Hinoki wood, also known as Japanese Cypress, is one of the most valued and revered types of wood in Japan. Its scientific name is Chamaecyparis obtusa, and it belongs to the cypress family (Cupressaceae). In Japanese, Hinoki is written as 檜 or 桧, symbolizing its deep connection to Japan’s spiritual and architectural heritage. Hinoki is not merely a construction material; it is a symbol of purity, reverence, and the enduring essence of nature in Japanese spiritual life [1].
Hinoki possesses outstanding biological and physical characteristics, making it a top choice for warm and humid environments like bathrooms, saunas, or traditional Japanese wooden bathtubs (ofuro).
Naturally Antibacterial & Mold-Resistant
Hinoki contains hinokitiol and phytoncide – compounds with antibacterial, antifungal, and insect-repellent properties, requiring no chemical treatment. This ensures optimal hygiene in humid, high-temperature environments like saunas, where other types of wood might deteriorate [2], [3].
Heat-Resistant & Thermally Insulating
Hinoki retains its shape and structure under high heat without warping or cracking. Additionally, it absorbs and releases heat slowly, so the surface remains safe to touch – a critical safety feature in sauna design [1].
Natural Aroma with Health Benefits
Hinoki’s light, citrus-like aroma helps calm the nervous system, reduce heart rate and blood pressure, and elevate mood. Studies show that essential oils from Hinoki enhance parasympathetic nervous system activity – providing deep relaxation within minutes of exposure [3].
Elegant and Meditative Aesthetics
With its creamy yellow to ivory white hue, fine grain, and straight fibers, Hinoki lends a refined, bright, and clean feel to any space. In sauna settings, it creates a luxurious, meditative atmosphere closely connected to nature [2].
Hinoki’s history is closely tied to Japan’s most iconic structures. The Hōryū-ji temple – one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world – and the Ise Grand Shrine – a sacred site in Shintoism – were both built primarily using Hinoki. Historically, Hinoki has been considered a “sacred wood,” used in religious structures, palaces, public baths (onsen), and traditional bathtubs (ofuro).
Today, many modern Japanese architects continue to incorporate Hinoki into sauna and spa designs. For example, the handcrafted sauna project in Keihoku (Kyoto) by Studio 2M26 uses Hinoki alongside traditional carpentry techniques to create a natural and minimalist sauna experience [1].
Due to its rarity and the strict harvesting controls, companies like Hinoki Soken in Gifu Prefecture now supply products made from Kiso-Hinoki – a premium grade of Hinoki that is carefully selected by hand to preserve traditional Japanese woodworking quality and culture [3].
Benefits
Antibacterial and Moisture-Resistant → Ensures a hygienic sauna environment, prevents odors and mold.
Safe for Skin Contact → Does not overheat, non-allergenic, ideal for direct contact.
Natural Fragrance → Promotes deep relaxation, improves breathing, and reduces anxiety.
High Aesthetic Value → Bright color, beautiful grain, perfect for spas and meditative spaces.
Durable When Properly Maintained → Long lifespan; retains scent and structure for decades.
Drawbacks
High Cost: As a premium imported wood from Japan, Hinoki is significantly more expensive than common types of wood.
Limited Supply: Mostly sourced from strictly managed plantations in Japan, and often subject to counterfeiting.
Requires Careful Maintenance: Needs regular cleaning and protection from standing moisture or prolonged sun exposure.
Not Suitable for Outdoor Use Without UV Treatment: Prolonged exposure to sunlight and harsh weather may cause fading and scent loss.
Sources:
[1] R. Rowell, Wood and Cellulosic Chemistry, 2nd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2005. [Online]. Available:
https://books.google.com.vn/books?hl=vi&lr=&id=KRHGj8fm9psC&oi=fnd&pg=PA6&dq=hinoki+for+sauna+room&ots=VbU1mOLuMa&sig=A73xiSBwCFBtoB82cYXiJNpWN80&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=hinoki%20for%20sauna%20room&f=true
[2] Hinoki Soken, "Hinoki Wood Materials." [Online]. Available: https://www.hinokisoken.jp/en/material.html. [Accessed: Aug. 1, 2025].
[3] Irasshai Store, "Hinoki Wood & Japanese Wellness Products," Irasshai Store, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://irasshai.store/blogs/news/hinoki-wood-japanese-products. [Accessed: Aug. 1, 2025].
