fire safety through a carefully considered design that manages burn rates.

The Vision from Leadership

Tsuda University President, Hiroko Takahashi, highlighted that the Wellness Center is part of the university's commitment to fostering wellness education aimed at empowering individuals to lead healthier lives. The center’s completion not only serves as a sanctuary for students and staff but is anticipated to enhance their mental and physical health substantially. The construction ceremony saw around 50 attendees from the university and industry, celebrating this opportunity amidst a space filled with natural light and the calming aroma of wood.

Project Overview

• - Project Title: New Construction of Tsuda University Wellness Center
• - Location: Tsuda Town, Kodaira City, Tokyo
• - Purpose: University health management facility
• - Site Area: Approximately 76,543.22 m²
• - Total Floor Area: 460.17 m² (139.2 tsubo)
• - Structure/Stories: Single-story wooden structure, fire-resistant for 45 minutes
• - Height: Approximately 7.3m (maximum height)
• - Construction Start: September 8, 2025
• - Completion Date: March 5, 2026
• - Expected Opening: Late March 2026
• - Basic Planning and Design Supervision: Yasui Architectural Design Office
• - Design and Construction: Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd.

About Tsuda University

Founded in 1900 by Tsuda Umeko, Tsuda University has been a pioneer in women's higher education and is committed to developing transformative women leaders. With a mission centered on fostering change-makers, it emphasizes small-class education and liberal arts, equipping female students with specialized skills and a sense of agency. As it approaches its 125th anniversary in 2025, the university continues to enhance educational environments, including the construction of the Wellness Center driven by generous donations supporting its vision for future generations.

Sumitomo Forestry Group operates on a global scale with diverse initiatives focused on forests and timber, including manufacturing, housing, and biomass energy generation. Their long-term vision, "Mission TREEING 2030", strives to maintain the carbon cycle within the timber value chain, aiming for sustainable carbon capture through increased wooden construction, thus contributing greatly to society’s decarbonization efforts.