MARUWA Seto Factory

Overview

Opportunity

Solution

Impact

Team

Transforming a once-overlooked site, MARUWA’s new factory establishes a world-class manufacturing hub rooted in innovation and local heritage.

Location

Aichi, Japan

Client

MARUWA CO.,LTD.

Expertise

Industrial & Logistics Climate Action & Sustainability Consumer Goods

Opportunity

MARUWA saw an opportunity to transform a site once associated with illegal dumping into a community asset that supports innovation and Seto’s future.

As a global leader in ceramic materials for electronic components, MARUWA sought to reimagine a site once associated with illegal dumping as a community asset that would benefit both its business and the local community. The project presented an opportunity to create a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility while revitalizing the surrounding environment and strengthening connections to Seto’s rich heritage of craftsmanship and creativity. By investing in a workplace designed for innovation, MARUWA aimed to support future generations and contribute to the region’s long-term vitality.

Why This Matters

01
Reimagining Site Potential
The project transformed a site once associated with illegal dumping into a lasting community asset, turning an overlooked place into a source of pride and renewal.
02
Strengthening Seto’s Legacy
Set in one of Japan’s most celebrated ceramic-producing regions, the project reinforces Seto’s culture of craftsmanship while supporting future generations through creativity and local connection.
03
Designing for Future Growth
The new facility extends beyond production, creating a future-focused environment that supports talent development and long-term competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global industry.

FPO Quote

Solution

By opening the factory to people and nature, the design reimagines manufacturing as a catalyst for community, well-being, and innovation.

Guided by the design concept of “bridge,” the project creates a factory that connects MARUWA with the global market, the site with the local community, and Seto’s traditions with its future. The architecture balances industrial functionality with a welcoming presence, defined by a horizontal form and dynamic roof. An entry plaza opens the facility to the neighborhood, while a light-filled atrium links the two production areas, supporting employee well-being and encouraging spontaneous communication across teams.

From brief to build: using Seto-yaki craft traditions to shape landscape forms, material choices, and a future-focused manufacturing environment rooted in place.

The design process translated the concept of “bridge” into a landscape experience that connects Seto’s traditions with its future. Inspired by Seto-yaki pottery, a craft rooted in the region, the architecture, interiors, and landscape incorporate local materials and subtle references to the pottery-making process. Landscape forms recall the tools, textures, and signature details of Seto-yaki, while local stone and native wood louvers reinforce a sense of place. Together, these elements express Seto’s heritage with quiet regional character.

Comfort Through Ventilation

Natural ventilation enhances occupant comfort while reducing energy demand, improving indoor temperatures and supporting a lower-carbon workplace environment.

Impact

By reimagining a once-overlooked site, the project transforms the factory into a welcoming place for sustainability, innovation, and community connection.

The design opens the traditional factory environment, creating a workplace centered on well-being while connecting global innovation with Seto’s local heritage and community.

What Changed Because of This

01
Neighborhood Respite
The stormwater landscape incorporates plazas and walking paths, creating an open place for neighbors to gather, pause, and connect.
02
Open Factory
Daylight, terraces, and a large atrium redefine the traditional closed factory, creating a more inviting environment for well-being and everyday interaction.
03
Natural Ventilation
Natural ventilation improves occupant comfort without carbon emissions, reducing interior temperatures by 12 to 13 degrees Celsius during warm months.

Through the power of design, we were able to transform a once-polluted site into a healthy environment, and create a new type of factory embraced by Maruwa and the community.

Recognition

01

Architecturephoto

MARUWA Seto Factory was spotlighted for Gensler and Takenaka’s concept of a “bridge,” connecting company and community while linking Seto’s traditions with its next chapter.

02

Global Design News

Gensler’s industrial design approach was spotlighted for its focus on sustainability, innovation, employee well-being, and community connection, alongside the factory’s International Architecture Award recognition.

Team

Project Leadership

[FPO] Makoto Isobe

Placeholder for office leadership name "Makoto Isobe" — no matching pagePeople yet. "pnpm migrate resolve-stubs" swaps this for the real page once it exists.

[FPO] Takashi Arimoto

Placeholder for office leadership name "Takashi Arimoto" — no matching pagePeople yet. "pnpm migrate resolve-stubs" swaps this for the real page once it exists.

FAQ

01

What makes this factory different from a traditional manufacturing facility?

Instead of a typical enclosed industrial environment, the facility features an open atrium, natural light, and community-focused spaces.

02

How does the design reflect Seto’s local culture?

The architecture, interiors, and landscape draw inspiration from Seto-yaki pottery, using local stone, native wood, and landscape forms that reflect Seto’s craft heritage.

03

How does design support employee well-being?

The design introduces abundant natural light, a large central atrium, and open communal spaces that encourage interaction, collaboration, and a healthier workplace experience.

04

What sustainable design strategies were incorporated into the project?

The project incorporates passive environmental strategies, including natural ventilation to improve occupant comfort, reduce energy consumption, and support long-term sustainability.

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Related Expertise

Industrial & Logistics Climate Action & Sustainability Consumer Goods

Transforming a once-overlooked site, MARUWA’s new factory establishes a world-class manufacturing hub rooted in innovation and local heritage.

MARUWA saw an opportunity to transform a site once associated with illegal dumping into a community asset that supports innovation and Seto’s future.

Why This Matters

By opening the factory to people and nature, the design reimagines manufacturing as a catalyst for community, well-being, and innovation.

From brief to build: using Seto-yaki craft traditions to shape landscape forms, material choices, and a future-focused manufacturing environment rooted in place.

By reimagining a once-overlooked site, the project transforms the factory into a welcoming place for sustainability, innovation, and community connection.

What Changed Because of This