Sumitomo Forestry's Achievement: 12 Consecutive Years of Wood Design Award Wins

Celebrating 12 Years of Excellence at the Wood Design Award

On October 9th, Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd., headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, announced a remarkable achievement: winning the esteemed Wood Design Award 2026 for twelve consecutive years. This year, their group received recognition for a total of nine entries, which included projects they designed and constructed as well as collaborative applications with other companies.

What is the Wood Design Award?

The Wood Design Award, hosted by the Japan Wood Design Association, aims to reconstruct the quality and value of wood through innovative design. It evaluates outstanding architecture, spaces, products, activities, systems, and research that elevate wood's significance. The association aims to tackle social issues by integrating wood into various aspects of life, thereby defining 'Wood Design'.

Award Categories and Achievements

Sumitomo Forestry's contributions spanned various fields including architecture and space, technology and building materials, and communication. Their commitment to enhancing living conditions and work environments through the power of wood, as well as fostering community connections and promoting well-being, garnered high praise.

Architectural and Spatial Field

Among their awarded projects is the Grand Maison in Karuizawa. Inspired by the region's natural beauty and history, the project transformed a gravel parking lot into a lush forested area, marrying the comfort of wooden spaces with the grandeur of a church-like structure. Key elements of the project include:
1. Incorporating Local History: The restaurant reflects Karuizawa’s legacy through timber frame construction, maintaining the cultural essence of the area while providing modern facilities.
2. Turning Gravel Into Greenery: A significant restoration effort turned an expansive parking lot into a serene moss-filled forest, enhancing local ecology and providing a tranquil setting for visitors and residents alike.
3. Creating a Cozy Atmosphere: High ceilings inspired by historic churches create an inviting wooden space, producing a warm and comfortable environment.
4. Acoustic Comfort: The wooden material effectively reduces echo from metal utensils, ensuring that conversations and background music create a pleasant auditory experience.
5. Sustainability and Innovation: The project showcased Sumitomo Forestry's commitment to sustainable construction techniques through the implementation of their Big Frame (BF) method, emphasizing carbon fixation and energy efficiency.

Technical and Architectural Field

Another significant win was for the Kumiko sliding doors, developed collaboratively with companies Oakma and Nitahara Joinery. This project integrated the traditional craftsmanship of Okawa Kumiko into a modern line of wooden sliding doors, offering:
1. Modernizing Tradition: These doors harmoniously combine traditional Japanese design with contemporary home interiors, bridging past and present.
2. Affordable Craftsmanship: A modular approach to the design enabled cost reductions while maintaining high-quality production.
3. Ease of Maintenance: Unique structural design protects fragile Kumiko patterns with glass, making cleaning effortless while ensuring durability.
4. Aesthetic Appeal: The intricate designs crafted from Yoshino cedar create a rich ambiance in living spaces, enhancing overall comfort and luxury.
5. Supporting Local Craftsmanship: Continuous use of this product helps sustain local artisan jobs and preserve traditional skills within the community.

Communication Field

Sumitomo Forestry also developed an online library showcasing research on the health, comfort, and environmental benefits that wood offers. This platform aims to share over 25 years of research findings from their Tsukuba research institute, focusing on:
1. Publicly Accessible Research: The library presents complex research results in an easily digestible format for the general public.
2. Scientific Advocacy for Wood: By disseminating evidence-based benefits of wood usage, the initiative fosters a better understanding of wood's intrinsic value.
3. Linking Research and Real-Life Applications: Practical examples of wood in architecture are showcased alongside research findings to provide actionable insights into wood utilization.
4. Encouraging Behavioral Change: Offering insights on wood's benefits supports the transition to more sustainable living and utilization practices for both consumers and businesses.

A Vision for the Future

Sumitomo Forestry is leading global initiatives from forest management to renewable energy solutions centered around wood. Their long-term vision, “Mission TREEING 2030”, aims to amplify CO2 absorption in forests while promoting the use of wooden construction to secure carbon for an extended period. They aspire to contribute significantly to society's decarbonization efforts, positioning themselves as a partner in the global shift towards sustainability through their unique