Completion of SpaceOne's Component Warehouse for Small Rocket Launch Services

In March 2026, Taiyo Kogyo Co., Ltd., a leader in large membrane structures, completed construction on the Flex House C&W, a specialized warehouse designed for SpaceOne, a company offering small rocket launch services. This innovative project marks a significant milestone in the growing collaboration between the aerospace and construction industries. The Flex House C&W features advanced temperature management capabilities, allowing for both cooling and warming functions within its tent-like structure. This capability addresses previous challenges associated with traditional warehouse design, particularly in maintaining optimal internal temperatures.

The construction of the Flex House C&W was part of a broader initiative involving cooperative efforts between four companies: Canon Electronics, Shimizu Corporation, IHI Aerospace Co., Ltd., and the Development Bank of Japan, which collectively founded SpaceOne in 2018. Following the completion of the Spaceport Kii launch site in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture in 2021, this new warehouse will efficiently store components related to their rocket operations.

The innovative design of the Flex House C&W incorporates a dual membrane system and air conditioning technology to enhance temperature regulation. The exterior features a titanium dioxide photocatalytic membrane that reflects sunlight and maintains low internal temperatures, while the interior employs insulation materials to keep the space warm when necessary. Impressively, this white tent structure boasts over 75% solar reflection, drastically reducing the heat inside. Furthermore, the unique membrane offers superior self-cleaning properties as organic grime is decomposed and washed away by rain, ensuring the warehouse retains its pristine appearance over time.

Taiyo Kogyo's construction method, known as the Flex House design, is characterized by its short construction period and cost efficiency. By utilizing lightweight materials compared to conventional construction methods, this approach minimizes environmental impact during building processes, positioning it as an eco-friendly solution within the industry. This warehouse is just one aspect of Taiyo Kogyo's broader strategy to establish a meaningful presence in the burgeoning space industry. In March 2024, Taiyo Kogyo invested in SpaceOne, signaling its commitment to exploring various opportunities within the space market, including terrestrial launch facilities and the utilization of membrane technology in outer space.

Overview of the SpaceOne Component Warehouse

- Location: Kushimoto, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture
- Client: SpaceOne Co., Ltd.
- Design and Construction: Taiyo Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Foundation work separately contracted)
- Membrane Structure: Taiyo Kogyo Co., Ltd.
- Construction Start: December 2025
- Completion: March 2026
- Usage Start: April 2026
- Membrane Structure Dimensions: W15m × L17m × H5m
- Number of Structures: 2
- Product Name: Flex House C&W
- Purpose: Warehouse
- Membrane Material (Color): CMX220 non-combustible white

Through innovative projects like the Flex House C&W, Taiyo Kogyo continues to adapt its advanced membrane technologies to a variety of sectors, ensuring long-term sustainability while meeting the evolving needs of space-related industries. With plans for active engagement in support of nearby launch facilities and the integration of membrane technologies for space applications, the company is forging a path toward a future enriched by advancements in aerospace capabilities.