First Project Using Pre-cut Wood Structure and Small Membrane Panels for a Modular Waiting Shelter Completed
In response to labor shortages and rising costs in the construction industry, JR Kyushu has completed and opened its first 'modular waiting shelter' using a new construction method at JR Nichinan Line's Utsuimi Station at the end of February 2026. In collaboration with Taiyo Kogyo Corporation, this project is the first to apply their 'PF LIGHTS' small membrane panel technology for roofing. This factory-production and on-site assembly approach saves labor while creating a durable and naturally lit waiting space. Future plans include integration with digital technologies.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 16, 2026 at 00:27
- 🔍 Collected: May 15, 2026 at 15:32
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 17, 2026 at 07:48 (40h 16m after Collected)
Amidst the severe labor shortage and rising material and labor costs in the construction industry, our company is promoting an initiative to reconstruct local train line station facilities with a new method of 'building in a factory and assembling on-site.' At the end of February 2026, the first project, a modular waiting shelter, began service at Utsuimi Station on the JR Nichinan Line (Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture).
In this initiative, with the cooperation of Taiyo Kogyo Corporation (Tokyo Head Office: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; Osaka Head Office: Yodogawa-ku, Osaka; President: Yuki Nomura), we have for the first time applied their small membrane panel technology, 'PF LIGHTS,' as a roofing material. In addition to saving labor during construction, we have realized a user-friendly waiting space that combines durability with the brightness of natural light.
**1. Modular Waiting Shelter Overview**
**Purpose**
To address the labor shortage and rising costs, including materials and labor, in the construction industry.
**Location**
Utsuimi Station premises, Nichinan Line (Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture)
**Service Start**
End of February 2026
**Cooperating Company**
Taiyo Kogyo Corporation
**2. Features**
**(1) Roof Section - First Realization of Membrane Panel Unitization**
Traditionally, roofs using membrane materials were typically formed by specialized technicians stretching the material on-site. In this project, we have for the first time adopted a method where small panels with the membrane pre-stretched in a factory are transported and installed on-site, applying Taiyo Kogyo's 'PF LIGHTS' technology.
**(2) Wooden Structure Section - Design Enabling Construction by Local Contractors**
By combining pre-cut laminated lumber with general-purpose joint hardware, we have enabled construction that does not require specialized skills and allows local contractors to ensure quality.
**(3) Compact and Rational Details**
The compact design with a low building height minimizes concealed parts and secondary members, pursuing rationality from both an aesthetic and structural standpoint. This also contributes to labor saving in future maintenance (inspections and repairs).
**3. Future Development**
We will work on creating a system that consistently streamlines processes from construction to operation, with an eye toward introducing maintenance methods combined with digital technology, such as remote inspections using drones in the future.
**4. Related Information**
Taiyo Kogyo Corporation
First modular waiting shelter completed at JR Kyushu's Utsuimi Station, saving labor through factory production of small membrane panels.
In this initiative, with the cooperation of Taiyo Kogyo Corporation (Tokyo Head Office: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; Osaka Head Office: Yodogawa-ku, Osaka; President: Yuki Nomura), we have for the first time applied their small membrane panel technology, 'PF LIGHTS,' as a roofing material. In addition to saving labor during construction, we have realized a user-friendly waiting space that combines durability with the brightness of natural light.
**1. Modular Waiting Shelter Overview**
**Purpose**
To address the labor shortage and rising costs, including materials and labor, in the construction industry.
**Location**
Utsuimi Station premises, Nichinan Line (Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture)
**Service Start**
End of February 2026
**Cooperating Company**
Taiyo Kogyo Corporation
**2. Features**
**(1) Roof Section - First Realization of Membrane Panel Unitization**
Traditionally, roofs using membrane materials were typically formed by specialized technicians stretching the material on-site. In this project, we have for the first time adopted a method where small panels with the membrane pre-stretched in a factory are transported and installed on-site, applying Taiyo Kogyo's 'PF LIGHTS' technology.
**(2) Wooden Structure Section - Design Enabling Construction by Local Contractors**
By combining pre-cut laminated lumber with general-purpose joint hardware, we have enabled construction that does not require specialized skills and allows local contractors to ensure quality.
**(3) Compact and Rational Details**
The compact design with a low building height minimizes concealed parts and secondary members, pursuing rationality from both an aesthetic and structural standpoint. This also contributes to labor saving in future maintenance (inspections and repairs).
**3. Future Development**
We will work on creating a system that consistently streamlines processes from construction to operation, with an eye toward introducing maintenance methods combined with digital technology, such as remote inspections using drones in the future.
**4. Related Information**
Taiyo Kogyo Corporation
First modular waiting shelter completed at JR Kyushu's Utsuimi Station, saving labor through factory production of small membrane panels.