The Student Welcome Center is part of the Explainground project, an educational incubation hub for Tokyo Gakugei University. This initiative aims to foster collaboration among industry, government, and academia.
This building features a reinforced concrete structure using staggered cross-laminated timber (CLT) as formwork. Wooden beams and CNC-processed panels serve as molds for concrete slabs, with the “remaining template” acting as the finished surface. This is Japan’s first project to use concrete formwork as the primary structural element.
The VUILD parameter team employed geometric algorithms to automatically generate CAD models, which then guided five-axis CNC machining. All precut components were fabricated using five-axis CNC machines at VUILD’s factory. The CNC machine for template processing will be installed within the building itself, providing an open facility where visitors can engage with advanced manufacturing technology and customize their space.
The design challenge was to create an open, adaptable space serving both as a venue for next-generation public education and as an expandable environment without fixed form. The building itself was intended to be extreme and experimental, becoming a learning tool. To achieve this, VUILD utilized five-axis CNC machining to produce a large-span, multifunctional space.
CLT boards up to 240 millimeters thick were used, with repeated simulations optimizing the overall shape and ease of cutting. Both material efficiency and form simplification were carefully considered during construction planning.
The unit construction method integrates the remaining formwork: Longitudinal CLT beams are designed as sine curves, with amplitude and phase offsets across the cross-section to create a robust shell structure. Inspired by natural vein patterns, the roof’s serrated cross-section increases shell depth and strength by dividing into three layered phases.
3D CLT panels are cut into units at VUILD’s factory and assembled on-site, connected by metal fittings. Concrete is poured into the beams, forming veins and slab plates covering the spaces between. These wooden beams span 25 meters, while the concrete slabs are only 8 centimeters thick.
This patented construction method (JP 2021-042568) is highly versatile and reduces costs to 60% compared to traditional shell construction.
Three-dimensional data is shared with structural engineers for analysis, helping to eliminate manual errors. This data supports cross-checking across design reviews, structural analysis, and component fabrication, accelerating the entire workflow.
The process from data creation to material procurement and construction involves specialized five-axis machining, which accounts for tilt and rotation. A dedicated cutting path was developed for the 360 CLT panels needed to produce 963 template parts.
The internal parameter team created a geometric algorithm for free-form surfaces to automatically generate CAD files. This path design minimizes manual post-machining work. Rough machining is performed within acceptable tolerances in concealed concrete areas, reducing processing costs.
Panel placement was optimized to reduce costs. The automatic panel placement and shape generation algorithm quickly achieved this, producing various CLT boards up to 1350 × 4000 millimeters in size. The CLT boards come in four thicknesses, from 60 to 210 millimeters, visualized via a 3D color-coded chart to assist in placing parts according to thickness.
By sharing this data with the structural team, a system was created that balances structural integrity and construction efficiency.
Construction Process Diagram:
Project Drawings:
△ General Layout Plan
△ Plan View
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Architect: VUILD
Area: 295 square meters
Project Year: 2023
Photographer: Takumi Ota
Lead Architect: Koki Akiyoshi
Design Team: Koki Akiyoshi, Hiroyuki Nakazawa, Gaku Shinohara, Kenta Isebo, Kazuya Takano (former staff)
Structural Design: Jun Sato Structural Engineers
Construction: Atelier Umi
Location: Koganei, Japan
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