Trend Archives

The Evolution of Timber Architecture: Shaping a Zero-Impact Future

Timber architecture is once again gaining global attention for its potential to reduce environmental impact, promote sustainability, and drive innovation in design.

In this article, we explore the appeal and functionality of timber construction, while highlighting its future potential in Japan through concrete examples from both domestic and international projects.

Reducing Environmental Impact and Promoting Sustainability

Wood is a renewable resource that absorbs and stores carbon dioxide during its growth. Compared to materials such as steel or concrete, it requires significantly less energy to produce, leading to a substantial reduction in environmental impact over the entire building lifecycle. Additionally, because wood continues to store carbon even after it is used in construction, it is gaining attention as a valuable contributor to climate change mitigation.

Technological Innovation and Design Potential

Advancements in timber construction technology have made it possible to realize high-rise buildings and complex architectural designs. Notably, ¹CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber), ²prefabrication techniques, and hybrid structures that combine wood with other materials are expanding the possibilities of timber architecture.

Wood not only offers visual warmth but also excels in humidity control and insulation. As a result, timber buildings provide comfortable, healthy living environments, with expected benefits such as relaxation and stress reduction.

¹ CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber): Panels made by layering boards with their grain direction oriented perpendicularly.
² Prefabrication: A method in which building components are processed and assembled in advance, typically off-site in a factory setting.

Global Examples of Timber Architecture

Innovative timber architecture projects are also underway around the world. In Sydney, Australia, construction is in progress on Atlassian Central, a hybrid timber structure that will reach 182 meters—making it the tallest timber building in the world. The building combines timber with steel framing, achieving both reduced environmental impact and striking design.

In Germany, the Urbach Tower has garnered attention for its use of self-shaping timber, utilizing the natural shrinkage of wood during drying to create an innovative and dynamic form.

The Future of Timber Architecture in Japan

Japan, one of the world’s most forest-rich countries, has a long-standing tradition of timber construction. In recent years, the use of modern engineered wood materials like CLT, along with the integration of traditional joinery techniques and contemporary technologies, has continued to evolve.

Regulatory reforms, advancements in construction technology, and regional revitalization efforts are further expanding the possibilities for timber architecture across the country.

Notable Examples

HULIC &New GINZA 8 (Tokyo)
Located along Ginza’s central avenue, this commercial facility spans 12 floors above ground and one basement level, and is Japan’s first building to feature a 12-story timber frame structure. It incorporates the latest in timber construction technology, including Moen Wood columns and beams, as well as CLT-based seismic damping walls.
[Source: takenaka.co.jp]
Port Plus (Tokyo)
An 11-story fire-resistant building constructed entirely from timber, Port Plus uses CLT for the structural components of walls, floors, and roofs. CLT is also utilized throughout the interior, including ceilings, staircases, and furniture. Developed as an in-house training and accommodation facility, it showcases new possibilities in timber architecture.
[Source: clta.jp]

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What is the Potential of the Metaverse? A Future Where Digital and Physical Worlds Converge

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In recent years, the rapid advancement of digital technologies has brought the metaverse—a virtual space built on the internet—into a more prominent role in our society. Far beyond the realm of gaming, the metaverse is now being explored for its applications in business, education, tourism, and regional revitalization. In particular, its potential as a new tool for supporting local communities is drawing growing attention.

What Exactly is the Metaverse?

The metaverse refers to a virtual environment constructed online where users, through digital avatars, can move freely, interact, and even participate in economic activities. For some, this space has become a new social infrastructure. Thanks to the development of AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) technologies, the metaverse now offers increasingly immersive and realistic experiences, enabling entirely new forms of interaction and business opportunities through the fusion of physical and digital worlds.

A key example of this is the use of NFTs (non-fungible tokens). NFTs allow for the buying and selling of digital assets—such as virtual land or unique items—by providing a secure certificate of authenticity and ownership, helping to establish entirely new digital marketplaces.

