Shelter Expands "Mokubiru" Program to Eliminate Barriers to Mid-to-Large Scale Wooden Construction

Shelter Inc. (Headquarters: Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture; President: Jiro Kimura) is expanding the availability of its mid-to-large scale wooden building supply support system, "Mokubiru." Following an initial phase launched in October 2025 that was limited to companies with existing business relationships, the service is now open to all companies.

"Mokubiru" is a subscription-based service*1 that provides access to the company's technology, resources, and timber supply network. It is the only support system for mid-to-large scale and mid-rise wooden architecture to receive the "Wooden Construction Supply Support System Certification"*2, validating its effectiveness through third-party assessment. Additionally, the company is launching "Mokubiru@ (Archi)," a support service specifically for design offices. Both services are available for application via the special website (https://mokubiru.shelter.inc).

"Mokubiru" is available for a subscription fee*1 of 10 million yen (excluding tax) for a three-year contract. A key feature is that once started, companies can immediately propose the company's mid-to-large scale wooden construction track records to their own clients. Support is comprehensive, including introductory seminars on basic knowledge, provision of tools like special websites and brochures, joint sales calls, design support for basic planning, and construction drawing support.

During the initial phase, access was offered to a limited number of companies based on past business relations. At the time of this announcement, participating companies have spread nationwide, including Osaka, Nagoya, Saitama, Ishikawa, Fukushima, and Ibaraki, steadily advancing their readiness for the mid-to-large scale wooden construction business. Utilizing "Mokubiru" has resulted in achievements where up to 30% of proposals to clients can now include wooden construction*3.

Recently, the shift to wooden and timber-based mid-to-large scale architecture has gained support from perspectives such as realizing carbon neutrality through wood usage, ripple effects on the regional economy, and creating a new era of architecture. However, proposals for such projects remain relatively low, leading to limited opportunities for clients to consider them. "Mokubiru" enhances the proposal capabilities of construction firms, creating more opportunities for clients. By expanding "Mokubiru" and providing comprehensive support to both design and construction businesses, the company aims to promote the utilization of forest resources, reduce environmental burdens, and contribute to the realization of carbon neutrality by 2050.

*1 Separate quotes will be provided if other contracts, such as design contracts, are required. *2 Certification system implemented by the Japan Housing and Wood Technology Center. *3 Based on a questionnaire of participating construction firms (conducted in May 2026; 5 respondents).

[Survey Results] A survey was conducted in May 2026 among companies that had been using the service for more than two months. Analyzing the results from five respondent companies provided insights into usage trends and the perspectives of construction firms on mid-to-large scale wooden construction. [Average values for 5 companies (estimated): 150 employees, 17.5 billion yen in completed construction volume, 65% construction ratio (13.1 billion yen in completed construction volume)]

Challenges and Background: "No track record," "No dedicated department/personnel" Regarding track records in mid-to-large scale wooden architecture before using "Mokubiru," two companies had "no track record" and three had "track records," indicating varying levels of accumulated know-how. However, all companies responded that prior to usage, they had "no dedicated department or personnel," suggesting that even those with track records face organizational challenges. When asked about the purpose of using "Mokubiru" (multiple answers allowed), "business development" (4 companies) was most frequent, followed by "promoting internal understanding" (3 companies), "appointing personnel" (2 companies), and "establishing a department" (1 company).

Future Prospects: "Should be able to handle it in-house," "Can become a core business" Regarding mid-to-large scale wooden construction business, four companies believe they "should be able to handle it in-house." Among them, one company also stated it "could become a core business," indicating that many firms are committed to a long-term, full-scale approach.