#Japan #Yokohama #Taiyo Kogyo #Membrane Structure #Shimizu Hill Park

Upgrading Shimizu Hill Park Indoor Pool with a Membrane Roof

Taiyo Kogyo Co., Ltd., a leading company in large membrane structures and civil engineering materials based in Tokyo and Osaka, has been contracted to upgrade the indoor pool at Shimizu Hill Park in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. This project is set for completion with the re-opening scheduled for July 21, 2026. The most noteworthy change is the replacement of the existing glass roof with a new membrane roof, addressing the challenge of temperature increase during the summer months.

Improved Comfort Through Membrane Technology

The previous glass roof provided a bright environment but contributed to significant heat uptake due to solar radiation. The newly installed membrane roof is designed to have a high translucency and solar reflectivity, allowing natural light to permeate while effectively minimizing indoor temperature rises. This improvement not only enhances comfort for visitors but also extends the usability of the facility throughout the year.

By efficiently reflecting sunlight, the membrane roof plays a crucial role in keeping the indoor pool area cool, directly contributing to a more pleasant experience for all users.

Features of the Membrane Roof

The installation of the membrane structure comes with several benefits:

• - Lightweight and Flexible: The membrane material is significantly lighter than traditional roofing materials, reducing the load on the building's framework. Its flexibility also means it can sway in response to seismic activity, minimizing the risk of damage and preventing debris from becoming a hazard.
• - Durability Suitable for Pool Environments: The material used, PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) coated membrane, is resistant to corrosion from chlorination and humid environments, making it ideal for pool facilities. The membrane's self-cleaning properties, enhanced by a titanium dioxide photocatalyst, help maintain its pristine appearance by breaking down organic pollutants when exposed to sunlight, which are then washed away by rain.

Effective Renovation Under Constraints

This renovation project on the new roof structure faced logistical challenges, such as the limited use of heavy machinery given the existing facility's constraints. Thanks to the lightweight aspect of the membrane, the upgrade was completed efficiently with minimal disruption.

Heritage and Aesthetic Preservation

The indoor pool at Shimizu Hill Park is known for its beautiful illumination at night when lights shine through the glass. The new membrane roof retains this aesthetic by diffusing light softly, preserving the site's iconic look while offering enhanced functionality. During daytime, the roof allows ample natural light to create an open atmosphere.

Overview of Shimizu Hill Park Indoor Pool

• - Address: 87-2 Shimizuoka, Minami-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 232-0007
• - Facilities: 25m x 13m main pool with a depth of 1.1 to 1.2m; a children’s pool measuring 13m x 5.5m; and an elliptical toddler pool measuring 22㎡ with a depth of 0.36m.

Project Details

• - Client: Yokohama City Green Environment Bureau
• - Design: Kunisuke Design Co., Ltd.
• - Construction: Kikushima Co., Ltd.
• - Membrane Work Timeline: July 2025 - February 2026
• - Taiyo Kogyo’s Scope: Manufacturing and construction of the membrane and secondary steel structure.
• - Membrane Material: AP450
• - Surface Area of Membrane: 1,328㎡

About Taiyo Kogyo Co., Ltd.

With over a century of experience, Taiyo Kogyo is a pioneer in the field of large membrane structures. The company gained recognition at the 1970 Osaka World Expo for creating a low-rise air-supported structure at the U.S. Pavilion. Notable projects include the Tokyo Dome and the Millennium Dome in London (now The O2 Arena). Furthermore, Taiyo Kogyo is contributing to over 20 pavilions and facilities at the upcoming 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. Focusing on cost-effectiveness, ease of construction, translucency, and design, Taiyo Kogyo supports social safety and security through its diverse business ventures in construction, civil engineering, logistics, disaster prevention, and environmental sectors.

Through its group companies, including TSP Taiyo Co., which specializes in event consulting, and Actio Co., responsible for facility operations, Taiyo Kogyo aims to deliver new value to society under the mission: “Softening the world for a warmer future.”