Collaborative Research with Fukuoka University: Toward Social Implementation of the Patented Next-Generation Cooling System "CoolSkin®"
Seiko Estate & Development has launched joint research with Associate Professor Masayuki Tsukagoshi of Fukuoka University's Department of Architecture to advance the social implementation of "CoolSkin®," a patented cooling system for building exteriors.
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- 📰 Published: May 22, 2026 at 17:00
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## Press Release
Seiko Estate & Development (Headquarters: Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture; Representative Director: Masatoshi Takagi) has initiated collaborative research with Associate Professor Masayuki Tsukagoshi and his seminar students at Fukuoka University's Department of Architecture to advance the social implementation of "CoolSkin®," a next-generation cooling system for building exteriors.
CoolSkin® is a research and development project aimed at providing cooling functions directly to the exteriors of buildings, addressing social challenges such as extreme heat, urban heat islands, and increasing air conditioning loads. In May 2026, the company announced a patent application for "CoolSkin®" and stated its intention to pursue joint research, performance testing, demonstration experiments, technology alliances, and licensing deployments with universities, research institutions, building material manufacturers, local governments, and business corporations.
With the launch of this joint research with Fukuoka University, CoolSkin® is moving forward from the conceptual and patent-pending stage into a new phase of performance verification, empirical testing, and social implementation. The collaboration will focus on verifying the effectiveness of exterior surface temperature reduction, evaporative cooling efficiency, water usage, durability and safety as building materials, ease of construction, and the feasibility of retrofitting existing buildings.
Seiko Estate & Development is a company operating in the architecture and real estate sector based in Fukuoka, involved in new apartment investment, nursing home investment, architectural design and construction, and real estate development. In recent years, summers across Japan have become increasingly severe, with heat radiation from asphalt, concrete, building exteriors, and roofs contributing to the urban heat island effect. While the construction sector has primarily focused on enhancing comfort inside buildings through insulation and energy efficiency, a new perspective is needed to understand how a building's exterior impacts the surrounding environment.
CoolSkin® is not merely about wetting walls to cool them. It is a project designed to implement cooling functions while considering long-term usage, maintenance, and durability. The technology utilizes "evaporative cooling," combined with water supply, diffusion, moisture control, and sensor-based management. Temperature and humidity sensors monitor the environment, and a control unit adjusts water levels and timing to maximize efficiency while minimizing water usage. Future iterations are expected to integrate with IoT technology and building management systems.
Associate Professor Masayuki Tsukagoshi specializes in building materials, building longevity, durability assessment, and repair/protection technologies. By merging the university's expertise with the company's practical implementation experience, the team will ensure rigorous validation for social deployment. The project also includes the participation of seminar students, fostering talent in next-generation architecture.
This research will focus on quantifying the temperature reduction effect of CoolSkin® compared to conventional exteriors under various environmental conditions, ultimately proving the long-term safety and practicality of this technology.
Seiko Estate & Development (Headquarters: Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture; Representative Director: Masatoshi Takagi) has initiated collaborative research with Associate Professor Masayuki Tsukagoshi and his seminar students at Fukuoka University's Department of Architecture to advance the social implementation of "CoolSkin®," a next-generation cooling system for building exteriors.
CoolSkin® is a research and development project aimed at providing cooling functions directly to the exteriors of buildings, addressing social challenges such as extreme heat, urban heat islands, and increasing air conditioning loads. In May 2026, the company announced a patent application for "CoolSkin®" and stated its intention to pursue joint research, performance testing, demonstration experiments, technology alliances, and licensing deployments with universities, research institutions, building material manufacturers, local governments, and business corporations.
With the launch of this joint research with Fukuoka University, CoolSkin® is moving forward from the conceptual and patent-pending stage into a new phase of performance verification, empirical testing, and social implementation. The collaboration will focus on verifying the effectiveness of exterior surface temperature reduction, evaporative cooling efficiency, water usage, durability and safety as building materials, ease of construction, and the feasibility of retrofitting existing buildings.
Seiko Estate & Development is a company operating in the architecture and real estate sector based in Fukuoka, involved in new apartment investment, nursing home investment, architectural design and construction, and real estate development. In recent years, summers across Japan have become increasingly severe, with heat radiation from asphalt, concrete, building exteriors, and roofs contributing to the urban heat island effect. While the construction sector has primarily focused on enhancing comfort inside buildings through insulation and energy efficiency, a new perspective is needed to understand how a building's exterior impacts the surrounding environment.
CoolSkin® is not merely about wetting walls to cool them. It is a project designed to implement cooling functions while considering long-term usage, maintenance, and durability. The technology utilizes "evaporative cooling," combined with water supply, diffusion, moisture control, and sensor-based management. Temperature and humidity sensors monitor the environment, and a control unit adjusts water levels and timing to maximize efficiency while minimizing water usage. Future iterations are expected to integrate with IoT technology and building management systems.
Associate Professor Masayuki Tsukagoshi specializes in building materials, building longevity, durability assessment, and repair/protection technologies. By merging the university's expertise with the company's practical implementation experience, the team will ensure rigorous validation for social deployment. The project also includes the participation of seminar students, fostering talent in next-generation architecture.
This research will focus on quantifying the temperature reduction effect of CoolSkin® compared to conventional exteriors under various environmental conditions, ultimately proving the long-term safety and practicality of this technology.
FAQ
How does CoolSkin® cooling work?
It utilizes water supply, surface diffusion, and sensor-controlled evaporative cooling to efficiently dissipate heat from building exteriors.
What are the benefits of collaborating with Fukuoka University?
It provides access to academic performance assessments and material science expertise, enabling safe and durable real-world implementation.
Where is this technology most relevant?
It is suitable for all buildings in urban areas across Japan where extreme summer heat and heat island phenomena are significant.