Sustainability Report
Embodied carbon
Information provided by Tomohiko Amemiya, President and Representative Director of R/URBAN DESIGN OFFICE.
Project philosophy and respect for existing stock
Fuu Oimachi marks the first renovation and conversion project within the LATIERRA urban rental housing series developed by Tokyo Gas Real Estate. Rather than modifying the unit areas by demolishing the existing concrete framework, the design philosophy prioritised conceiving contemporary lifestyles that naturally adapt to the spatial dimensions of the pre-existing structure. This environment-conscious, stock-respecting approach minimises physical intervention and structural waste.
Minimising material consumption
To reduce environmental impact, superfluous or ostentatious finishes were deliberately avoided. By exposing the raw, existing concrete structure as the final finish, the project significantly minimised the overall consumption of new building materials, while celebrating the authentic character of the original architecture.
Integration of eco-conscious materials
Sustainable and resource-efficient products were specified to align with the project’s aesthetic and environmental standards. Key selections include:
- Engineered wood flooring on ground-floor communal areas. This resource-saving flooring with a natural wood veneer has a total thickness of just 2.8 millimetres, balancing environmental responsibility with high design quality. The surface veneer can also be painted and adjusted as freely as solid timber, supporting long-term adaptability.
- A high-quality carpet by OBJECT CARPET (Eddy 2151 Sandy) was specified. Manufactured in Germany with a strict focus on sustainability, its pile is composed of 100 percent recyclable polyethylene terephthalate (PET), helping to mitigate its ecological footprint. The product also holds international environmental certifications, including CRI Green Label Plus and the French VOC Label.
These insights reflect how environmental consciousness informed the project’s spatial and material decision-making.
