Upgrading to a lightweight membrane ceiling improves both seismic safety and aesthetic appeal

Taiyo Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Tokyo Headquarters: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo;Osaka Headquarters: Yodogawa Ward, Osaka City; President and CEO: Yuki Nomura), a company specializing in large-scale membrane structures (tent structures) as well as civil engineering and logistics materials, was responsible for the membrane ceiling work during the renovation of the Iki-Iki Land Katano Main Arena (Katano City, Osaka Prefecture). The facility reopened on May 1.

A key feature of this project was the replacement of the existing ceiling materials with lightweight membrane materials, which reduced the load on structural members while creating a space that is both airy and aesthetically pleasing. The lightweight and flexible nature of the membrane materials enhances safety during earthquakes while providing a comfortable arena environment, thereby contributing to the enhanced value of the existing facility.

Iki-Iki Land Katano is a Katano City Comprehensive Sports Facility that was completed in 1997. As part of a large-scale renovation project aimed at extending the facility’s service life, the ceiling of the main arena was renovated. The existing ceiling was classified as a “specified ceiling” under current laws, which is why it was included in this renovation.
Membrane ceilings were selected because they are significantly lighter than conventional ceiling materials, thereby minimizing the load on the existing structure.The flexible membrane material adapts to shaking and deformation during earthquakes, thereby helping to reduce the risk of ceiling materials falling.
One of the major advantages of membrane ceilings in the renovation of existing facilities is their ability to enhance safety without placing a significant burden on the structural framework.

Membrane ceilings are lightweight and highly decorative, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any space. Furthermore, the use of sound-absorbing membrane materials helps create an optimal acoustic environment during competitions and events.

It should be noted that the roof of this facility features a Type A membrane, for which our company has been involved in construction since its completion in 1997, demonstrating the long-standing use of membrane structures at this site.

Following the Great East Japan Earthquake, ^{there were} numerous ^reports of ceiling collapses in buildings with large-scale spaces, such as gymnasiums, theaters, commercial facilities, and factories*1, highlighting the need to enhance the seismic resistance of non-structural components, such as ceiling materials.
In the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake, amendments to the Enforcement Order of the Building Standards Act were enacted in August Heisei 25, and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Notification No. 771 was issued, designating ceilings that weigh more than 2 kg/m²—or that pose a risk of causing serious harm if they detach during an earthquake—as “specified ceilings.”If a ceiling falls under the “specified ceiling” category, certain verifications regarding ceiling damage during earthquakes are required.
On the other hand, membrane materials have a mass of approximately 600 g/m², making them extremely lightweight compared to conventional ceiling materials. Since they do not fall under the “specified ceiling” category, they can be installed without the need for individual verification, provided certain conditions are met.
Furthermore, the flexible membrane material not only enhances the interior design but also reduces the risk of ceiling collapse by accommodating significant shaking (deformation) during an earthquake. Additionally, despite being a thin material only 1 mm thick, it possesses the strength to withstand falling objects.Recognized for these advantages, membrane ceilings are being adopted in the renovation and new construction of school facilities, gymnasiums, indoor swimming pools, and other venues.

*1 Number of ceiling collapse incidents during the Great East Japan Earthquake: According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s report titled “Measures for Verifying and Revising Building Standards Based on Structural Damage,” approximately 2,000 incidents were reported.

Address: 2-5-1 Mukaiida, Katano City, Osaka Prefecture 576-0065
Facilities: Main Arena, Sub Arena, Wakuwaku Pool, sports field, etc.

Client: Katano City Hall, Osaka Prefecture
Design: Katano City Hall, Osaka Prefecture
Contractor: Kyodo Construction Co., Ltd.
Membrane Ceiling Construction: December 2025 – March 2026
Taiyo Kogyo’s Scope of Work: Manufacture and installation of the membrane ceiling
Membrane Material: GOTY Aw
Membrane Surface Area: 1,062 m²

Taiyo Kogyo is a leading company in the field of large-scale membrane structures, with a history spanning over 100 years. At the 1970 Japan World Exposition, the company achieved a world first by constructing a low-rise (height-restricted) pneumatic membrane structure for the U.S. Pavilion, in which the roof was supported solely by air pressure.Since then, the company has participated in large-scale projects around the world, including the installation of the membrane roof at the Tokyo Dome and the Millennium Dome in London (now known as The O2 Arena), one of the world’s largest dome structures. Furthermore, for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai World Expo, the company was involved in the construction of more than 20 pavilions and facilities, supporting the development of the Expo site.
With membrane structure technology—which excels in cost-effectiveness, constructability, light transmission, and design—at its core, the company has expanded its business into architecture, civil engineering, logistics, and environmental sectors, thereby supporting safety and security in society.

Together with our group companies—including TSP Taiyo Co., Ltd., which specializes in event consulting, and Actio Co., Ltd., which manages facility operations—we are committed to providing new value to society under the motto, “Making the world more flexible. Making the future warmer.”