JR West has completed the reconstruction of Obatake Station on the Sanyo Main Line. Incorporating the 'Station Vision' and aiming for decarbonization, the new building adopts an advanced CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) structure, offering a warm wooden space with beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea.
West Japan Railway Company (Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture; President and Representative Director: Shoji Kurasaka) is advancing initiatives to innovate customer service and further enhance the appeal of stations alongside local communities, aiming to realize the future stations outlined in its 'Station Vision'. *1
Recently, in light of the growing social movement to promote the use of wood for the realization of a decarbonized society, we adopted the CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) structure *2 for the rebuilding of the aging Obatake Station on the Sanyo Main Line.
Although the CLT structure combines sufficient structural quality with a warm texture, there are still few examples nationwide, making this an advanced initiative for a station building.
*1: Regarding the formulation of the 'Station Vision' ~Drawing the desired future state of stations~
https://www.westjr.co.jp/press/article/items/240904_00_press_Ekivision_1.pdf
*2: A structure using wood material (Cross Laminated Timber) made by laminating and adhering sawn boards so that the fiber directions are orthogonal. Because factory-processed panels are assembled on-site, it is possible to shorten on-site construction time.
3. Overview of the New Station Building
The design of the station building frames the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, its islands, and the tourist destination Suo-Oshima within the station space. It is an open and scenically rich station where you can enjoy views of the sea, bridges, and islands while feeling the warmth of wood.
In addition, the benches also incorporate [wood/CLT design... (truncated in source)].
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: News
FAQ
What company is responsible for the reconstruction of Obatake Station using a CLT structure, and who is its president and representative director?
West Japan Railway Company, based in Kita‑ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, is leading the reconstruction, and its president and representative director is Shoji Kurasaka.
Which railway line does the aging Obatake Station belong to, and how does the new CLT building aim to enhance the station’s relationship with the surrounding Seto Inland Sea scenery?
Obatake Station is located on the Sanyo Main Line, and the new cross‑laminated timber building frames views of the Seto Inland Sea, its islands and the tourist destination Suo‑Oshima, providing passengers with open, scenic vistas while showcasing warm wooden architecture.
What is the definition of CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) as described in the article, and what construction advantage does it provide for the new Obatake Station building?
CLT, or Cross Laminated Timber, is a wood material made by laminating and adhering sawn boards so that the fiber directions are orthogonal, and because factory‑processed panels are assembled on‑site, it shortens the on‑site construction time for the new Obatake Station building.
How does the design of the new station building incorporate the warmth of wood while also providing visitors with views of bridges and islands, according to the article’s description?
The design frames the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea within the station space, using cross‑laminated timber to create warm wooden textures for benches and interior elements, while large windows and open areas allow visitors to see bridges, islands and the sea from inside the building.
What overarching initiative does West Japan Railway Company aim to achieve with the new CLT station, as outlined in its ‘Station Vision’ program?
West Japan Railway Company aims to innovate customer service and enhance the appeal of stations within local communities, realizing future stations described in its ‘Station Vision’ by adopting advanced CLT construction for Obatake Station as a model of sustainable, decarbonized railway infrastructure.