[Open House] First Challenge in Building a 6-Tatami Straw Bale Hut - Revitalizing the Region with a House That Returns to the Earth

Straw Bale Hut

Straw Bale 6-Tatami Hut Open House Overview

Date

July 23, 2026 (Thu)

Time

Session 1: 11:00 AM

Session 2: 1:30 PM

[Note: Registration begins 10 minutes before each session. The open house is scheduled to last approximately one hour.]

Location

Kon Kon Park (1-2-25 Suwa, Fujimi City, Saitama Prefecture)

[Note: Parking for 6 cars is available. Please also consider using nearby parking facilities.]

Content

On the day of the event, we will provide an easy-to-understand introduction to the construction overview and process videos while you view the actual straw bale hut.

We look forward to your participation to learn about the ingenuity and appeal of construction, which can only be conveyed by those who have built it with their own hands.

Participation Fee

Free

Application

General attendees and members of the press are requested to apply using the form below.

≪ Open House / Media Application Form ≫

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGByIaioD1xK9_UC0XnqT_2iYNK_8f3otvhv8T9NoGZQsxlg/viewform?usp=dialog

Contact Information

Contact: Kondo Construction Co., Ltd. Public Relations, Mochida

Phone: 070-3106-9504 (Mochida Mobile)

What is a Straw Bale House?

A straw bale house is a dwelling that uses blocks (bales) made from compressed and bound straw, an agricultural byproduct of rice and wheat, as its primary building material.

This construction method, which originated in Nebraska, USA, in the late 19th century, is gaining renewed attention with the growing interest in sustainability in recent years.

Straw stacking in progress

Background of the Challenge to Build a 6-Tatami Straw Bale Hut

The reason Kondo Construction decided to undertake the construction of a straw bale hut is the award of an Excellence Award in the Idea Category at the 10th Saitama Prefecture Environmental Housing Award.

The submitted work, themed around straw bale houses, incorporated numerous ideas for improving housing performance while considering Saitama Prefecture's regional characteristics and environmental considerations. Its originality and feasibility were highly praised, leading to the award.

This is the first time Kondo Construction will realize an award-winning idea from the Idea Category into an actual building. Starting with the strong desire to "bring the awarded idea to life," this project began as a challenge to pursue environmental contribution and new housing possibilities.

About the Saitama Prefecture Environmental Housing Award

Organizing Body: Saitama Prefecture Housing Council HP: https://www.sahn.jp/

Sponsorship: Saitama Prefecture

Objective: To recognize housing and initiatives rich in ingenuity and ideas for promoting housing construction and lifestyles that contribute to global warming prevention and have a low environmental impact.

Details

[Hut Overview]

Location: 1-2-25 Suwa, Fujimi City, Saitama Prefecture

Total Floor Area: 9.93m2

Structure: Wooden structure + Straw bale construction method

Finish: Earthen wall

Design and Construction: Kondo Construction Co., Ltd.

Completion Date: June 11, 2026

[Construction]

This "6-Tatami Straw Bale Hut" project was created by the united efforts of volunteer employees from the KONDO Group. Without relying on specialized craftsmen or external contractors, all processes, from foundation work, carpentry such as framing, straw stacking, to plastering, were carried out by the employees of the KONDO Group themselves.

This project, where each employee poured their sweat and effort beyond their usual duties, was not just a construction task but also a valuable experience that reaffirmed their team cohesion and passion for craftsmanship.

*We received guidance from the "Straw Bale House Association" for the construction.

Straw Bale House Association HP: https://www.sakichi-k.jp/japan_strawbale.html

Foundation WorkFoundation Work

Carpentry WorkStraw Stacking

Earthen Wall ConstructionEarthen Wall Construction

"6-Tatami Straw Bale Hut Construction" Challenge x KONDO SDGs Project

By actively engaging in environmentally friendly construction methods like this one, the KONDO Group will continue to promote building construction with an eye on environmental responsibility while expanding the possibilities of architecture.

Environmentally Friendly During Construction and Demolition

Straw bale houses utilizing straw can significantly reduce CO2 emissions during construction compared to conventional building materials. Furthermore, a major feature that contributes to SDGs is the low environmental impact throughout the building's lifecycle, from construction to demolition, as most materials return to nature upon dismantling.

Giving New Value to Waste Straw

A large amount of straw is generated as waste in rice cultivation. Kondo Construction has practiced waste reduction and effective resource utilization by reusing this waste straw, which would otherwise be discarded, as material for constructing straw bale huts.

Towards an Organization That Builds and Grows Together

This project provided an opportunity for all employees, regardless of their position or years of experience, to work on the same task on an equal footing. The horizontal connections and mutual understanding fostered by working together, sweating together, are thought to contribute to creating an organization where everyone can thrive, eliminating inequality and barriers in the workplace.

Kondo Construction Co., Ltd. Company Profile Head Office Location: 1-14-7 Kamifukuoka, Fujimino City, Saitama Prefecture Representative: Yoshiyuki Usami, President and Representative Director Capital: 75 million yen URL: https://www.kondo-gr.co.jp/

Business Description: Building Division (Planning, design, and construction of public facilities, special buildings, commercial buildings, etc.)

Housing Division (General construction work for residences, as well as design, construction, and management)