Japanese architecture studio Vuild has unveiled plans for an entirely wooden stadium that will serve as the new home for Fukushima United FC in Fukushima, Japan. Designed in collaboration with project client SportsX, the innovative two-tiered stadium will accommodate 5,000 seats under a distinctive continuous rippling roof structure.
According to Vuild, the stadium was specifically conceived as "a symbol of hope and regeneration" for Fukushima, which was devastated by an earthquake, tsunami, and subsequent nuclear disaster in 2011. The project represents more than just a sports venue – it's intended to embody the community's recovery and resilience in the face of tragedy.
What makes this project particularly unique is its community-centered construction approach. The stadium is planned to be built with active participation from local residents, serving as "a symbol of recovery," the studio explained. This collaborative process will involve the communal assembly of timber shells, trusses, and external walls, all constructed from locally-sourced laminated timber that will form the stadium's four interconnected sections.
"Each component will be designed for disassembly and reuse, supporting circular use of regional resources," the studio stated. "The fabrication and assembly will invite club members and local residents to participate in a festive, community-driven process." This approach not only strengthens community bonds but also ensures sustainable use of local materials.
The stadium's architectural design spans two stories, rising to a maximum height of 16 meters. Strategically, the design avoids classification as a fireproof structure because each of the four sections encompasses less than 3,000 square meters, which allows for more flexible building regulations and potentially faster construction timelines.
Facilities will be distributed across both levels to maximize functionality. The ground floor will house essential operational areas including players' facilities and storage spaces, while the upper level will contain VIP areas, skyboxes, and media facilities. Additionally, the venue will feature hotel accommodation on the upper floor, making it a multi-purpose destination beyond game days.
Architectural renderings reveal an understated timber exterior that opens up to reveal low-level seating crowned by intricate wooden structural elements. The rippled form of the roof serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, while the facade geometry and orientation were carefully designed to minimize summer solar heat gain, capture prevailing winds during summer months, and provide protection against harsh winter winds.
Sustainability features prominently in the design philosophy. The project will incorporate a rainwater collection system alongside other renewable energy systems to enhance environmental performance. "Through these renewable systems, the stadium aims to minimize energy consumption and achieve energy self-sufficiency by storing on-site generated renewable power," Vuild explained.
This Fukushima project joins a growing trend of innovative stadium designs worldwide. Recent developments in stadium architecture include ongoing construction at the Buffalo Bills stadium in New York and announced plans for the UK's "first all-electric football stadium" for Oxford United Football Club, demonstrating the global shift toward more sustainable and community-focused sports venues.
