July 4, 2025
To All Members of the Press
Shelter Co., Ltd.
President & CEO: Yoshihiro Kimura
Shelter Presents at the 10th “REVIEW FORUM 25” in Eiken, Switzerland
On June 11, 2025 (local time), Shelter Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan; President & CEO: Yoshihiro Kimura) delivered a presentation at the 10th REVIEW FORUM 25 – TECHNOLOGY MEETS ARCHITECTURE, held in Eiken, Switzerland.
This international seminar brings together professionals in architecture, urban planning, and building technology to exchange ideas and foster innovation.
During the session, Shelter introduced two of its proprietary mass timber construction technologies—the KES (Kimura Excellent Structure) System, a steel connector-based timber jointing system, and COOL WOOD, a certified self-extinguishing fireproof timber solution. The company demonstrated how these technologies are enabling the construction of large-scale and high-rise mass timber buildings in Japan.
The audience showed strong interest in the differences between Japanese and Swiss regulations, particularly in seismic safety and fireproof design standards. Many attendees expressed their desire to visit Japan to observe cutting-edge mass timber architecture firsthand and showed enthusiasm for applying Shelter’s technologies to future projects.
Shelter has already signed international technology licensing agreements with WaltGalmarini AG (Switzerland, 2023), MKA (USA, 2024), and most recently with Häring AG (Switzerland, June 2025). Looking ahead, the company aims to expand the adoption of its mass timber technologies throughout the Australia–Oceania region, contributing to safer, more sustainable built environments globally.
Seminar Overview
- Date: June 11, 2025 (local time)
- Venue: Headquarters of Häring AG, Eiken, Switzerland
- Speakers:
- Mr. Kazuyoshi Kimura, Chairman, Shelter Co., Ltd.
- Mr. Katsuhiko Ito, Manager, R&D Division, Shelter Co., Ltd.
- Participants:
Approximately 80 professionals, including timber industry practitioners, university professors, and architects
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For inquiries regarding this press release:
Public Relations Department, Shelter Co., Ltd.
E-mail: toiawase@shelter.inc
TEL: +81-23-647-5100
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【 About Häring AG 】
Founded over 140 years ago, Häring AG is a Switzerland-based mass timber construction company and one of the EU’s leading manufacturers of large-section laminated timber. Headquartered in Eiken, it also operates offices in Zurich, Muttenz, Burgdorf, as well as in China and Singapore.
Häring specializes in designing and building sustainable, high-performance structures that meet rigorous architectural and functional standards.
Website: https://www.haring.ch/de/haring-de
【 About Shelter Co., Ltd. 】
Company Name: Shelter Co., Ltd.
President & CEO: Yoshihiro Kimura
Head Office:
1-5-13 Matsuei, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture 990-2473
Tokyo Office:
9F Mita Bellju Building, 5-36-7 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0014
Established: December 1974
Business Activities:
• R&D, design, manufacturing, and sales of engineered wood components
(KES System, COOL WOOD, FREE WOOD curved/twisted timber)
• Design and construction of large-scale, mid/high-rise, and fireproof mass timber buildings
• Fireproof design and consulting for timber structures
• Production of custom wooden interiors and large furniture using 3D processing
• Custom home design and renovation
• Urban planning and coordination for timber-based cities
Website: https://www.shelter.inc/
“Timber City,” “Forest in the City,” “KES,” “COOL WOOD,” and “FREE WOOD” are registered trademarks of Shelter Co., Ltd.
