Nestled in Takasago, Japan, the KANEKA Wellness Center stands as a testament to Kaneka Corporation’s commitment to employee well-being and healthcare. Designed collaboratively by Kengo Kuma & Associates and TAISEI DESIGN Planners Architects & Engineers, this facility seamlessly combines medical care with wellness initiatives, reflecting Kaneka’s corporate ethos of “wellness first.”
Corporate Welfare and Healthcare
As part of Kaneka Corporation’s welfare initiative, the KANEKA Wellness Center serves as both a welfare facility and a medical clinic. Emphasizing the importance of employee well-being, Kaneka prioritizes the reform of workstyles and healthcare for its employees. The center provides medical care, regular check-ups, and hosts various activities aimed at enhancing employee health awareness.
Green Construction and Integration
Situated in a neglected thicket adjacent to Kaneka’s manufacturing site, the design objective was to create buildings immersed in greenery while preserving existing trees. Employing advanced environmental technologies developed by Kaneka, the design team prioritized the integration of the center into its natural surroundings. 3D scanning of existing trees facilitated the preservation of suitable tree species, with polyhedral roofs extending from the ground covering the buildings, seamlessly blending architecture with the surrounding woods.
Environmental Technologies
The KANEKA Wellness Center showcases a range of environmental technologies, including tile-integrated type solar cells, transparent solar cells, and green roofs integrated into the polyhedral roofs. These technologies, attached to different roof sides, offer various expressions while promoting sustainability. Additionally, Kaneka’s innovative environmental solutions, such as external insulation and double ventilation methods, were adapted to the medium-sized buildings, enhancing energy efficiency.
Achieving Wellness and Sustainability
The center’s design prioritizes health-conscious features, including the use of wooden materials for interiors and ample greenery visible through the windows. Achieving Net-ZEB (Zero Energy Building) status through deep eaves and excellent heat insulation, the facility embodies sustainability and wellness. Post-completion, the center has become a hub for health awareness activities, offering cooking classes, exercise events, and relaxation spaces for employee rejuvenation.
Recognition and Certification
The KANEKA Wellness Center has earned IWBI’s WELL Platinum Certification for its health-conscious functions and designs. The integration of wellness-focused elements, combined with sustainable construction practices, underscores Kaneka Corporation’s commitment to employee well-being and environmental stewardship.
In summary, the KANEKA Wellness Center exemplifies a holistic approach to wellness, seamlessly integrating healthcare services with environmental sustainability. Through innovative design and advanced technologies, the center not only promotes employee health and well-being but also sets a benchmark for corporate welfare facilities worldwide.
