#Sakura Kozo #Selectwood #Hybrid Structure

Introduction of Selectwood by Sakura Kozo

Sakura Kozo Co., Ltd., based in Sapporo, Hokkaido, has officially entered the wooden construction sector with its new service, Selectwood. Known for its position as the leading structural design firm in Japan, it aims to significantly enhance cost performance in medium to large-scale construction projects. After more than five years of research, the company is set to provide a versatile consulting framework capable of accommodating all construction types.

With structural designs in reinforced concrete (RC) and steel (S) structures having gained extensive cost optimization experience, the introduction of Selectwood reflects Sakura Kozo's commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes for clients suffering from soaring construction costs.

Background of Sakura Kozo's Expansion into Wooden Construction

Historically, Sakura Kozo has focused on specialized methods in RC and S construction, resulting in over 10,000 successful designs. However, the increasing price of steel and delays in construction schedules have led many clients to express concerns about budgetary constraints related to their initial plans involving RC and S structures.

The decision to avoid a proactive approach to wooden constructions stemmed from the company's goal to ensure that it could provide alternatives that demonstrated superior earthquake resistance and economic efficiency compared to other structural types. With lumber prices appearing more stable and a growing awareness of environmental issues, expectations for medium to large-scale wooden buildings have surged tremendously.

Despite its potential, wooden construction has remained relatively exclusive, often seen as an expensive choice reserved for elite projects, thus hampering fair market competition. By anticipating opportunities in this area for over five years, Sakura Kozo has successfully translated its expertise in structural optimization to the wooden construction domain. This allows them to present wooden construction as a viable and cost-effective solution for standard buildings such as four to five-story apartments, warehouses, and retail spaces.

Cost Reduction Examples with Selectwood

Selectwood boasts impressive cost reduction figures, showcasing that transitioning from other structural types to wooden construction can lead to a reduction of up to approximately 35%

• - 5-Story Rental Apartment

Original RC Cost: ¥300 million
Selectwood Cost: ¥222 million
Approximate Reduction: 35%

• - 4-Story Office Building

Original S Cost: ¥246 million
Selectwood Cost: ¥205 million
Approximate Reduction: 20%

• - Retail Store

Original S Cost: ¥192 million
Selectwood Cost: ¥175 million
Approximate Reduction: 10%

Note that actual cost reductions may vary depending on site conditions, architectural design, and other factors.

The company emphasizes that its ultimate goal is not merely to build with wood but to suggest the most suitable structure that ensures project success. If the analysis indicates that an RC or S structure is more appropriate for a project, they will advise against pursuing wooden construction unnecessarily.

Moreover, in scenarios where entirely wooden structures may not meet budgetary or design preferences, they are willing to explore hybrid constructions, which combine wood with other structural types for greater flexibility. This adaptability attests to Sakura Kozo's strength and distinctive value compared to competitors who may lack such comprehensive offerings.

Technical Foundation for Earthquake Resistance in Collaboration with Kyoto University

Sakura Kozo collaborated with Professor Takafumi Nakagawa from Kyoto University's Institute for the Study of Living Systems, a leading authority on wooden building earthquake performance, to develop Selectwood. This partnership guarantees that their designs are grounded in cutting-edge research ensuring safety while optimizing costs thoroughly.

Launch of New Office Project “SAKURA FOREST” for Practical Testing

In March 2025, the SAKURA VILLAGE project was initiated, involving employees from Sakura Kozo in concept development and design to build their new headquarters in Sapporo. This is followed by the construction of an additional building, “SAKURA FOREST,” which serves as a practical testbed for the Selectwood service.

SAKURA FOREST features a hybrid wooden and steel structure that not only highlights aesthetic appeal but also allows for flexible spatial configurations. Through this project, the company aims to validate the economic and practical benefits of Selectwood, sharing insights gained from this endeavor with clients.

Follow the construction progress in real time on the official Instagram, where events featuring the building of this hybrid structure are also planned.

Call for Partnerships in Wooden Construction

Sakura Kozo is actively seeking partnerships with various organizations in the construction sector, including general contractors, carpenters, precutting companies, design firms, and equipment suppliers, to further promote medium to large-scale wooden construction. By harnessing each partner's strengths, the objective is to collaboratively create superior buildings.

About Sakura Kozo Co., Ltd.

Established in June 2006, Sakura Kozo is renowned for handling over 10,000 structural design projects across Japan, positioning itself as the top structural design firm with a focus on high earthquake resistance. Their unique high resistance standards, known as