Kutchan House is a bespoke residential timber home located in Kutchan Town, Abuta District, Hokkaido, Japan. Designed by CLT Architecture and commissioned by Shinohara Shoten Co. Ltd, the house is a showcase of sustainable living and modern timber construction. Built using 76 cubic metres of Sylva™ CLT from Stora Enso, the project reflects Japan’s growing commitment to decarbonising its building stock and embracing low-emission construction methods.

Transport and logistics

The Sylva™ CLT kit was transported in a 40-foot High-Cube container, first by truck from Ybbs, Austria to the Port of Hamburg, Germany — a journey of approximately 695 km.

From Hamburg, the container was shipped by sea to Tomakomai Port in Hokkaido, Japan, covering an estimated 15,000 km by ocean freight. This long-distance delivery highlights the reliability and scalability of prefabricated timber solutions, even across continents.

National context

Japan has committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 46% by 2030 (from 2013 levels) and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. In a world-first move, the Japanese government launched sovereign climate transition bonds in February 2024, raising ¥800 billion (approx. $5.3 billion USD) to fund its green transition. These bonds differ from traditional green bonds by focusing on broader systemic change rather than specific projects, signalling a strong national ambition toward a fossil-free future.

About Shinohara Shoten Co. Ltd

Founded in 1980, Shinohara Shoten is a highly respected wood products company in Japan, known internationally for its expertise in lumber, plywood, and millwork distribution, as well as design, processing, and construction consulting. Their decision to build their new offices in mass timber reflects their deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and innovation. The company is integrating local wood and landscaping elements such as Sakura Cherry Blossom trees to create a space that celebrates nature and craftsmanship.

Design philosophy

Kutchan House is conceived as an all-timber structure with a harmonious architectural expression. The design carefully integrates glazing, lighting, and framing to complement the exposed CLT surfaces. Offsite manufacturing was chosen for its precision, reduced waste, and faster construction timeline. The Sylva™ CLT kit by Stora Enso enabled a streamlined build process, offering a modern alternative to traditional timber framing methods commonly used in Japan.

Looking ahead

As Japan continues to invest in climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure, projects like Kutchan House demonstrate the potential of mass timber to lead the way. This may be one of Stora Enso’s first Sylva™ CLT kit delivery in Japan, but it marks the beginning of a promising journey toward more timber-based solutions in the region.