GARDE entered the metaverse space in 2023 by designing, producing, and selling virtual environments within COCO WARP, a metaverse platform operated by Aoyama Design Forum. This initiative enables users to join conferences, view and purchase art, and interact with content via avatars in a fully digital space.

Business Opportunities Created by the Metaverse

The rise of the metaverse is gradually reshaping traditional business models. Its impact spans from marketing and remote work—where virtual offices are becoming more common—to immersive learning experiences for training and education. In the medical field, for instance, it enables surgical simulations, while in manufacturing, it can be used for factory operation training.

Moreover, the metaverse presents powerful potential for regional revitalization and tourism. By digitizing local resources and promoting them globally, local governments can attract visitors and stimulate their economies. Historical sites and landmarks can be recreated in VR, allowing people to “visit” them from afar. Regional products can be sold within the metaverse, further supporting local industry.

GARDE’s “Regional Revitalization Metaverse Award”

To mark our 40th anniversary, GARDE launched the Regional Revitalization Metaverse Award in November 2024. The award aims to combine the creative power of digital designers with the needs of local governments, promoting regional charm through metaverse technologies. It celebrates and supports projects that contribute to the economic and cultural development of local communities.

Far from being a passing trend, the metaverse holds the potential to fundamentally transform our way of life. In the context of regional revitalization, it offers a powerful opportunity to generate new value and breathe life into local economies.

With the application deadline approaching on April 30, 2025, we invite companies and municipalities to explore the possibilities of the metaverse and consider applying for the Regional Revitalization Metaverse Award.

Introducing GARDE’s Sustainability Initiatives. What Sustainability Means in the Design Industry

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With growing concerns over environmental issues, shifting social awareness, and increasing interest in ESG investment, sustainability has garnered significant attention in recent years. At GARDE, we are actively engaging in initiatives aimed at addressing challenges not only within the broader society but also specifically within the design industry.

In this article, we introduce GARDE’s sustainability initiatives and achievements.

What is Sustainability?

Sustainability refers to actions that consider the environment, economy, and society with the aim of ensuring long-term viability for future generations.

For businesses, sustainability involves adopting management practices that promote a sustainable society through three key perspectives: environmental, social, and economic responsibility.

Sustainability in the Architecture and Design Industry

In the architecture and design industry, sustainability initiatives often center around environmental and economic factors. These include efforts such as reducing CO₂ emissions related to construction, operation, and maintenance of buildings, utilizing renewable energy, optimizing resource use, and designing sustainable architecture with greater consideration for nature.

In addition to implementing such industry-specific measures, GARDE continuously researches sustainability trends both within and beyond the industry. This enables us to propose tailored strategies that align with the unique needs of each client.

For more articles on sustainability trends, please see the links below.
>Exploring the Cutting Edge of Commercial Space Design
>The Versatile Potential of Bamboo
>Sustainable Fashion in Japan

GARDE’s Sustainability Initiatives

Design Division
As one of GARDE’s core businesses, the design division spans a wide range of fields—from architectural and interior design to environmental design—creating spaces where aesthetics and functionality are seamlessly integrated.
In recent years, clients have increasingly emphasized not only functionality but also sustainability as a key component of design.

At GARDE, we consciously incorporate sustainability into every aspect of spatial design, from the selection of materials to the choice of furniture that enhances the environment.
We also consider layout and circulation planning with care to ensure long-term usability, embedding sustainable principles into the overall design approach.

The Potential of the Metaverse
In 2023, GARDE launched a new business offering the design, production, and sale of metaverse spaces. This initiative extends our existing design services, providing clients with enhanced value—while also incorporating sustainability-focused elements.
Traditional construction of stores, event venues, and showrooms requires land and physical materials. By creating these spaces in the metaverse, it becomes possible to significantly reduce resource consumption, offering a more environmentally conscious alternative.

In addition, from a social development perspective, we are actively involved in regional revitalization projects—such as promoting tourism through local initiatives and repurposing underutilized properties.
To learn more about our projects, click here.

