#Japan #Tokyo #Sumitomo Forestry #Kids Design Award #Silent Doors

Sumitomo Forestry's Silent Doors Awarded

In a remarkable achievement, Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd., headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has been honored with the prestigious 20th Kids Design Award for its innovative product, Silent Doors. This award underscores the company's commitment to creating living environments prioritized for soundproofing, thereby mitigating everyday noise that can disrupt family life. The award was a collaborative effort with Sumitomo Forestry Crest, a fully owned subsidiary, marking a notable recognition of their shared dedication to child-friendly designs.

For five consecutive years, the Sumitomo Forestry Group has received accolades from the Kids Design Award, a testament to its ongoing mission of developing safe, secure living spaces conducive to children’s healthy growth. The company aims to continue fostering innovations that enhance the quality of life for families.

About the Kids Design Award

The Kids Design Award is organized by the NPO Kids Design Association and supported by various government bodies including the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Cabinet Office, and the Consumer Affairs Agency. Its objective is to honor outstanding products, services, spaces, activities, and research that engage children in societal development, promote their creativity and safety, and invite participatory parenting. Award winners are entitled to use the Kids Design Mark, symbolizing their commitment to these ideals.

Award Details

The award was granted in the Childbirth and Child-Rearing Support category for the Silent Doors developed by Sumitomo Forestry and Sumitomo Forestry Crest.

Silent Doors Features

Featuring two stunning designs, the Silent Doors come as both sliding and hinged doors. These doors incorporate soundproof materials within their structures and utilize airtight seals to enhance noise reduction. The sliding door includes a shutter mechanism that seals off gaps when locked, effectively minimizing sound transmission between adjoining rooms.

Recent trends in housing focus on high insulation and airtightness, making these homes adept at blocking external noise. However, this has also rendered it challenging for internal sounds to escape, leading to heightened acoustic connectivity within the home. Comparative studies conducted at the company's Tsukuba Laboratory have proven the superior soundproofing capabilities of the Silent Doors over existing products, creating family environments free from the stressful impact of interfering noises.

The hinged door variant for sanitary use was launched in June 2019, with the bedroom version set to debut in December 2023. Both styles of the sliding doors, suitable for sanitary and living purposes, are set for release in October 2025, showcasing a diverse lineup tailored to different uses.

A Broader Vision for Sustainable Forestry

Beyond its commitment to child-friendly designs, Sumitomo Forestry Group engages in global operations structured around forestry management, wood-based materials manufacturing and distribution, residential constructions, real estate development, and biomass energy production. Their long-term vision, Mission TREEING 2030, aims to enhance CO2 absorption in forests and promote carbon retention through the widespread adoption of wooden structures. The company strives to contribute to carbon neutrality by advancing energy-efficient housing designs such as ZEH, ZEB, and LCCM homes, further enhancing CO2 reduction efforts during construction and daily living.

Through these initiatives, Sumitomo Forestry not only champions child safety and well-being in living spaces but also actively participates in global efforts towards sustainability and environmental stewardship. Their innovative Silent Doors thus symbolize a harmonious integration of design, safety, and sustainability - paving the way for serene living environments for families while addressing pressing climate challenges.