Japanese firms launch green garage homes using local wood

Tokyo based Phil Company, Inc. and Nagano-based Yamaura Corporation have commenced a business partnership to expand Sustainable PGH, a line of environmentally friendly, garage-attached rental homes, which will utilise domestically produced Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT).

Phil Company introduced the Sustainable PGH concept last year to offer a solution to reduce carbon emissions in the construction sector. The housing model uses domestic CLT as its primary structural material, which actively sequesters carbon and reduces carbon dioxide emissions during the building process. It also offers the high insulation and earthquake resistance inherent to engineered wood structures. A completed model property in Kanagawa Prefecture currently operates at full occupancy, demonstrating strong market demand for the concept.

The new collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of these timber structures, primarily within Nagano Prefecture. Premium Garage House, Inc., a subsidiary of Phil Company, manages the brand licensing and provides leasing support alongside design expertise tailored to tenants who wish to live alongside their vehicles. Yamaura Corporation brings its regional construction capabilities to manage the building, sales, and maintenance phases. Furthermore, Life Design Kabaya supplies its proprietary LC-core construction method, structural design advice, and original CLT panels to ensure structural integrity.