Participation in EcoVadis

EcoVadis is a globally recognized assessment platform that evaluates corporate actions and future initiatives across four key areas: (1) Environment, (2) Labor & Human Rights, (3) Ethics, and (4) Sustainable Procurement. Companies are rated on a five-tier scale: Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, or No Rating.

Since 2024, GARDE has participated in the EcoVadis program and has been awarded a Silver Medal, placing us in the top 15% of the 130,000 companies assessed worldwide.

Through this participation, GARDE has gained valuable insights into its strengths and areas for improvement, allowing us to further enhance and sustain our efforts toward building a more sustainable society.

In Closing

This article has introduced GARDE’s sustainability initiatives.
Through each of these efforts, we aim to further contribute to environmental protection, social development, and economic growth.

Accelerating Entry and Expansion of Foreign Hotel Chains in Japan: The Impact of Luxury Brand Developments

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In recent years, the expansion of foreign hotel chains in the Japanese market has been accelerating. Global luxury and high-end hotel chains such as Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and AccorHotels are continuously opening new accommodations across Japan. The key drivers behind this trend include government deregulation and the increasing number of inbound foreign travelers. As a result, Japan’s tourism market is being reevaluated by foreign companies as a promising area for further market growth.

Luxury Hotel Openings Concentrated in Tokyo and Kyoto

In April 2023, the Italian luxury brand Bulgari made its debut in Japan with the opening of Bulgari Hotel Tokyo in the Marunouchi area. This ultra-luxury hotel features standard rooms with an average nightly rate exceeding 200,000 JPY, while some suites cost over 4 million JPY per night, catering to an exclusive clientele of ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

Kyoto, a major destination for inbound tourists, has also seen a surge in the development of foreign luxury hotels. Starting in 2024, Six Senses Kyoto and Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto are set to open, offering spaces that seamlessly blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern luxury—an appeal that resonates with affluent travelers both domestically and internationally.

At GARDE, we have designed numerous hotel spaces, including projects featured in a past issue of DESIGN MAGAZINE, such as Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya and Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku. These properties have seen a significant influx of foreign visitors, further highlighting the rapid growth of Japan’s hospitality market.

The Rise of Foreign Hotel Brands in Japan – Driven by Yen Depreciation and Growing Tourism Demand

It goes without saying that the aggressive expansion of foreign hotel brands in Japan is largely influenced by two key factors frequently covered in the news: the recovery of tourism demand post-COVID-19 and the depreciation of the yen. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of inbound foreign tourists in 2023 rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, even reaching a record high. In response, the Japanese government has set an ambitious goal of attracting 60 million inbound travelers and generating 15 trillion yen in tourism revenue by 2030.

To achieve this, the government is actively supporting the expansion of luxury accommodations, including regulatory changes to facilitate larger guest rooms by easing floor area ratio restrictions for hotels. These policy adjustments have made it significantly easier for international hotel brands to enter and expand in the Japanese market.

Blending Architectural Design with Cutting-Edge Technology

Foreign luxury hotels in Japan are more than just places to stay—they serve as unique brand statements, seamlessly integrating local culture into their architecture and interior design.

For instance, The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto incorporates Japanese gardens, washi paper, tatami mats, shoji screens, and natural wood, creating an immersive space that reflects Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage. Similarly, Aman Tokyo, located in the city’s Otemachi district, blends sleek modern high-rise architecture with traditional Japanese elements such as stone, wood, and washi paper, embodying a refined, minimalist aesthetic inspired by “wa” (harmony).

More recently, luxury and high-end hotel brands have embraced digital transformation (DX) by integrating IoT technology and smart room systems, such as AI-powered voice control and automated room management assistants. These innovations enhance the guest experience by providing a seamless and personalized stay, further distinguishing these hotels in an increasingly competitive market. The fusion of tradition and advanced technology is becoming a defining strength of foreign hotel brands in Japan.

Conclusion

The expansion of foreign hotel brands in Japan shows no signs of slowing down, with increasing competition among luxury hotels pushing brands to differentiate themselves through culturally sensitive design and exclusive services.