The News 20/09/2025
The construction industry is currently facing immense pressure to reduce carbon emissions, as concrete is not only one of the most widely used materials but also a major source of CO₂ due to its reliance on Portland cement. In response, Shimizu Corporation has conducted extensive research to develop sustainable material solutions aimed at achieving carbon neutrality. One of the most remarkable outcomes is carbon-negative concrete, which partially replaces cement and aggregates with biochar. This biochar is produced from sawdust through a carbonization process and has the unique ability to retain a significant amount of carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere through natural decomposition or combustion. Thanks to this property, carbon-negative concrete not only maintains the necessary mechanical strength for construction but also directly contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This innovation is considered a promising step that opens new directions for the advancement of green construction in Japan and worldwide.
The News 13/09/2025
In the context of rapid urban development, the risk of fire in high-rise buildings, shopping malls, hospitals, and smart homes remains a serious threat. Traditional fire protection solutions are predominantly passive, focusing only on preventing flames from spreading and lacking sufficient early-warning capabilities. This limitation often results in delayed responses to fire incidents, leading to severe losses in both human life and property. Addressing this challenge, smart walls with integrated fire sensors have emerged as a breakthrough innovation, offering a proactive approach to building safety. Unlike conventional fire-resistant walls, these advanced walls not only provide thermal insulation and fire resistance but also integrate temperature, smoke, and pressure sensors combined with IoT technologies to continuously monitor environmental conditions. At the first signs of fire, the system can instantly detect anomalies, send alerts to a central control unit or mobile devices, and activate additional safety mechanisms such as water mist suppression or smoke extraction fans. By transforming passive barriers into “intelligent fire guardians,” this technology enhances building protection, increases the chances of timely evacuation, and minimizes potential damages. With its ability to turn ordinary walls into active safety components, smart fire-sensing walls represent a proactive solution that contributes significantly to the development of modern, sustainable, and resilient buildings.
The News 27/08/2025
In mass concrete construction, the heat of hydration has always been a “hidden variable” that troubles many engineers and contractors. When cement reacts with water, an enormous amount of heat is generated and trapped inside the massive concrete body. Without proper control, excessive temperatures and the temperature gradient between the core and the surface can cause dangerous thermal cracks, threatening both the durability and safety of the structure. This challenge is not just theoretical—it has been marked in history with a classic lesson: the Hoover Dam (USA), one of the greatest concrete megastructures of the 20th century. Containing millions of cubic meters of concrete, the dam would have taken hundreds of years to cool naturally. Engineers had to devise unprecedented solutions: segmenting the mass, actively cooling it through a network of circulating cold-water pipes, and applying a combination of innovative measures to bring the concrete temperature down to safe levels.
The News 22/08/2025
Have you ever wondered why modern buildings with large glass facades remain cool in the summer yet warm in the winter? The secret lies in Low-E (Low-Emissivity) glass technology. In contemporary construction, glass is no longer just a material for natural lighting but also an essential solution for enhancing a building’s energy efficiency. Low-E glass is coated with an ultra-thin, nearly invisible layer of metal oxide that works “intelligently” to control heat radiation. It allows natural daylight to enter while blocking most infrared and ultraviolet rays that cause heat buildup and potential health risks. Thanks to these properties, this advanced glass not only creates a more comfortable living environment but also significantly reduces heating and cooling costs, while contributing to sustainability and environmental friendliness in modern architecture.
The News 15/08/2025
In the world of natural stone, quartz and quartzite are two names that are often confused—not only because their names sound similar, but also because their appearance shares many similarities. However, they are entirely different materials in terms of origin, structure, and performance characteristics. Quartz is typically an engineered stone, created by combining crushed quartz crystals with resin and additives, while quartzite is a natural stone formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone. This difference not only impacts the value of the material but also determines its durability, heat resistance, and suitability for various applications. Understanding how to distinguish between quartz and quartzite will help you choose the right stone for your needs, avoid mistakes, and make the most of your investment.
The News 07/08/2025
In areas with high slip risk—such as bathrooms, swimming pools, public lobbies, or sloped surfaces—selecting tiles with adequate slip resistance is essential. To accurately assess this property, there are currently four widely used testing methods, each aligned with different international standards and suited to specific applications. This article will help you understand each method, how to interpret the results, and how to apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.
Members is a precious type of wood native to Japan, known for its light color, fine grain, and pleasant natural aroma. Thanks to its antibacterial, moisture-resistant, and heat-resistant properties, Hinoki has long been used in traditional architecture, such as temples, onsen bathtubs, and especially saunas. With its calming fragrance and exceptional durability, Hinoki is increasingly favored in modern bathroom design, offering a luxurious and serene){kind=link}