#Japan #Tokyo #Hajime Construction #HW5.0Σ #Wooden Walls

Hajime Construction's Pioneering Innovation in Wooden Shear Walls

Hajime Construction Co., Ltd., a core subsidiary of the Iida Group Holdings, achieved a significant milestone on June 17, 2025, by obtaining Japan's first ministerial certification for its innovative wooden shear wall method, branded as "HW5.0Σ". This historic certification proves its capability to be utilized as a shear wall with a strength ratio of 5.0, marking its first distinction in the realm of wooden shear walls designed for seismic resistance.

Innovative Background and Purpose of HW5.0Σ

Hajime Construction is committed to providing homes that boast seismic resistance rating of 3 or higher, ensuring both safety and comfort for residents. The development of the HW5.0Σ model stems from their experience with the previously established HW5.0 shear walls. The aim was to improve the internal shear wall's design while addressing practical challenges in construction, including the routing of plumbing and electrical lines. The HW5.0Σ is a product designed with real-world applications in mind, focusing on practicality while ensuring durability.

Enhanced Design Freedom

One of the remarkable features of HW5.0Σ is its ability to offer unprecedented design flexibility. Traditionally, wooden shear walls had strict requirements, needing to be used alongside structural materials. HW5.0Σ changes this by allowing the incorporation of small openings and provisions for storage within the wall structure, paving the way for greater innovation in home design.

Commitment to Safety

Hajime Construction’s design criteria demand that the actual performance of buildings exceeds the standard seismic grade of 3. The HW5.0Σ provides enhanced resilience, pushing the boundaries of safety in residential environments. The geometry of the wall system allows for superior load distribution, ensuring stability even in seismic events.

Cost-Effective High Strength

Moreover, the HW5.0Σ achieves remarkable seismic performance while reducing overall lumber usage, translating into reduced costs for homeowners. This economic efficiency, combined with high strength, makes this innovation an attractive option for builders and buyers alike.

Features of HW5.0Σ

Compared to conventional wooden shear walls, the HW5.0Σ is designed for high strength, ductility, and rigidity. The use of domestically sourced LVL (laminated veneer lumber) ensures a consistent quality which is crucial for reliable performance. By adhering to the certification standards during the construction phase, quality, symmetry, and workability of the wall systems are ensured.

The HW5.0Σ also simplifies the installation of various utilities such as niches, outlet boxes, and ventilation ducts. Unlike typical shear walls, it allows for the integration of these elements directly into the wall surface without needing to carve out structural parts, making construction faster and more efficient.

About Hajime Construction

Established on February 13, 1967, Hajime Construction Co., Ltd. specializes in a variety of housing solutions, including:

• - Ready-built houses: Hajime Ready-Built
• - Condominiums: Hajime Apartments
• - Custom-built homes: Hajime Custom-Built
• - Renovations: Hajime Renovation
• - Asset solutions for investment: Hajime Investments
• - Lease-back services: Hajime Lease-Back Plus

Their headquarters is located in Toshima, Tokyo, and they are dedicated to developing innovative construction solutions that prioritize safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.