Additionally, with a growing focus on sustainable tourism, hotels are expected to adopt eco-conscious architectural practices and energy-efficient technologies. The industry as a whole is moving toward sustainability-driven operations, aligning with broader global trends.

Backed by rising tourism demand and supportive government policies, not only foreign hotel brands but also new players are expected to enter the Japanese market, contributing to the continued growth of the hospitality sector.

The Future of Wajima Lacquerware: Weaving Tradition and Innovation – Recovery from the Earthquake and New Challenges

Trend

Wajima Lacquerware: A Legacy of Craftsmanship

Wajima lacquerware (Wajima-nuri), a traditional craft born in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, stands alongside Aizu lacquerware (Fukushima) and Kishu lacquerware (Wakayama) as one of Japan’s most esteemed lacquerware traditions, garnering high praise both domestically and internationally.

Renowned for its durability and elegance, Wajima lacquerware owes its exceptional strength and heat resistance to the high-quality soil found only in Wajima. Each piece undergoes over 100 meticulous production steps, crafted by highly skilled artisans, resulting in a stunning and refined finish.

In the Noto region, Wajima lacquerware has long been cherished for special occasions, such as festivals or family gatherings, where it is used to serve meals to visiting relatives. Its remarkable durability allows it to be passed down from parents to children, and even to grandchildren, making it a treasured heirloom.

Wajima Lacquerware in Contemporary Interior and Art Industries

In recent years, Wajima lacquerware has gained attention not only as a traditional craft but also as an art form suited to modern lifestyles. To adapt to evolving consumer preferences, artisans have begun crafting contemporary designs while preserving the essence of this historic technique.

A notable example of Wajima lacquerware’s increasing global recognition is former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s gift to former U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden—a coffee cup and ballpoint pen crafted by Taya Shikkiten, a prominent Wajima lacquerware workshop. Furthermore, a collaboration between Wajima lacquerware and a prestigious British royal warrant tableware brand has demonstrated its ability to transcend tradition and embrace innovation.

The Impact of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake

The devastating Noto Peninsula Earthquake, which struck last year, severely affected Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Wajima lacquerware was not spared—many workshops were damaged, forcing artisans to halt production and disrupting their livelihoods.

Even before the disaster, Japan’s traditional crafts faced a nationwide decline in skilled artisans. The earthquake further exacerbated the situation, leading to workshop closures and artisans leaving the region. However, thanks to the dedicated efforts of local governments, support organizations, and volunteers across Japan, recovery efforts were swiftly initiated. Just three months after the disaster, temporary workshops were set up, allowing artisans to resume their craft.

In addition, a volunteer organization launched a charity initiative, collecting Wajima lacquerware pieces that had to be relinquished due to the disaster. These items were sold through charity auctions, with all proceeds directed toward the revitalization of the Noto region.

Hopes for Recovery

One year after the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, the path to full recovery remains challenging. However, the resilience and unity of the Noto community continue to shine, reaffirming the deep ties among its people.

As part of GARDE’s 40th anniversary commemoration, we have incorporated Wajima lacquerware into the design of our commemorative wine stoppers—a small but meaningful step in supporting regional recovery and revitalization efforts.

We remain committed to preserving the beauty and heritage of Wajima lacquerware, and we wholeheartedly support the dedicated artisans who continue to safeguard and pass down this invaluable cultural tradition for future generations.

Comment from Taya Shikkiten

Wajima lacquerware has been designated as a National Important Intangible Cultural Property, with clearly defined manufacturing processes and materials. Based on the philosophy that high-quality lacquerware is achieved through the collaboration of skilled artisans specializing in each step of the finely divided production process, craftspeople work together to create a single masterpiece.

We believe that the smooth texture of natural lacquer, its visual elegance, and its durability surpass any other coating material in the world. We sincerely hope that those who hold our lacquerware in their hands can appreciate the profound beauty of this traditional art form.