Unique Texture and One-of-a-Kind Presence: "Urushi Building Materials" Developed by Architectural Carpenters Receive Non-Combustible Material Certification. Creating Special, "One-of-a-Kind" Effects for Facility Interiors.

Heisei Construction Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Ooka, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture), a company engaged in various types of construction, obtained non-combustible material certification for its Urushi building materials in 2025. [Table: Certification Details] Certification Number: NM-5963 Name of Non-Combustible Material: Natural Urushi-painted natural wood veneer / paper backing / double-sided thin paper-backed aluminum foil-laminated volcanic glass composite board Certification Date: May 9, 2025 With this non-combustible material certification, Heisei Construction will deploy "Spatial Urushi Art" (Kukan Urushigei) in buildings such as large-scale commercial facilities and other public spaces that are subject to numerous interior finishing restrictions. [Image: Commercial facility using "Urushi non-combustible material": The material adorns a large atrium space.] [Image: Accenting the space by changing the color temperature and light movement of the lighting depending on the time of day.] [Image: Urushi objects that appear to be floating.] Examination of Specific Requirements and Opportunities for Non-Combustible Materials in Diverse Building Types Interior finishing restrictions vary in the required type of fire-resistant material depending on the building's use, scale, and structure. Since the Urushi non-combustible material has received ministerial certification as a "non-combustible material," it can be applied to areas where the strictest fire performance is required. Consideration Examples for Non-Combustible Certified Urushi Building Materials: - Special Buildings: Includes theaters, hospitals, hotels, department stores, and restaurants, where high fire-resistance performance is required in many areas. For example, walls (excluding parts 1.2m or less from the floor) and ceilings in these buildings may require "flame-retardant materials" or higher, while corridors, stairs, and ceilings of rooms on high floors may require "quasi-non-combustible" or "non-combustible" materials. - Large-scale Buildings: Restrictions apply based on floor area and number of stories (e.g., over 500㎡ total area for 3+ stories, over 1,000㎡ for 2 stories, over 3,000㎡ for single-story buildings). - Rooms Using Fire: In principle, walls and ceilings of rooms using fire, such as kitchens and boiler rooms, require "quasi-non-combustible" materials or higher (unless the main structural parts are fireproof). Windowless rooms also generally require "quasi-non-combustible" materials or higher for walls and ceilings. - Buildings with 11 or More Stories: The use of "quasi-non-combustible" or "non-combustible" materials is mandatory for walls and ceilings of all rooms, corridors, and stairs; in many cases, the same performance is required for backing materials. - Underground Malls: Similar to buildings with 11+ stories, strict restrictions are imposed, including on backing materials. For emergency elevators, boarding lobbies, and evacuation stairs, the use of "non-combustible materials" is mandatory for walls and ceilings (including backing materials). Next-Generation Possibilities Created by Urushi Artisans and Architectural Carpenters: "Spatial Urushi Art" "Spatial Urushi Art" is the collective term for the Urushi projects developed by Heisei Construction, which is renowned for training carpenters and artisans. Launched in 2015 by Tatsuki Aruga, a carpenter at Heisei Construction who researches and develops Urushi building materials, the project delivers Urushi art suitable for modern spaces from both design and construction perspectives, utilizing traditional techniques and cutting-edge expression by Urushi artisans who understand architecture. When people think of Urushi, they typically think of tableware, daily necessities, or art objects. Urushi is inherently durable, resistant to acids and alkalis, and possesses antibacterial properties. Furthermore, its luster increases with use, enhancing its beauty. As a natural paint, it is characterized by a pleasant texture and skin-friendliness when properly processed. If such Urushi can add color to buildings as a building material, a one-of-a-kind space can be created. We also expect that its rarity will add significant high value to the architecture itself. [Image: A cubic module using Urushi material with non-combustible certification. It is a fragment of a future architectural space. It allows the organic beauty and luster of Urushi to float lightly and spread throughout the space, presenting a new sense of scale where eternal beauty blends with architecture.] Artisans Challenging the Fusion of Urushi and Architecture Heisei Construction's fusion technology of Urushi and architecture has been highly evaluated from an early stage, with the pioneering technology receiving a Good Design Award in 2017. "Building materials are not things you 'cannot touch' like works of art. They need durability so that people can touch them. To clear the Building Standards Act for Urushi building materials as non-combustible materials, it is necessary to pursue 'building materials that can safely accompany people's lives and activities' while utilizing the beauty and aging characteristics unique to Urushi craft," says Tatsuki Aruga. He continues to challenge himself to further evolve the Urushi techniques he inherited and expand them into the world of "architecture." [Image: Carpenter: Tatsuki Aruga | Born into a family of Urushi artisans with an Urushi artisan father. He is a genuine artisan who balances being both an Urushi artisan and an architectural carpenter.] - Website: https://www.heiseikensetu.co.jp/urushi/ - Address: 1540-1 Ooka, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture (Heisei Construction Spatial Urushi Art) For inquiries regarding tours or interviews, please contact: Heisei Construction Co., Ltd. Tatsuki Aruga TEL: 055-962-1000 / E-mail: tatsuki_aruga@heiseikensetu.co.jp