#Japan #Setagaya #CLT #Kabaya

Setagaya Kamimura Cafe Receives Prestigious Award

In a remarkable achievement for sustainable architecture, the Setagaya Kamimura Cafe has been awarded the Excellence Award at the CLT of the Year 2025. This award is crucial for promoting the use of domestically sourced materials in construction. The cafe was designed and constructed by A.D. & C Co., Ltd., a member of the Japan CLT Technology Research Institute, an organization established by Life Design Kabaya Co., Ltd. in April 2018.

Background of the Award

The Japan CLT Technology Research Institute aims to contribute to a sustainable society through the promotion of CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) architecture. As of June 2026, the institute is involved in 65 CLT projects across 38 prefectures, with around 60 member companies in its network. These companies receive technical support related to CLT construction, building material supply, and structural calculation services to ensure high-quality wooden buildings.

The innovative LC-core construction method developed by the institute enhances earthquake resistance while minimizing the number of CLT panels used, providing greater flexibility in space design. Notably, the award-winning cafe utilized a new construction method tailored for narrow urban sites called the LC-gate method. Despite being built on a compact 61.69 square meter lot, the cafe demonstrates the feasibility of large, open spaces even in constrained conditions.

Design and Construction

The award ceremony took place in Tokyo on June 8, 2026, where the significance of this design was recognized. Esteemed guests included Koichiro Nakajima, the representative director of the Japan CLT Association, and Kazunori Fujimoto, executive manager of A.D. & C.

Project Overview

• - Project Name: Setagaya Kamimura Cafe New Construction
• - Location: 5-40-14 Kamimura, Setagaya City, Tokyo
• - Purpose: Commercial space
• - Construction Method: CLT construction (thin-frame structure)
• - Floors: 2
• - Site Area: 61.69 m² (approximately 18.6 tsubo)
• - Building Area: 47.66 m² (approximately 14.4 tsubo)
• - Total Floor Area: 95.32 m² (approximately 28.8 tsubo)
• - CLT Usage: Pre-processed volume of 42.34 m³, with 38.00 m³ used in the building
• - Construction Period: November 1, 2022 - April 2023 (6 months)

The construction process was notably efficient, with the building erected within just seven days. The incorporation of pre-finished exterior CLT panels and minimizing scaffolding facilitated a streamlined construction approach in an urban environment. This efficiency and innovation were key factors in the project receiving its award.

Future Implications

This marks the first time Life Design Kabaya has received recognition at the CLT of the Year awards. The company aims to expand the use of CLT not only in residential projects but also in commercial buildings, driving the revival of Japan's forestry industry and contributing to carbon neutrality.

As sustainable construction becomes increasingly vital, projects like the Setagaya Kamimura Cafe showcase the potential for innovative building methods that respect environmental principles while meeting urban needs. The award-winning stature of this cafe serves as an inspiring example for future constructions utilizing sustainable practices.

Conclusion

The Setagaya Kamimura Cafe illustrates the future of urban architecture by expertly combining sustainability, ingenuity, and practicality. The award reinforces the role of CLT technology in shaping a more eco-friendly built environment, paving the way for innovative designs and efficient construction methods in the years to come.