Founding an Online Community to Enhance Wooden Home Safety: Kozo Bansoubu Launched in 2026

Revolutionizing Wooden Home Safety with Kozo Bansoubu

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Kozo Bansoubu, a practical online community focusing on structural safety in wooden homes, is set to launch in April 2026. This community, developed by Evoltz Architectural Firm under the leadership of architect Kohei Hayakawa, in collaboration with HiroMoku Structural Design Office, headed by Hiroki Tonari, aims to elevate the capabilities of architects involved in structural calculations.

Background: A Need for Qualified Explanatory Skills

The recent surge in structural calculation software has led to an increase in architects capable of producing calculation documents. However, many still struggle to provide clear, rational explanations to inquiries from both review bodies and construction sites. This gap in explanatory skill often leads to protracted discussions and a disconnection from structural concepts, creating a pressing need for improvement. The founders of Kozo Bansoubu aspire to reduce this issue by fostering a community that empowers architects to not just use the tools, but to fully understand their applications.

What is Kozo Bansoubu?

Unlike typical training services that focus solely on software usage, Kozo Bansoubu is designed to cultivate a deep understanding of the values and requirements inherent in structural designs. Participants will acquire the skills necessary to autonomously make decisions and explain their choices confidently, grounding their expertise in practical knowledge rather than just numerical outputs.

Key Offerings of Kozo Bansoubu

1. Knowledge Sharing on Structural Calculations: Members will engage in discussions about the reading of calculation reports, the critical factors that review bodies consider, and common criticisms with practical responses.

2. Timely Q&A via Facebook Group: Members can post their pressing questions in real-time during their work, ensuring that they receive swift input on how to handle inquiries and manage on-site concerns effectively.

3. Bi-Monthly Online Study Sessions: The community will host two online study sessions each month to discuss shared knowledge and tackle collective questions, with recordings of past sessions available for members.

Service Overview

- Name: Kozo Bansoubu - Architrend Structural Calculation Edition
- Goal: Empower architects to conduct structural calculations independently while passing necessary confirmations, qualify for long-term excellent housing status, and performance assessments.
- Target Audience: This initiative is aimed at beginners in structural calculations who utilize Fukui Computer Architect's Architrend ZERO, as well as those who feel uncertain about their application processes.
- Cost: Monthly fee of ¥11,000 (tax included)
- Start Date: April 10, 2026 (Kick-off event in Omiya with networking opportunities)

Instructor Profiles

- Kohei Hayakawa: Managing Architect at Evoltz Architectural Firm and a licensed structural architect focused on seismic renovations and new structural calculations, with a commitment to nurturing emerging talents within the field.

- Hiroki Tonari: Head of HiroMoku, a certified second-grade architect specializing in structural design for two-by-four buildings. He actively shares insights on structural safety and seismic information under the alias Two-by-Man Hiroki.

Message from the Founders

Our vision is to normalize the resilience of wooden houses against earthquakes, treating seismic safety as the fundamental standard rather than the minimum architectural code. Our ultimate goal is to promote designs that withstand seismic events while allowing homeowners to carry on their daily lives seamlessly. By enhancing the skills of architects to leverage structural knowledge as an invaluable asset, we aim to transform the landscape of wooden home safety.